I'll be in Phoenix for a couple of
days in March and would like find
some unadulterated local food in
this land of strip malls and air
conditioning. Any hot tips?
Spots on the drive north to
Flagstaff and the Canyon also
welcome (I'm hiking down to
Phantom Ranch).
Jim,
I'm hardly ever in Arizona anymore, I went last year but spent more time eating at mom's (her food's great but she charges way too much, and gets real nasty if you leave less than 20%). Also, no foodie I know can recommend much in Phoenix. Tucson, Flagstaff, some of the reservations. My sister likes the tortillas at a restaurant in a bad neighborhood call "Carolina's" It closes at 7pm or 8. Get on the web for the Arizona Republic Newspaper. The food editor is Penelope. She might have some good recommends. The indigenous dishes are: Those big Sonoron Tortillas and the burros they make, Green corn Tamales or Tamalitos(out of season in March), Fry bread, Caldo con Queso, Sonoron enchiladas and bbq'd anything (Mountain Oysters if you're macho enough).
Have a good trip
Pete
Pete,
Thanks...I have to believe what you
say about Phoenix...I started going
there to visit my cousins (in
Tempe, actually) when I was a kid
in the late 50s and the place hasn't
improved a bit (and may actually
be worse...it was too damn hot
then, but at least it didn't have any
pretensions)...my sister loves it,
tho' (she lives in Awatookie
(sp?)), but we're only there for a
day or so before we drive north to
the canyon..maybe I can score
some fry bread at a roadside stand
outside of Flagstaff...soy muy
macho, so I'll be looking for any
mountain oysters..is March too
early for roundup, when they
actually castrate calves? Funny,
I've lived in Oregon my whole life
and that's one thing I haven't had
an opportunity to eat...but I'll try
anything once.
thanks again...Jim
Jim,
I travel out to Phoenix frequently (on the expense
account) and have a few good tips:
Roxand Restaurant and Bar (1st choice)
(in Biltmore Fashion Mall)
2594 East Camelback Rd.
(602)957-9600
- Very ecclectic dishes, fresh local ingredients,
southwestern, asian/thai and african influences. Must
try the crusted salmon with medit. cous cous or sauteed
halibut on charred eggplant. Highly reccommend for
good dinner - ala carte $14-28 entrees.
Razz's
North Scottsdale Road
(Yes...another strip mall)
(602)905-1308
- Razz is the name of the chef. His creations are
amazing. He has brazilian/spanish/french background and
has an international feel to menu.
Rancho Pinot Grill
North Scottsdale Road
do not have number
Good place and "southwestern living room" atmosphere
Altos
E. Camelback Road
Great spanish food, sangria and tapas!
Enjoy! I have had difficulty finding authentic mexican
cuisine. Please post any good finds if you come across.
I can certainly vouch for Joanne's first 3 choices
(have not eaten at Altos). I will be heading out
there myself next month to attend a foodie event
called Pleasures of the Palate (organized by Razz's
wife).
Rancho Pinot Grill's address and phone is :
6208 N. Scottsdale Rd. (602) 468-9463
Also recommend Vincent's on Camelback
3930 E. Camelback Rd. (602) 224-0225
Very good French-Southwestern cooking.
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