Tía Carmen and Kembara at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is a culinary haven featuring two inventive, signature restaurants helmed by acclaimed Chef Angelo Sosa: Tía Carmen (opened in 2022) and Kembara (opened in 2023). Tía Carmen, named after Chef Sosa’s aunt (Tía) Carmen, is a contemporary Southwestern restaurant with menu items showcasing the beauty and ingredients of the Southwest, which he explored through the lens of ranchers, potters, farmers, and artisans. Sosa’s newest dining concept, Kembara is a reflection of his culinary odyssey traveling, cooking, and tasting across the broad continent of Asia, pulling inspiration from Chiang Mai to Hanoi to Tokyo to Penang and beyond. Kembara warmly embraces the rich tapestry of Asian street food culture, exemplifying the tradition of cherishing time-honored recipes and their stories passed down to each generation, while also playfully innovating familiar flavors and techniques. Both restaurants were designed by notable LA-based designer Thomas Schoos.