Phoenix Upscale Mexican Food

[writelots]

My annual (national) professional conference is coming to the Phoenix Convention Center this week, so it's my turn to play the host. Now, I know the kinds of places to send folks who want 'traditional' down home Phoenix style Mexican fare (Carolinas, Mi Patio, Comedor Guadalajara). However, I know some of my peeps are going to be looking for more upscale type stuff - in Tucson, I'd send them to Cafe Poca Cosa or even El Charro. But I've got no idea where to go in the Phoenix area for this kind of thing! I'm used to grabbing a taco from a stand, not buying $200 bottles of tequila for the table.

Suggestions from this group would be great. Closer to downtown is better, but I realize that it is the Phoehemeoth...and I will have my car if necessary...

[big_load]

Juan Jaime's is very good.

I took my sister-in-law and brother-in-law there tonight. They agree.

[joebartels]

the salsa that tastes like pepperoni rocks!

[Al_HikesAZ]

the salsa that tastes like pepperoni rocks!

If you think pepperoni salsa that tastes like rocks is a good thing, then I'm concerned that you've been eating too much dehydrated food or your grammar is admitting too much ambiguity.

One of my measures of a great Mexican restaurant is their tamales. So Juan Jaime's is going to have to have some pretty darn good tequila to make up for a lack of tamales. Tamales have been a recipe handed from mother to daughter and big batches are cooked up to celebrate special events. Tamales are the essence of traditional Mexican food in AZ. And don't load up a plate with bean and rice filler.

[cactuscat]

@Al_HikesAZ
Mmmmm - tamales, yes!

[chumley]

I'm gonna have to try this JJ place sometime.

The re-constructed Richardson's just hasn't lived up to it's history the last couple of times I've been, and the prices have been raised to borderline outrageous levels.

I will still brunch at Dick's Hideaway (open at 7am 7-days a week) because the prices are about half than the dinner menu, and the atmosphere there makes it worth it. And their tenderloin hash n eggs is still the best breakfast I've ever had.

Hmmm... I'm hungry. Should probably get out of bed and eat. A bowl of cereal.

[rwstorm]

I liked Richardson's before the fire. Have not been to the other one up the road. Guess I'll have to try Dick's Hideaway on a trip up there.

[kingsnake]

I like Rokerij, the one time I stopped there (the other Richardson's place, where they moved next to). But that's not Mexican ...

[chumley]

Technically Richardson's and Dick's are not Mexican either, but New Mexican. They've got a strong Santa Fe influence. All grilling is done over pecan wood.