The Boulders Resort has long been an awe-inspiring retreat experience, with natural beauty wrapped around ancient rock formations and dramatic architecture that blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The Spa Café also has a special energy and spirit. It’s a peaceful environment where diners interact in easy harmony with nature. Early mornings are magical when the spectacular desert sunrise casts a warm golden glow on the 12-million-year-old boulders that rise at the restaurant’s edge.

The Spa Café also takes advantage of the ripe bounty with cuisine prepared with just-picked plantings from the Organic Garden. Everything on this seasonally inspired menu caters to special diets, vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free and will ensure peak performance and well-being.

“It all started when we created a 5,600 square foot certified organic garden,” says Sally Shaffer, the Boulders’ general manager. “The vision grew far beyond a plot of land. We added naturally-flowing water, a reflection pond and raised planter boxes with everything from vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers to desert root vegetables, chilies, and Sonoran eggplant. The perimeter walls include a fragrant orchard of citrus, kumquat, mission figs and grapes. It's all about the pure quality of the ingredients and flavor and how it impacts not only taste but also our chefs’ creativity, as they draw inspiration from the abundance of product in their own backyard."

The menu at the Spa Café is healthy, good food that is bound to please your taste buds and your conscience. For breakfast, forget the typical eggs and bacon—instead try the Blue Corn Waffles with Simmered Blueberries, Whipped Lemon Ricotta and Homemade Granola or the Cranberry Walnut French Toast with Cinnamon Roasted Apples, Plumped Cranberry, Walnut Crumble and pure maple syrup.

For those watching calories but still want a tasty egg dish, indulge in the Spa Eggs Benedict made with Oven Roasted Turkey, Poached Eggs, Avocado, Roasted Pepper and smothered with calorie-free Hollandaise. Or try the delicious Spa Breakfast Wrap made with Scrambled Egg Whites, Chicken Sausage, Pepper Jack Cheese, Avocado, Garden Tomato in a Whole Wheat Wrap.

Mouthwatering lunch entrees are light with a nice balance of sweet, sour and savory and Southwestern ingredients that further create a special sense of place here. Start with one of the “shareable plates” such as the Pesto Hummus on Artisan Lavosh with local Goat Feta Cheese and served with crisp vegetables. The tasty Turkey Sliders combine Southwest-Spiced Turkey, Apple Slaw, Cranberry Aioli and is served on a Cracked Wheat Bun. You can’t go wrong with the healthy, hip Chicken Lettuce Wraps or the Tempura Cauliflower that combines Furikate, Scallion, and Coriander with Roasted Peanuts and a Chile Dipping Sauce.

Check out the freshly made-to-order handhelds like the Sriracha Chicken Summer Rolls with Crisp Vegetables, Napa Cabbage, fresh Cilantro, Avocado, and Soy Ponzu Dipping Sauce. Guests will also love the Shrimp Ceviche Tacos made with Fresh Cilantro, Salsa Fresco, Dried Corn, Lime Yogurt, and Avocado with handmade Corn Tortillas.

Some of the otherworldly bowls include the Tuna Poke Bowl that combines marinated Ahi Tuna with Coconut Rice, Roasted Peanuts, Avocado, and Kimchi Vinaigrette. The healthy Sonoran Quinoa Bowl is made with Black Beans, Dried Corn, Avocado, Queso Fresco, Fresh Cilantro, Salsa Fresca and served with Homemade Tortilla Chips.

For a sweet treat without the guilt, the Chocolate FB & Banana is a Dark Chocolate Flowerless Cake with Banana Mouse, Peanut Powder, and Brûlée Banana. It’s simply wonderful and gluten free! For a lighter dessert, try the Berry Lemon Pavola—a Raspberry Crémeux, Lemon Sponge Cake, with Fresh Berries and Toasted Meringue or the delicious Oatmeal Cheesecake with Mango Compote, Coconut Chia, and Oat Florentine.

Enjoy lunch with a signature flavored lemonade made with blueberry mint or strawberry basil or a yogurt fresh fruit smoothie.

Welcoming both resort guests and local residents, the Spa Café serves breakfast and lunch daily. Enjoy the panoramic views indoors or on the outdoor patio. The Spa Café is located at the Spa at the Boulders Resort at 34631 N. Tom Darlington Drive in Carefree.

By Debi Bridges
Photo Courtesy of the Boulders Resort & Spa