Filtering by Tag: The Mexicano

RUBEE TUESDAY: The Mexicano, DAOU wine dinner at the Arizona Biltmore, 36 Below, Vecina

November 21, 2023 / Christina Barrueta

A weekly feature, I publish Rubee Tuesday as a photo recap of my recent drinking and dining adventures. You can read past Rubee Tuesdays HERE.

Steak fajitas with WorldClass Argentine beef marinated with lime juice, achiote, and chipotle chiles at The Mexicano

Friday, November 10: The Mexicano (Phoenix). Late lunch at one of our regular spots. Great to see Chef Fidencio (his new albondigas is a must-order!), and thanks to Will for giving me a sneak peek of a new cocktail made with Joey Maggiore’s exclusive barrel of Maestro Dobel tequila.

Sunday, November 12: Renata’s Hearth at The Arizona Biltmore (Phoenix). I’ve been a fan of DAOU Vineyards (even more so after visiting their gorgeous tasting room during Paso Cab Camp 2023) and we were thrilled to be invited to a DAOU wine dinner at one of our favorite resorts.

The evening started with an al fresco reception with passed hors d'oeuvres and free-flowing DAOU rosé.

DAOU senior sales director Jorge Monroy introduced each pairing, while Renata’s Hearth executive chef Daniel Weber shared the story behind each of his fantastic dishes: Radicchio en Nogado with sherry walnut sauce (paired with Daou Vineyards Rosé), Wagyu beef tartare with chanterelle mushrooms and pimentón oil (Reserve Chardonnay), lobster with moqueca broth, farofa, and poblano potato pave (Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon), and Kahlua cake with coffee foam and smoked caramel (Soul of a Lion). To see more, click the photo below to watch my video Reel.

Tuesday, November 14: 36 Below (Phoenix). We joined our friend Abel Arriaga, founder of Compa Spirits, to sample our way through some of the new cocktails using the family-owned boutique spirits he sources throughout Mexico.

I included 36 Below in this A Taste of AZ round-up of some of my favorite cocktail bars, so it was no surprise that this trio were all winners:

Centauras - Diega Rosa gin (a Mexican gin infused with strawberry, lavender and rose petals), Campari, raspberry, rhubarb, and egg white.
The Jewel - Arette Blanco tequila, Origen 35 aged Oaxacan purple corn whiskey, AGWA coca leaf liqueur, bell pepper, and lime juice.
Draco - El Güel mezcal espadín, Jamaican rum, Luxardo Amaro Abano, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and oat milk.

Gabe Chavez of Quartz Bar in downtown Phoenix and Abel Arriaga of Compa Spirits at 36 Below

Afterwards, we headed to Vecina for dinner, where I started with another excellent craft cocktail. In keeping with the Compa Spirits theme, this one was also made with Origen 35 Cristalino whiskey (the name pays homage to the diversity of corn and the over 35 species found in Oaxaca), Angostura Amaro, orgeat, lemon, and mezcal.

Highlights included chicken karaage with aji amarillo, citrus gastrique, and togarashi; gambas al ajillo with local Wild Shrimp Co. shrimp, paprika-serrano-garlic butter, and Noble Bread; carnitas empanada with salsa verde; and skirt steak tacos with cascabel salsa and avocado relish.

Check back on next week’s Rubee Tuesday for a Spanish wine dinner at Arboleda and visits to Hermosa Inn, Urban Agave, D&Y Chinese, and Stetson Social.

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tags / The Mexicano, Compa Spirits, DAOU Vineyards, Arizona Biltmore, 36 Below

RUBEE TUESDAY: The Mick Brasserie, Poppy’s Office, Feeney’s, JT Prime, Anhelo, CALA Alliance dinner, The Mexicano

October 24, 2023 / Christina Barrueta

A weekly feature, I publish Rubee Tuesday as a photo recap of my recent drinking and dining adventures. You can read past Rubee Tuesdays HERE.

Adding a sprig of dill to the Honey-Do List cocktail at Poppy's Office in Scottsdale — The Honey-Do List cocktal at Poppy's Office in Scottsdale

Wednesday, October 11: The Mick Brasserie. The Mick is known for its fun and lively wine events, and a Taste of Argentina dinner sponsored by WorldClass was no exception.

This time, we traveled to South America with Catena Zapata wines and Chef de Cuisine Michael Winneker, who included award-winning WorldClass partners such as Devesa Argentine beef and Fermín Iberico pork. You can see more on my video reel by clicking the menu photo above.

The Mick Brasserie Chef de Cuisine Michael Winneker and chef-owner Brent Menke

Friday, October 13: Poppy’s Office (North Scottsdale). We were invited to a Friends & Family preview of Poppy's Office, a speakeasy ode to late hospitality entrepreneur Paul Keeler. What a loving tribute to this special man - concealed behind a bookcase, this cozy bar pays homage to Paul's private office, displaying personal mementos and his quotable "Poppyisms.” Click the photo below for my video Reel.

Saturday, October 14: Feeney’s (Phoenix). A family favorite with mom and dad for some of the best prime rib in town, old-school classics including Beef Wellington, and owner Maria’s Greek touches like flaming saganaki.

Monday, October 16: Back to Poppy’s Office to try more cocktails, this time for media night. For all the details of this hidden cocktail lounge next to Liberty Station Terravita, check out this press release.

Tuesday, October 17: JT Prime (Old Town Scottsdale). When our friend Chef Fidencio Alatriste of The Mexicano told me to pick a restaurant for our double date with his girlfriend Paulina, I knew just the spot. I’ve mentioned this hidden gem in previous Rubee Tuesdays, and it never disappoints.

In fact, we had such a fun time that we made plans to visit Fidencio at The Mexicano on Friday with Paulina and JT Prime GM Marcos and his wife.

Wednesday, October 18: Anhelo (downtown Phoenix). Anhelo is a favorite that I’ve written about in SOMM Journal, and featured as a guest host on A Taste of AZ podcast. On this visit, we were joined by Meridith May and Bill Brandel, owners and publishers of SOMM Journal and Tasting Panel magazines, who were just as impressed as we always are.

Mushroom risotto with white truffles at Anhelo in downtown Phoenix

Thursday, October 19: CALA Alliance at Heritage Park in dowtown Phoenix. Thank you to our friend Gonzalo for inviting us to join him and his lovely wife for Sabor, CALA Alliance's annual benefit dinner and culinary event. It was a wonderful evening enjoying a Peruvian-inspired dining experience by Cloth & Flame.

Friday, October 20: The Mexicano (North Phoenix). As mentioned above, while at JT Prime, we made plans to gather once more, this time at The Mexicano where Fidencio chose some of his favorites, including killer new dishes:

Short rib con mole at The Mexicano in Phoenix

Guacamole with crabmeat, crispy honey-chipotle chicken wings, chicken tinga and street corn empanadas, Sonoran Dog, chicken a la brasa, carnitas “osso buco style” and short rib con mole.

Check back on my next Rubee Tuesday for visits to Blind Pig, JW Marriott Desert Ridge, Ember at We-Ko-Pa Casino, and The Genuine.

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tags / The Mick Brasserie, Poppy's Office, Feeney's, prime rib, JT Prime, Old Town Scottsdale, CALA Alliance, The Mexicano

RUBEE TUESDAY: Sicilian Butcher, The Mexicano, Thirsty Camel at The Phoenician, Farm Provisions in Prescott, Pie Box at Rock Springs Cafe

July 18, 2023 / Christina Barrueta

A weekly Tuesday feature, I publish Rubee Tuesday as a photo recap of my recent drinking and dining adventures. You can read past Rubee Tuesdays HERE.

Cocktails at Thirsty Camel at The Phoenician — Cocktails at Thirsty Camel Lounge at The Phoenician resort

Sunday, July 2: Sicilian Butcher (Phoenix). Joey Maggiore’s restaurants are always on our go-to list when family is in town and bonus. It also serves food until 10 pm, so was the perfect choice for my cousin’s first meal in AZ after picking him up at the airport Sunday night.

Some highlights: Octopus with ceci bean puree, rapini, celery and potaotes; Caesar salad with anchovies; chicken parmigiana meatballs with malfadine in cream sauce; carbonara with chicken parm.

For dessert? Italian pastries from Sicilian Baker next door.

Italian desserts at Sicilian Baker in Phoenix Arizona

Monday, July 3: The Mexicano (Phoenix). The rest of my family visiting from New Hampshire had arrived on Saturday so for our first meal out together, I picked The Mexicano. No surprise - it was a big hit!

Chicken tinga burrito requested as a chimichanga served enchilada style and red and green salsa.

Build-Your-Own Margarita Bar (video Reel here); frozen margrita sampler; queso fundido; guacamoles with elote and with pomegranate; ahi tacos; birria bao buns; tortilla salad with aji tuna; Sonoran molcajete; dessert board (churros, cream-stuffed conchas, flan):

Tuesday, July 4: Thirsty Camel Lounge at The Phoenician (Scottsdale). My cousin requested a cocktail lounge at a resort with a beautiful view, and I knew just where to take him. Special thanks to Art for his off-menu creations!

Wednesday, July 5: Farm Provisions (Prescott in northern Arizona). A day trip to Prescott included one of our favorites. We love everything about this family-owned spot - great comfortable vibe, excellent craft cocktails and a delicious farm-fresh menu (read more in my Prescott article here in A Taste of AZ magazine).

Ranchers Reuben with house-made corned beef, Jarlsberg cheese, bacon 1000 island, and Granny Smith apple sauerkraut on rye

You can see more on my video Reel here.

We ended our a day with a stop at Rock Springs Cafe and Pie Box on the way home for some of their famous pies (cherry pie for dad, blueberry-cherry for us).

Check back on my next Rubee Tuesday for visits to D&Y Chinese, Arizona Biltmore, Course, and Chantico.

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categories / Rubee Tuesday
tags / Prescott, Farm Provisions, Sicilian Butcher, Sicilian Baker, The Mexicano, Thirsty Camel, The Phoenician

RUBEE TUESDAY: Rough Rider, The Mexicano, Arboleda, Fabio on Fire Panini and Gelato, Trevor's on Mayo, Buck & Rider

June 20, 2023 / Christina Barrueta

A weekly Tuesday feature, I publish Rubee Tuesday as a photo recap of my recent drinking and dining adventures. You can read past Rubee Tuesdays HERE.

WorldClass Devesa ribeye topped with chiltepin butter, al pastor marinated bone marrow with elote, queso fresco and salsa macha, and tortillas at The Mexicano in Scottsdale

Monday, June 12: Rough Rider (downtown Phoenix). I was invited to join Frey Ranch Farm and Distillery co-founders Colby and Ashley Frey for a special farm-to-table dinner to celebrate the distribution of their award-winning whiskeys in Arizona. We learned that Colby’s family has been farming in northern Nevada since 1854 and their 1,500-acre farm east of the Sierra Nevada represents this legacy, with the grains for all of their bourbon and rye whiskeys sustainably grown on site. You can also see a video recap by clicking here.

Ashley and Colby Frey, founders of Frey Ranch Farm and Distillery

In collaboration with the bar team at Rough Rider, Beverage Director Alex Montoya introduced expertly-crafted cocktails that were inspired by his childhood flavors and nostalgic flavors. They incorporated not only Frey Ranch spirits, but also their honey and grains, as well as Arizona-grown ingredients.

Welcome Cocktail: Frey Ranch bourbon and rye, tropical tea, wildflower honey, lemon, and pineapple.

Chefs Ian Herschberg and Michael Swift, who had been invited to stay at the ranch, shared their experience, with executive chef Ian telling the crowd: “We had an amazing time at the ranch. It’s one of the best experiences I’ve had as a chef, being able to go out to the farm itself. Every single course features something from the farm to emphasize the ingredients.”

Chefs Ian Herschberg and Michael Swift of Rough Rider in downtown Phoenix

The menu:

Smoked trout rillettes with pickled celery on top of housemade rye cracker using Frey Ranch rye flour.
Cocktail: Oasis of Nevada with Frey Ranch bourbon, Frey Ranch honey, cinnamon, soda, and lemon.

Alfalfa sprout salad with greens, fennel, and blueberries tossed in a dressing made with Frey Ranch honey produced by bees which feed off of alfalfa flowers.
Cocktail: Dust Maker, my favorite cocktail of the night. It combined Frey Ranch Rye whiskey, Frey Ranch malted barley-infused Maraschino liqueur, lemon, orange bitters, and Alex’s fantastic amaro made with Arizona citrus, honey, and chamomile flowers (which some of us asked to try on its own - wow!).

Shrimp and grits (with Frey Ranch cornmeal) with chipotle cream sauce.
Cocktail: For The Land, made with Frey Ranch bourbon, herbal amaro, sweet vermouth, bitters, Frey Ranch toasted oat-piloncillo foam.

Risotto made with Frey Ranch wheat berries, bone marrow, and saffron topped with braised and pressed short rib drizzled with Bordelaise sauce.
Cocktail: Slow Grown, a clarified oat milk cocktail with Frey Ranch bourbon, vanilla, Frey Ranch cornmeal tejuino with piloncillo, blueberry oleo, and Nixta corn liqueur.

Chocolate cake with layers including malted barley cake and cream cheese-chocolate frosting,
Pairing: A pour of the exquisite Frey Ranch Cask Strength Single Barrel #1404, with notes of butterscotch, creme brulee, and caramel.

Tuesday, June 13: The Mexicano (North Scottsdale). I’m working on an assignment for The Tasting Panel magazine about a not-yet-released Spanish beverage called Spicy Wings. You can read all about it in the September issue, but until then, here are some behind-the-scenes shots of our fun afternoon. You can also watch the video reel by clicking here.

Chef Fidencio Alatriste of the Mexicano in Scottsdale — Chef Fidencio Alatriste of The Mexicano with a platter of WorldClass Devesa ribeye

Stop two for my Tasting Panel assignment was Arboleda.

Richie Moe at Arboleda in Scottsdale Quarter

That night, we stopped by for a sneak peek preview of Fabio on Fire Panini & Gelateria which officially opened the next day in Sunrise Promenade near Lake Pleasant Parkway and Happy Valley Rd in Peoria. I’ve been in love with Fabio Ceschetti’s Fabio on Fire Italian restaurant since it opened, and I’m just as excited about his second spot offering a deli for imported Italian ingredients, panini on wood-fired puccia, and the BEST gelato. You can see more on my video reel by clicking here.

Fabio on Fire Panini and Gelato — Toscano panini: Wood-fired porchetta with Parmigiano cheese spread, provolone, and fried zucchini.

Chef Fabio Ceschetti of Fabio on Fire Panini and Gelato

Wednesday, June 14: Trevor’s on Mayo (North Scottsdale). This was a quick stop to visit Beverage Director Jordan Chandler for the final part of my Tasting Panel magazine feature. Thank you Jordan!

Afterwards, we had lunch across the street at Buck & Rider (North Scottsdale): The burger for my husband, and fish and chips for me.

Check back on my next Rubee Tuesday for visits to Cafe Monarch and a Hotel Valley Ho staycation with the 2023 kick-off Sip and Shop market and a celebrity chef dinner with Chef Lindsay Autry.

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categories / Rubee Tuesday
tags / downtown Phoenix, Arboleda, Rough Rider, The Mexicano, Fabio on Fire, Fabio on Fire Panini and Gelateria, Trevor's, Buck & Rider, Buck and Rider

RUBEE TUESDAY: JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort, The Mexicano, D&Y Chinese, and Francine.

June 06, 2023 / Christina Barrueta

A weekly Tuesday feature, I publish Rubee Tuesday as a photo recap of my recent drinking and dining adventures. You can read past Rubee Tuesdays HERE.

JW Marriott Desert Ridge Kokopelli’s Cabana Colada

Thursday, May 25: JW Marriott Desert Ridge. We had family visiting from Texas and one of our traditions (see last year) has been to spend a day poolside in a Canyon Creek Lazy River Day Suite. These luxurious cabanas offer a private half bathroom, air conditioning, misting system, indoor and outdoor seating, and more, and the kids love being steps from the lazy river (this year’s video HERE).

And the JW Marriott Desert Ridge pool amenities are actually going to get bigger and better with a current expansion into AquaRidge WaterPark. This $18 million pool transformation will include an enhanced lazy river, Havasu Playground with three new water slides, and an exclusive adults-only Sky Island. Click the photo below to get all the details.

Saturday, May 27: The Mexicano (North Scottsdale). This is one of our favorite spots with one of our favorite chefs - Fidencio Alatriste - and I knew the kids would love the fun menu and colorful vibe.

And good timing! Our visit happened to be three days after the launch of new cocktails and menu items, and you’ll want to add these to your new favorites list:

Amor Amago with tequila repo, lime, agave, and chocolate bitters; Summer Fling Margarita with strawberry and kiwi
Ahi tacos with chipotle mayo and serrano ponzu
Watermelon ensalada fresca
Chicken tinga empanadas
The BEST chicharrones (my Mexican husband said he hasn't had chicharrones this good since he was a kid)
Chile relleno with salsa verde

And while the kids loved their options from the children’s menu (cheese enchiladas and a chicken burrito), the big hit was the surprise dessert board.

Conchas stuffed with vanilla cream, flan with roasted pineapple and vanilla whipped cream, pineapple empanadas with caramel sauce, and a churro cart with chocolate, caramel, and tres leches dipping sauces. Gracias, Fidencio!

Thursday. June 1: D&Y Chinese (Glendale). A family dinner at our favorite neighborhood Chinese spot included trying three new-to-us dishes from the menu - roast duck carved Peking style with steamed buns, beef chow fun, and honey walnut shrimp.

Peking duck at D&Y Chinese in Glendale, Arizona

Friday, June 2: Francine (Scottsdale Fashion Square). Though we’ve been long-time fans of Francine and have been many times, our last visit was more than a year ago so we were long overdue. When we were invited to check out the spring menu, I was excited to meet new Executive Chef Connor Harmon and try his dishes. What a talent! We loved both the savory dishes, and his dessert creations. Here’s our fabulous feast (and you can watch a video Reel HERE):

Grilled WorldClass Portuguese octopus with piperade, Niçoise olives and fennel.

Pure Bliss (gin, Chartreuse, Lillet, Chareau) and vodka Martini with blue cheese-stuffed olives; frito mixto; pea soup en croute with crab; spinach risotto with pistachios and lobster add-on (now my favorite risotto in town!); chicken Milanese; Domaine Georges Lignier & Fils Clos des Ormes Premier Cru.

Herb-crusted WorldClass Patagonian lamb chops with baby vegetable sauté and rosemary olive oil, paired with 2017 Domaine Georges Lignier & Fils Clos des Ormes Premier Cru Burgundy.

worldclass lamb chops at Francine in Scottsdale — WorldClass lamb chops at Francine

Chocolate pot de crème with hazelnut crumble and Grand Marnier chantilly; Espresso Martini; lemon curd tart with torched meringue; Scholar’s Folly (Whistlepig 10-year rye, Averna, Manzanilla sherry).

Olive oil cake with local Steadfast Farm honey, salted caramel sauce, lemon and honey mascarpone, olive oil powder and honeycomb tuile.

olive oil cake with honey and mascarpone at Francine

Check back on my next Rubee Tuesday for visits to Trevor’s for a Tasting Panel magazine feature, Chilte at The Egyptian Motor Lodge, a Mother Road Beer Dinner at Arizona Biltmore, Course for a SOMM Journal interview, Rice Paper, and Il Capo Pizzeria.

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categories / Rubee Tuesday
tags / JW Marriott Desert Ridge, JW Marriott, Fidencio Alatriste, The Mexicano, D&Y Chinese, Francine