Valley Veggie Tacos: Beat the Heat Without the Meat
By: Brian Garrido
During the Valley’s arid summers, it’s good idea to go the veggie route – if only because plant eating doesn’t weigh down the eater. And tacos, arguably Arizona’s food mascot, are a surefire way to devour lots of Sonoran desert flavor without feeling too full on foodstuff like roasted meat and battered fish.
According to the International Vegetarian Union, a non-profit think-tank on plant-based diets, vegetarianism dates all the way back to the 800 BCE – the Grecian and Roman era with philosophical leaf-loving advocates including Ovid and Plutarch (however, many still ate fish). Historically, Latin America is known as beef-loving land. Interestingly, the earliest known records about a sole vegetable diet are from 1891, attributed to a secret society in Chile.
Whatever you decide to chew, here are a few favorite taco places to indulge in something deliciously chlorophyll-minded, from street to high-end, with a refreshing agua fresca or margarita to wash it down.
La Santisima Gourmet Tacos Shop – La Condesa Veggie Taco
The Phoenix restaurant, with the image of the Mexican folk saint, has been lauded for its vegetarian taco. Indeed, it’s good, with grilled poblano peppers sautéed with spinach, mushrooms, onions and garlic before melting Oaxacan cheese on top to a browned perfection. Visit their legendary salsa bar, with eight to ten daily selections to choose from, and create your own delicious flavor profile. $2.99
1919 N. 16th Street, Phoenix
Sol Cocina – Roasted Poblano, Mushroom, and Corn Taco
Noted Executive Chef Deborah Schneider adds the native Mexican herb epazote to her roasted vegetable deliciousness. Slightly pungent raw; but when cooked, the Mexican leaf mellows out adding citrus and oregano depth. Indigenous to native Mexican cuisine, the plant’s profound flavor is cooked into the vegateles tacos and served in housemade corn tortillas at this bustling family-friendly, but stylish restaurant. $5.00.
15323 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
Hulu’s Modern Tiki – Spicy Tofu Taco
Hipters to baby boomers flock to Hula’s to indulge in all sorts of yummy neo-Polynesian fare. However, an Arizona restaurant has to have a taco on the menu, and they don’t disappoint with a plate of spicy tofu tacos, a house-made slaw, and sundried tomato-pesto (yum!) served with rice and beans. The spice mixture is a secret blend, but definitely includes cayenne and is fiery! Extinguish the heat by ordering the tropical Dr. Funk made with rum, banana, pineapple and OJ. $11 for the taco plate, $5 – $7 for the drink.
4700 N. Central Avenue, #122, Phoenix
Taco Guild – Seasonal Vegetable Taco
The church-turned-restaurant creates some tasty tortilla wrapped eats. Sit out on the misty patio and dig into one a grilled seasonal vegetable taco. It’s mostly red, green and yellow peppers with onions; but what’s notable is the house-made roasted jalapeno hummus, giving the taco a kicky creaminess. $3.95
546 E. Osborn Rd, Phoenix
Gadzooks – Jack Potato, Spinach and Mushroom Taco
A low-key, Chipotle-like vibe makes this a great place for Mexican cuisine. They also have a couple of options for vegetarian tacos, including a jack potato with sautéed spinach and mushroom. Like carnivores can have a selection of meat and chicken, vegetarians can have a little papas or greens. Diners can choose their salsas, quesos, and other toppings to build their own mouth-watering options strictly for their taste buds. Smart. $7.95 for a plate of two tacos.
3313 N. 7th Street, Phoenix
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