Dominican Food Restaurant Adds Flavor to the Valley: Sazón Bachata

By admin June 10, 2014 07:05

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Photo Credit: ArizonaLatinos.com

By: Jessica Danielle Ramirez

Dominicans all over Phoenix are talking about it. Americans are curious to try it.

Latinos are making their way to a new eatery, Sazón Bachata, an ethnic restaurant in the Phoenix valley that proudly serves Dominican food.

The eatery is located just outside of downtown Phoenix and has brought in a wave of food-lovers who are captivated by the homely feeling when entering the family restaurant.

Jhonny Peña, owner of Sazón Bachata, greets each and every guest that walks in as though they were family.

But the domestic feeling doesn’t stop there. The entire Dominican family plays an important role to keep the business successful.

Peña’s wife is the main chef, their children servers and the oldest daughter, Claudia, handles finances.

“We want everyone to feel welcomed and get a good vibe from us,” 17-year-old daughter Estela Peña said.

Just like their name, the restaurant plays Bachata music or live music while customers are dining. Jhonny’s daughter, Claudia Cruz plays the Guira while her husband sings.

“We play Merengue, Bachata and Salsa. Sometimes our customers will get up and dance,” she said.

Photo Credit: ArizonaLatinos.com

Dominican food is vastly different from other Caribbean dishes. It’s a kick of flavors that is not spicy but each bite leaves one craving for more. Goat and Oxtail is one of the best-selling dishes at Sazón Bachata.

“Oxtail is cooked in a thick tomato basil sauce and it comes with rice and beans,” Peña said.

For those who want to satisfy their thirst, the eatery also offers a variety of authentic Dominican drinks. Morir Soñando, which means “die dreaming” in English, contains orange juice, evaporated milk, lime and sugar, and is a popular smoothie commonly served in the Dominican culture.

As the music plays and customers are dancing in the patriotic restaurant, the dessert menu is 100 percent traditional Dominican.

“We have Habichuelas con Dulce, which you eat with cookies,” Peña said.

A handful amount of baseball players have stopped by Sazón Bachata, including Colorado Rockie’s players Rafael Betancourt and Wilin Rosario, and has served justice to those who have walked through the door.

There is no doubt Sazón Bachata is adding flavor to the Valley. Customers are guaranteed an authentic meal along with traditional music – and if lucky, a live performance.

Sazón Bachata