With our reservations made and our gift certificate courtesy of Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau, we set out to revisit the Flying V and sample their new (just yesterday!) menu.

Arriving near sunset, we were seated in the front corner at a window facing the waterfall and pond just south of the resort entrance.

As long time Tucson residents we are acclimated to warmer temperatures, so we chose to sit inside rather than on the lovely patio overlooking the pond. The patio was a popular choice for some diners, who appeared to be enjoying the mild spring air on the deck outside. On our first visit there in 1998 we too sat out on the patio and enjoyed the setting sun, the wild birds and the sound of the falling water. This time, as the sun set the evening cooled, and we were happy we had made the indoor choice.

Our waiter brought us menus and explained that all of the dishes on the card were brand new today, so we were encouraged to comment on the quality and taste of our food. My wife, Carol, ordered a chopped Caesar Salad, grilled beef tenderloin with potato croquettes, followed by coffee with a hot chocolate soufflé. I chose a chilled tomato and piquillo pepper soup, baked ahi with red onion escabeche and coffee with crème brulee. The reverse side of the menu contained a generous wine and beverage list, including non alcoholic cocktails.

We were treated to baked cornbread with peppers and lavash with butter and a sweet spread, and our perfectly attentive servers brought water and a glass of house merlot for Carol while we waited for our salad and appetizer. The salad was crisp and fresh, and the soup was mildly peppery as advertised. Both were generous servings, and very tasty. When Aaron brought the entrees we dug in with enthusiasm, which was not feigned I would add, as the dishes were both well presented and delicious. The vinegary veggies included in mine were excellent and well prepared, as were Carol's. She sampled my fish and I her beef tenderloin. There was no fish left on my plate, nor beef on hers. The fish was fresh, flaky and mild. The beef was well seasoned, moist and tender.

As we ate and watched the sun go down through roll up sun screens, the screens were retracted and the full glory of the sunset over the Tucson Mountains was revealed, straight west from our window seat. Our wait staff did not hover, but was appropriately attentive, keeping water glasses filled and asking after our every need. Aaron brought us our coffee and dessert, and we finished our evening watching the darkness surround the patio and the outdoor lighting come up, hiding the view beyond our window. We regretted having to leave, and spent a few minutes outside in the clear night air, enjoying the sparkle of the Tucson cityscape. We felt this to be one of the most enjoyable evenings in our many times dining out in Tucson, and still think of the Flying V as one of our favorite and most memorable places.