What's in a theme? Fine dining at Desert Mountain.

The focal point at Constantino's restaurant at Desert Mountain is a two-story wine tower modeled from the original olive and grain tower of a Sardinian farmhouse. The tower holds more than 3,000 bottles of imported Italian wines, many from small vineyards that provide special selections to the club. The collection is kept at a constant temperature and humidity to preserve the integrity of the wines.

Within each of five dining rooms, distinctive touches, including a 900-year-old tapestry and antique chandeliers, add to the warm, romantic ambiance. The natural materials used--aged gray stone, reclaimed wood, brick, terra cotta, aged stucco, wrought iron, and copper--are reminiscent of the Constantino family's origins.

"By nature of Sardinia's location, its cuisine is defined by fresh vegetables, pasta, and seafood," explained Matt McKinney, general manager. "We've created a dinner menu featuring a variety of regional Italian dishes including fresh fish, pasta, and hand-tossed, thin crust Sardinian pizzas."

Members love the fresh mussels sauteed with tomato, white wine, garlic, and black pepper; Italian fontina wrapped in prosciutto di parma and prepared in a wood burning oven; and the shrimp on rosemary skewers wrapped in Italian bacon. The gourmet pizzas--Quattro Stagioni with prosciutto, eggplant, artichokes, and wild mushrooms; or the Verde with mozzarella, fontina, capers, parsley, and arugula--make for a mouthwatering meal or appetizer.

There is no better place to sample osso bucco, grilled steak with portocini, or the signature pasta dishes than in the chef's dining room, called "La Dolce Vita." Remodeled from the "original" pantry of the Sardinian farmhouse and situated in the kitchen with solid "barn doors" that can be closed for privacy or opened for interaction with the chef and kitchen staff, the unique alcove is a favorite among members and their guests.

There is no question that Constantino's rises far above your typical club dining experience. "For many club members," said Bob Jones, vice president of club operations, "dining at the club is perhaps a last choice when it comes to planning a special night out. At Desert Mountain, we like to think it is a first choice. We've worked hard to make it so."

In 1998, Jones, along with the other members of the development team, set out to design a unique and compelling dining program for those who would long reside within this exceptional North Scottsdale community originally noted for its exceptional championship Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses.

First came a year of market research, which included recording the dining preferences expressed by members to the concierge when they called to book dinner reservations off property. Next, the Desert Mountain development team took the research project on the road.

"We traveled from coast to coast and beyond to uncover the best kept secrets of the restaurant world," Jones said. "We sampled, studied, and eventually returned to the desert with what we believed were outstanding solutions.

"We knew the members wanted dining options that would provide extraordinary, first quality food, a unique and comfortable environment, and restaurant concepts that would continue to pleasantly surprise them week after week," he added. "From our research we felt confident that well-designed, themed restaurant concepts would meet and then exceed the expectations of our members."

The Apache Steakhouse was the first concept to debut. Today, rich and elegant applies as much to the cuisine as it does to the warmly hued Southwestern-inspired decor. Original art, natural materials, and unique furnishings were carefully selected to once again provide the inviting ambiance of a private home.

"The members told us they wanted a place where they could bring their friends and celebrate life's special occasions," Jones said. "They wanted to enjoy a wonderful dinner and then feel comfortable to stay and visit."

The latter request prompted the inclusion of an intimate lounge area with an old-fashioned "sit-around" piano bar where members often gather for live entertainment while enjoying cocktails and conversation.

Prime cuts of beef, dry-aged on-site using the oldest, most natural techniques inspire members to return time and again. Grilled, fresh fish flown in overnight from both coasts, fresh-baked corn muffins and rolls, chops, and signature side dishes provide delectable dining and have combined to earn Apache the reputation as one of the finest steakhouses in the Valley.

There had been tremendous interest in Italian cuisine, thus Constantino's was launched soon after Apache. Next on the drawing board: Outlaw. The concept was to create another unique, yet comfortable retreat where members could relax with their neighbors and friends. The Arizona ranch house style of Desert Mountain's sixth clubhouse is reminiscent of an old homestead that has been transformed into a Mexican Cantina. Balconies, patios, and a wrap-around porch provide the perfect setting for telling tall tales about the afternoon on the course or the decades past when Geronimo hid in the distant hills.

The interior, with a color palette of rich, warm ochres, includes inviting, large-scale sofas and chairs with hand-rubbed leather, and iron lighting fixtures aged to a burnished hue. Outlaw's accessories, antique vases and candleholders from Mexico, appear to be the personal treasures of the original homeowner. Custom carpeting and rugs replicate the vintage patterns and colors of Old Mexico over antiqued hand-scraped wood and slate floors. Authentic architectural features add to the ambiance; exposed wood rafters and ceilings, stucco walls, and weathered metal and natural stone accents tell their own story.

As members wander in off the golf course or stop by for lunch, they are treated to an authentic Southwestern-Mexican menu, which includes a variety of signature dishes. The challenge is to show some discipline when the homemade chips and salsa land on the table. Otherwise, the impatient diner misses out on the fire-roasted tortilla soup, Southwest grilled tenderloin Caesar salad, chicken fajitas, blackened fish tacos, gourmet sandwiches and burgers, as well as tempting local desserts.

"The ambiance and the fabulous food would be less meaningful if we didn't have the outstanding staff to pull it all together," GM McKinney explained. "We seek out individuals with a sense of humor, a positive attitude, and the willingness to serve in a hospitality environment where the expectations are high."

As a result, on any given night, in any Desert Mountain dining room, you will find a room full of members and their guests, happily lingering over something special.