Vacation Scrapbook

Both the signature Pesto and Mediterranean Salsa have been big sellers with T. Cook’s fans, and Chef regularly uses them in many of his dishes. His bread service, which has become a restaurant signature, features the Pesto with slices of fresh ciabatta.  The Mediterranean Salsa accompanies several items on T. Cook's lunch menu including the Blackened Mahi-Mahi Fish Tacos and Spicy Mushroom Tacos.

The next product in line for Chef Hillson was his Orange Marmalade (aka “Sunshine in a Jar”), which is a regular accoutrement on the restaurant’s breakfast tables.  Launching in September 2009, the citrus is picked from the trees adorning the resort’s grounds in late January or early February, an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 numbered jars of signature marmalade are made available. For the balance of the year, the Royal Palms Marmalade is made to the chef’s recipe using citrus from Arizona State University. Various menu items showcase the marmalade year-round.

Chef's most recent additions include Apple Jelly (aka "Easy as Pie"), Strawberry Jam (aka "Berry Good") and a Spice Rub (aka "The Flavor Shaker.")

The Apple Jelly was first created as an additional condiment after the success of Royal Palms’ Orange Marmalade.  Instead of discarding dozens of jars of imported jelly each week, T. Cook’s realized the benefits of going green by producing jelly in-house with this housemade recipe.  Chunky and slightly tart, the jelly is used in all dining outlets at Royal Palms.

Strawberry Jam is the sweetest new addition, developed to complete Royal Palms’ line of preserves.  Made from puréed strawberries and a dash of vanilla, the jam is the star of T. Cook’s new warm mini doughnuts.  The trio of preserves is included in many of T. Cook’s breakfast items.

Rounding off the new items is Chef's Spice Rub, which is a unique meat seasoning creation using kosher salt, lemon zest, thyme, black pepper, granulated garlic, rosemary, onion powder, mustard seed and celery seed.  Chef explains the purpose of such a blend is to create a seasoning that is “strong enough to stand up to red meat but mild enough for poultry and fish.”  The Spice Rub is used primarily on T. Cook’s steaks but can be used universally on all types of meat.

All of these items are available for purchase on Royal Palms' Online Boutique in the "Gifts and Collectibles" section of "Spa Gifts."  Be sure to stop in and sample Chef's use of his housemade items in a meal at T. Cook's!