That means surprises that might include chicken mole negro rich with chocolate and peppers, salmon in savory Veracruz broth, or a stuffed chile relleno boasting batter that’s so fluffy and velvety textured it reminds of polenta. Even margaritas are a step


above, crafted at the polished bar set with leather stools and served in delicate martini style glasses. One favorite you can’t miss — the fiery chile- kissed Con Fuego of Hornitos Reposado tequila and orange liqueur blended with fresh jalapeños and Mexican citrus. 110 East Pennington St.,


Tucson, (520) 622-6400, cafepocacosatucson.com.


El Merendero From the parking lot, the place looks a bit like a gaily painted grocery store, set on south Tucson’s 12th Avenue drag of older neighborhoods and what’s considered the


heart of the city’s Mexican culinary culture. But step inside, and discover a colorful, modern-ish artsy café serving up some inventive dishes. Chicharrones de camaron,


for one savory example, delivers crispy fried shrimp balls with veggies, while fine fish and shrimp also show up as caldo (soup), cocktails, ceviche, and the bomb — roasted with poblano peppers, cream and cheese. Add a michelada (spicy beer) and crispy hot churros oozing with molten caramel, and you’ve got a marvelous meal. 5443 South 12th Ave., Tucson, (520) 294-1522.


BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs You really can’t say you know Tucson’s vibrant Mexican food scene without embracing the magic of a Sonoran hot dog. The curious nibble was born


ner the best in the country. Yet, because man can’t bite only dogs, the restaurant also serves stellar, mesquite-fired carne asada for stuffing into hand- made flour or corn tortillas. Insiders know the best


BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs


in Hermosillo, Sonora, in the late 1980s, as a hot dog that’s cuddled in bacon then grilled, then served on a bolillo bun with all sorts of toppings like pinto beans, onions, toma- toes, mayo, mustard, jalapeño salsa and whatever your taste buds can dream up. In 2010, the Travel Chan-


nel’s Food Wars visited the ca- sual, coffee shop-style BK, and proclaimed their Mexican wie-


steak dish, too: the Tucson pride-and-joy caramelo, where the chopped carne asada is tumbled with hot melted mozzarella cheese and layered plump between two griddled tortillas. Toppings from the fresh salsa bar seal the deal. 5118 S. 12th Ave., Tucson,


(520) 295-0105. Also at 2680 N. First Ave., Tucson, (520) 207-2245, bktacos.com.


MORE INFO best23milesofmexicanfood.com.


Carey Sweet writes about food, wine and dining for The Arizona Republic, San Francisco Chronicle, Phoenix Magazine and Sunset. She resides in Sonoma, Calif.


Golf in Tucson means a break from the average links. Challenge your game on daring desert layouts or hit it long on fairways that host the champions. Whatever your style, Tucson has it in the bag.


Find Your Course at VisitTucson.org/Golf


www.azgolf.org


ANNUAL 2017 | AZ GOLF Insider | 21


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