Culinary delights: a foodies tour through Arizona

Contact: Heather Koncilja, 602-364-3698

Culinary delights: a “foodie’s” tour through Arizona

Arizona is an incredibly diverse state with lots of land to cover-more than 113,000 square miles to be exact. The diverse geography and culture have heavily influenced the Grand Canyon State's unique and evolving culinary scene. Loosen your belt a few notches and enjoy a true "foodie's" tour of Arizona.

Diners

Head to the former mining town of Bisbee in southeastern Arizona for great burgers and pie at Dot’s Diner. Located in the Shady Dell trailer park, this authentic ‘50s-style diner offers up delicious diner delights in a friendly atmosphere. The interior is decorated in the style of an era gone by, featuring a black-and-white checkerboard floor, red stools and lots of chrome. And if it turns out you over-indulge, you can rest your head at o­ne of the park’s vintage aluminum travel trailers, which are available for rent year-round.

Travel back in time along Route 66 in northern Arizona and make your first stop at Mr. Dz’s Route 66 Diner in Kingman. You won’t miss this turquoise and pink building as you’re driving the main drag through town. Hop inside and choose your favorite tune from the jukebox while you wait for a burger, “tower” of o­nion rings and a root beer float—the root beer is Mr. D’z own special recipe. Then take your meal to o­ne of the benches outside to watch motorcycles and vintage cars cruise by. Follow Route 66 to Flagstaff, where you’ll be hungry again. Make a stop at the Galaxy Diner, where you’ll find more stick-to-your-ribs fare and delicious flavored sodas.

Native American

For an unmatched and truly authentic Native American culinary experience, head to Kai at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Phoenix. The executive chef here has incorporated traditions from the Pima and Maricopa tribes and locally-farmed ingredients from the Gila River Indian Community to create a unique and exciting menu. Incorporating traditional Native elements such as beans, corn and squash, the chef also likes to use Sonoran Desert plants such as saguaro blossom syrup, cholla buds and agave lacquer.

For an equally-authentic, albeit much more casual Native experience, check out the Fry Bread House in Phoenix. Here you can sample this traditional fried, pillowy, chewy treat with a variety of toppings. For a meal, red or green chile is best. If you have room for dessert after finishing off o­ne of these huge “Navajo tacos,” try the fry bread topped with honey or chocolate and butter.

Mexican

Head towards the Mexican border for some of the best authentic Mexican food you’ll find anywhere. Tucson is home to two of the best Mexican restaurants in Arizona. And this isn’t your momma’s Tex-Mex. Do lunch at El Charro Café, where marinated beef is dried o­n the roof and then shredded to make some of the restaurants most delectable dishes. El Charro also claims to be the home of the chimichanga—and they’re probably the largest you’ve ever seen! For dinner stop by Café Poca Cosa, known for having o­ne of the most creative Mexican menus in the state. The menu here changes daily, but o­ne of the favorites is the Plato Poca Cosa, which features three dishes chosen for you by the chef—it’s a great way to sample and find your favorite.

In Lake Havasu City, o­ne of the most popular spots is Javelina Cantina. Grab a margarita and find a stop o­n the back deck, where you can watch boaters and jet-skiers cruising by. It’s so popular that even Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are rumored to eat here when they’re in town.

If you’re a sea-“foodie,” Barrio Café in Phoenix is the place to go. You’ll think you’re at the beach in Mexico when eating these fresh concoctions, including fish tacos, lobster quesadilla and chile relleno stuffed with a shrimp and scallop blend.

Cowboy joints

Greasewood Flats in Scottsdale has a cowboy feel with sophisticated surroundings. o­n the way there, you’ll drive past multi-million dollar homes and the swanky Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale. Turn off o­n a dusty road, and you’ll feel like you’ve arrived in another world. Greasewood Flats has some of the best burgers and live country music in the West. The atmosphere is very relaxed—visitors sit at outdoor picnic tables and can buy marshmallows to roast o­n fire pits.

In Tombstone, possibly the most famous cowboy town, you’ll find o­ne of the best cowboy bars: Big Nose Kate's Saloon. This bar’s atmosphere makes visitors feel like they’re living in Tombstone’s cowboy heyday. They’re famous for their giant-sized over-stuffed Rueben sandwich.

At Black Bart's Steak House Saloon & Musical Revue in Flagstaff, you’ll get dinner and entertainment. Feast o­n steak, ribs, prime rib and chicken at this cowboy hangout. While you eat, be entertained by the antics of the saloon’s talented singers and their dance acts.

For an upscale cowboy experience, park your boots at Roaring Fork in Scottsdale. Entrees include anything from the 12-ounce “Big Ass Burger” to Beef Tenderloin and Green Chile Macaroni. While there, don’t miss the restaurants signature drink—a refreshing huckleberry margarita.

Arizona hopes your belt has lots of notches! To plan your “foodie’s” tour, go to www.arizonaguide.com.