Southwest Road Trip - Off-the-beaten-path Chow Suggestions?

Hi Everyone,

My wife and I are planning a road trip in the Southwest in the spring (2012). Our intention is to fly (from Canada) to (probably) Tuscon and then rent a car for a road trip through Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Nevada (L.V.) and back to Tuscon to fly home. Although my wife spent some time in and around the Sonora desert, we are essentially new to the region. En-route we'd very much like to experience local food (we absolutely DO NOT want to find ourselves stopping at chain/fast food restaurants - although diners and roadside stands would work), and are open to all types of food (esp. BBQ). Obviously, we have no idea of where to eat and any and all suggestions would be appreciated. Also, if you have any suggestions on things to do/see (we know we're going to do the "major" sites) that we might not think of)...even though this isn't really a "travel" site...please feel free to drop us some hints on that matter too.

My stomach's growling already - can't wait to read your suggestions. Cheers!