Best Latin Fare at 2016 Arizona Restaurant Week
By: Isabel Byfield
Arizona Restaurant Week (ARW), the Valley’s premier food event of the year, starts this Friday September 16 – and we went on a little foodie excursion to find the best of the available Latin food offerings for you to try.
Twice a year, during spring and fall, a select group of restaurants offer a wide variety of dining options with a pre-fixed menu that usually consists of three courses that include the best dishes they offer on a regular basis. From Asian to Modern American cuisine, the many varieties of food at the ARW offers every year is the perfect opportunity to explore new eateries or go back to your favorite restaurant. It’s certainly a foodie’s heaven.
We had the opportunity to preview some of the ARW menu options that several Latin restaurants around the Valley will have, and we have selected a few to give you a taste of the wealth of food options you have to choose from.
Price: $33 per person
Sherry chipotle chicken on a bed of mashed potatoes (Photo Credit: Isabel Byfield/AZLatinos.com)
Do not be fooled by the name, Ticoz which means “from Costa Rica”, is not a Costa Rican restaurant. Better yet, Ticoz is an eclectic mix of Latin cuisine. It is not traditional Mexican food by any means, but they do offer a delectable Blue Corn Enchilada. And it’s not traditional Spanish food, but they do prepare a succulent Paella – a mix of classic and modern Latin Cuisine with Caribbean and Mexican influence. Everyone can find something to love at Ticoz. Our favorites from the menu were the calamari with jalapeno lime sauce, sherry chipotle chicken and the churros.
Price $33 per person
New York strip steak with blue cheese, sugar cured cabbage, mash potatoes and corn (Photo Credit: Isabel Byfield/AZLatinos.com)
Fuego Bistro offers delicious food, live music and a cozy colonial style patio. It is a more traditional menu, with Latin touches. They offer classics like pasta, but add chorizo and chipotle cream sauce; or you can try the Seafood Chile Relleno. On our visit we had the New York Strip Steak with blue cheese, as well as the Duo of Pork, which included Pernil Asado and Pork Medallions with chorizo cream. Try their corn bread and their sugar-cured cabbage – they are some of our favorites. To finish dinner, you can never go wrong with a piece of Key Lime or Ancho Chile Chocolate Torte.
Price: $44 per person
Deseo offers New Latin Cuisine, with classic dishes from Argentina to Cuba that are re-created with luscious tropical ingredients that will make you feel as if you were on a tour of South America with every bite you take. Flavorful and decadent are the best words to describe the food at Deseo. It will entice not only your taste buds, but the other senses as well. That is what food is about at Deseo.
Chocolate Cigar (Photo Credit: Isabel Byfield/AZLatinos.com)
From their ARW menu, we tried the Tiradito Nikkei, a Peruvian influenced ceviche marinated in truffle ponzu. It was the perfect start for a meal that was delightful from beginning to end. As an entrée, the Wagyu Hanger Steak with chimichurri, tomatoes and mushrooms reminded me of the Asados Argentinos, steaks full of flavor and aroma. For dessert we went for Deseo’s emblematic Chocolate Cigar; a chocolate hazelnut that reminds you of a Cuban Habano, including edible matches and a shot glass cappuccino gelato.
I hope we made you hungry, because Arizona Restaurant Week has over 180 restaurants for you to explore with many new dishes to try. Who knows, you might find a new favorite spot!
Arizona Restaurant week stars September 16, and runs until September 25.
Ticoz
5114 N 7th St
Phoenix, AZ 85014
(602) 200-0160
Deseo
Located at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
6902 East Greenway Parkway
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480-624-1000
Fuego Bistro
713 E. Palo Verde Dr.
Phoenix AZ 85014
(602) 277-1151
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