With so many endless Mexican restaurants in town, most of
which are phenomenal, it was tough selecting the perfect spot to celebrate National
Tequila Day last Wednesday. But what better place to pay homage to this agave-based
beverage than Barrio Queen, where their menu board reads “Soup of the Day: Tequila”.
This laid-back spot is the place to go to get your "Mexican Soul Food" fix. Owned by local legend and modern Mexican master, Silvana Salcido Esparza, Barrio Queen is an artfully casual restaurant with Dia de los Muertos meets industrial/urban flair. Skeletons and skull art, colorful ceramic tiles and leather seating mixed with exposed pipes, metal and ducts adorn the inside; while the sunny sidewalk patio is one of the best spots to sit back and enjoy the action of Old Town Scottsdale.
We started at the bar where Chantale ordered a gorgeous
orange and yellow drink called Barrio Punch—with Don Julio Reposado tequila,
fresh squeezed lime and orange juice, grenadine—perfect for summer. I ordered
an extra sour margarita on the rocks, and our girl Lauren ordered the
Paloma, with Tres Agaves Reposado, Mexican Squirt and fresh grapefruit and lime
juice.
Then we sat down to dinner and devoured some fresh guac and
homemade tortilla chips. I was quite pleased with my massive Arizona Burrito, served
enchilada style with pork that melts in your mouth, a tangy green chile sauce, gratinada
of quesillo cheese, salsa verde, crema fresca and cilantro. Chantale ordered
the Carne Asada, Lauren got the Chiles en Nogada (seasonal) and Maurice
got the Mole Enchilada. Even though I was beyond stuffed, I couldn’t resist ordering
the Flan with caramelized syrup, pecans and a vanilla Kahlua sauce. This
place definitely redefined “soul food” for me.
¡Salud!
Pascale
The food looks really amazing!
ReplyDeleteAnyways, I just wanted to let you know that I nominated you for the Liebster Award. There's a lot of info about it in my blog post, so come check it out. I'd love to hear your answers!
-Megan
http://mymyitsmegan.blogspot.com/
Love living Arizona thru ur eyes!
ReplyDelete