Different Pointe of View (Phoenix, AZ)

For our final choice of restaurants during the fall version of Arizona Restaurant Week, we decided to try Different Pointe of View in North Phoenix.  Different POV has been consistently known to have some of the greatest dining views in the valley.

To start the meal, fresh bread was brought out with an olive oil goat cheese emulsion, a spicy softened butter, and an arugula cilantro pesto.  In addition, an amuse was served, consisting of a cold quinoa and vegetable salad.  Nice and refreshing.

Crispy Seared Pork Bellies

 Sweet Soft Corn Polenta | Sherry Scented Chanterelle Mushrooms | Stone Fruit Reduction 

Lobster Bisque

Lump Lobster Meat | Honey Corn Milk Sour Crème

For our first course, we tried the Crispy Seared Pork Bellies and the Lobster Bisque.  The preparation of the pork belly was my absolute favorite.  The pork was both crispy and tender, and completely avoided the dangers of being overly chewy.  The polenta was a surprisingly nice addition to the pork belly.  The lobster bisque was deliciously rich and, for the first time in too long, actually had significant amounts of lobster.

Maine Lobster & Parmesan Ravioli

Chanterelle Mushrooms | Smoked Bacon | Watercress Pesto | Lobster Reduction

Pan Seared Wild Day Boat Halibut

Rock Shrimp & Beech Mushroom Ragout | Asparagus | Peppadew Peppers | Peruvian Purple Potatoes | Lemon Fennel Reduction 

For our main course, Carli continued her lobster theme of the evening and chose the Lobster Ravioli, while I decided to try the Pan Seared Halibut.  The ravioli was nicely stuffed with plenty of lobster and the crisp bacon added a strong smokey flavor to the dish.  However, the combination was just a tad salty, which unfortunately overpowered some of the more delicate flavors of the lobster.  The halibut was fantastic.  It was cooked extremely well and held up nicely to the starchy potatoes.  I could have done without the rock shrimp, but at the same time, they were all gone at the end of the meal, so they couldn't have been too bad.

Midnight Espresso Cup

White Chocolate Mascarpone filled Chocolate Cake | Coffee Ice Cream 

For our final course, we split the Midnight Espresso Cup.  It was as good as it looks; rich chocolate cake and the sharp bold flavor of the coffee and espresso.

I wish we were able to take a great picture of the panoramic views at Different Pointe of View, but the camera would not cooperate.  Regardless, it was a nice way to end restaurant week for us and we look forward to the spring version...