Greater Phoenix Area, a food focused tour.

The minute you step off the plane expect to feel a warm rush of heat. No matter how many misting systems are installed, Phoenix is still a desert. Most folks (known as snowbird) come for the winter and many enjoy the Spring months as well (especially those baseball fans). However, my favorite time is the fall.

A staple of the Phoenician diet is Mexican food. REAL Mexican food, the kind that is made in small copper pots with wooden spoons by your Tia, Rosa. If you're looking for the real thing try Barrio  Cafe in Central Phoenix. This unassuming restaurant has the best food in the state, live music for Sunday brunch and horchata, lots of horchata. Located on 16th street, this place is a favorite for locals. They do not take reservations and are often crowded but you're on vacation so who cares if it takes a while. Once you take a bite of the CHILES en NOGADA you won't know or care what time it is anyway. The recipes are originals from chef Silvana Salcido Esparza or traditional items with a modern twist. For dessert, the goat cheese crepes with caramel sauce can't be beat and the extensive tequila collection helps conserve water (Phoenix is in a drought after all). Finally, check out the bathroom. It sounds strange I know but the decor is an homage to the modern mexican wrestling circuit and will top off the extravagant sensory overload that is the Barrio Cafe.

For breakfast there is only one place to go, The Orange Table. This bright cafe is tucked next to the SMoCA (Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art) Complex along with some other foodie favorites like AZ88 and Blue Moose. Known for its bright orange delivery bike, this place has the best sandwich in the city... the prosciutto melt. That's right, prosciutto, basil, mozzarella with an oil and vinegar dressing on fresh bread.... and then they toast it.They also serve all your food and beverage breakfast favorites as well as some cool new ideas in cuisine such as, my favorite, the iced mexican latte (a combo of chocolate, chili pepper and coffee, super good). Another cool drink for the more adventurous, the coffee soda, can't really be explained you just have to try it.