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

Experience the intersection of heritage and innovation at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. Here, Chef Angelo Sosa helms two masterfully designed spaces by notable LA-based designer Thomas Schoos that bridge the gap between local tradition and global exploration. Tía Carmen serves as a love letter to the American Southwest, transforming indigenous ingredients into contemporary masterpieces. The design and menu are deeply inspired by Sosa’s own “Tía” and the local ranchers, potters, and farmers he encountered on his journey through the desert. Meanwhile, Kembara—the resort’s newest addition—is a vibrant reflection of Sosa’s culinary odyssey through Asia. From the bustling markets of Penang to the kitchens of Hanoi, Kembara honors the rich tapestry of Asian street food, breathing new life into ancestral recipes through creative techniques, bold flavors, and a playfully modern aesthetic.