Nearby Kai emerges as Valley’s only AAA Five Diamond restaurant

PHOENIX – Kai, the signature restaurant at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa on the Gila River Indian Community, received its second AAA Five Diamond Award for 2007 in October and now stands as the only Five Diamond dining experience in the Valley of the Sun.

As more and more resort restaurants abandon their fine dining establishments for high end chain experiences linked to chefs who are nationally known but removed from the day to day operations, Kai stands as a case study for success for local and unique cuisine.

Kai, the Pima word for seed, opened in October of 2002 and was the first American Indian owned or themed establishment in history to receive the coveted AAA Five Diamond Award. Under the direction of Executive Chef Michael O’Dowd and Chef de Cuisine Jack Strong, along with Consulting Chef and James Beard Award-winner Janos Wilder, Kai has coined its own “Native American Cuisine with Global Accents” and has won the hearts of Resort guests, local foodies and even the toughest food critics.

“What Kai provides is a one-of-a-kind experience, both culinary and service oriented, that no one else in the world can offer,” said Executive Chef, Michael O’Dowd. “Kai’s cuisine comes from the rich heritage of our Native American culture and from our own Gila River Farms and school kids’ gardens. Our locally grown cuisine and philanthropic purpose combined with our unparalleled service in an unpretentious atmosphere is the recipe for Kai’s success.”

In addition to rave culinary reviews, the Kai staff continues to collect accolades. Chef O’Dowd was named “Best Local Chef” in last year’s Azcentral.com reader’s poll, Chef de Cuisine Jack Strong was named “Best Chef” in the New Times’ Best of Phoenix Awards, Kai server David Nezzie was recently donned “Associate of the Year” at the Arizona Hotel & Lodging Stars of the Industry gala and Mason Malesevich was named “Manager of the Year” at the Resort’s annual awards ceremony for his efforts in leading the Kai team.

Kai is open from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Reservations are strongly encouraged and the dress code discourages denim and prohibits shorts and hats. For reservations call 602-385-5726. For additional resort information, visit www.wildhorsepassresort.com or call (602) 225-0100.

The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, located on the Gila River Indian Community, is a total destination resort showcasing the heritage, culture, art and legends of the Pima and Maricopa Tribes. The resort offerings include: 500 culturally themed rooms, AAA Five Diamond Dining at Kai, the 17,500 square-foot American Indian Aji Spa; 36-holes of Troon-managed golf at Whirlwind Golf Club; the 1,000-acre Koli Equestrian Center, and a boat cruise to the Wild Horse Pass Casino and Rawhide Western Theme Town.

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