Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (ScreamingChicken)

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 08:25:16 GMT

Great job with both reports, WJ! The scenery and food descriptions and photos were outstanding!

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (wanderingjew)

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 20:45:28 GMT

Epilogue and Footnotes

This will be copied to both trip reports..

Non Roadfood Highlights:

-No Rain!
-Chase Field with the Roof open
-San Xavier Mission
-Tucson Mountain Park
-Sabino Canyon
-Fiesta Week in San Antonio
-Getting together with Foodbme and Bushie

Non Roadfood Disappointments:
-transportation issues at the beginning (long long rental car lines) and end of the trip (flight home delayed 3 hours)
-temps averaging 15-20 degees above average during the entire trip
-only 2 floors open at the LBJ Library due to renovations

Roadfood Highlights

Sonoran Dog at El Guero Canelo - Tucson
Carne Asada Tacos at Pico De Gallo - Tucson
Chips and Salsa at Rosita's Place Phoenix
Horchata at Rosita's Place Phoenix
Green Corn Tamales at La Tolteca Restaurant and Market- Phoenix
Bean Burger at Chris Madrid's- San Antonio
Beef Barbacoa Puffy Tacos at Taqueria La Huasteca- San Antonio
Beef Rib at J Mueller's - Austin
Chicken Fried Steak at Hoover's Cooking - Austin
BBQ at Smitty's Market- Lockhart TX
Best Ice Cream at Sands of Time Ice Cream- Austin TX
Best Pie- Elvis Pie at Texas Cafe- Hutto TX
Best Coffee at Crave- Tucson AZ
Runner Up at Halycon- Austin TX
Best Beer- Kilt Lifter at Four Peaks Brewery- Tempe AZ
Runner Up- Black Lager (Rahr and Sons in Ft Worth TX)- at a bar - Hutto TX

Roadfood Disappointment

-Travelin Manned at the Tamale Store in Phoenix AZ
-Corn in a Cup at Taqueria La Huasteca in San Antonio TX
-Chipotle Cole Slaw at J Mueller's in Austin TX
-Coconut Cream Pie at City Cafe- Elgin TX
-Missing out on trying King Ranch Casserole at Monument Cafe- Georgetown TX
-Being too full to check out the BBQ at City Market- Luling TX

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (wanderingjew)

Tue, 22 May 2012 13:42:43 GMT

Thanks FriedClamFanatic
I wish I had more than just two days in Tucson. There was definitely so much to see and do. I was also hoping that the temps would have been more seasonally appropriate - being close to 20 degrees above normal didn't help matters when trying to enjoy the outdoors
Mar

There could have been cilanto in those Carne Asada tacos- I didn't turn it down if there was. I've never had a problem with cilantro.

Unfortunately with the limited time to travel I have compared to some folks, I sometimes have to do the "abbreviated version". Although I'm going to start to cover less ground instead of trying to cover a large area like I have in the past- like my breadbasket trip in 2010 and my rocky mountain trip west trip in 2009

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (Foodbme)

Tue, 22 May 2012 03:50:17 GMT

Mar52,
Machaca is so versatile and can be prepared many different ways. Machaca Beef is the dish I use to Judge a Mexican restaurant. If they have good Machaca, usually everything else is OK too.

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (mar52)

Tue, 22 May 2012 01:26:22 GMT

Bravo, Dale! XLNT!!!

I loved all your choices. Did you say no cilantro on your tacos asada? They looked perfect to me.

Your choice of dishes was perfect with a little taste of everything.

Machaca isn't always what you ordered. I love both kind... the shredded meat with peppers and tomatoes... and what should really be called Machaca con huevos which of course is machaca scrambled dry with eggs. I learned to ask which if not described.

Had I known you were going to be in Scottsdale, I would have had you take a picture or the proprietor's license plate at the Middle Eastern restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale. I didn't think of it when there. It read... FALAFEL

Would have been perfect for my food related license plate thread.

I loved this journey with you because I love the area, the food and your way of reporting. Thanks!

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (FriedClamFanatic)

Tue, 22 May 2012 00:16:20 GMT

Nice write-up, Great pics.and lovely food. Even though I'm not a big fan of Mexican, some of it looked scrumptious. It's too bad you missed the zoo in Tucson, but you got the great ride up into the mountain country. Also, the plane museums are worth a specual trip. So, hurry back!

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (buffetbuster)

Mon, 21 May 2012 08:00:35 GMT

WJ-
Isn't that ridiculous? My all-time favorite is the person who gave Stroud's a poor review because they didn't like their salad!

We will do our best to get there and thanks for the recommendation!

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (wanderingjew)

Mon, 21 May 2012 07:51:18 GMT

buffetbuster

WJ-
La Tolteca is the place you mentioned yesterday, right? If we have a meal in Phoenix, we will make sure that is our stop.

Buffetbuster

Correct, La Tolteca is the place
Here's their reviews on Yelp
http://www.yelp.com/biz/la-tolteca-mexican-foods-phoenix

4 out of 5 stars- it appears someone recently gave it a 2 star review because they didn't have any Bay Area Burritos?

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (buffetbuster)

Mon, 21 May 2012 07:28:34 GMT

WJ-
La Tolteca is the place you mentioned yesterday, right? If we have a meal in Phoenix, we will make sure that is our stop.

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (wanderingjew)

Mon, 21 May 2012 07:18:20 GMT

pnwchef

Thanks
You are correct, that is green chili inside the tamale. Everyplace I went to in Phoenix was a home run, but if there is one I can truly recommend it's La Tolteca for its uniqueness as a bakery, market and restaurant all rolled into one

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (pnwchef)

Sun, 20 May 2012 13:31:44 GMT

WJ, Great report, thanks for all the great food and scenic pictures. Question on the The Green corn Tamale ???????/ is that a Green Chili layered in the tamale........I'll be in Phoenix/Scottsdale this coming winter, thanks for all the great tips.............pnwc

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (wanderingjew)

Tue, 15 May 2012 18:21:31 GMT

tcrouzer

thanks - I forgot how beautiful the desert can be

Billyboy

I bet if you search- you can find a place in NYC that serves a fine Machaca, you'll just have to pretend the pavement is desert and the skyscrapers are Saguaros.

Brad

I know, I should have concentrated more on Brats and Cheesecurds considering I didn't get enough of it in Wisconsin last June !

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (Foodbme)

Tue, 15 May 2012 17:50:59 GMT

ScreamingChicken

Wow...this could've been an even greater report if WJ had done a better job of focusing on regionally appropriate food. That plate of machaca and beans looks mighty tasty!

The problem is that there aren't very many Mexican Restaurants in Phoenix & Tucson!!!!
In Phoenix:
Urbanspoon says there are only 924 of them!
www.azcentral.com only lists 677 of them but they exclude chains like Taco Bell and Del Taco.
In Tucson:
Urbanspoon says there's only 296 of them! Probably doesn't include the street carts.

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (ScreamingChicken)

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:17:02 GMT

Wow...this could've been an even greater report if WJ had done a better job of focusing on regionally appropriate food. That plate of machaca and beans looks mighty tasty!

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (billyboy)

Mon, 14 May 2012 20:49:17 GMT

WJ, terrific report, good sir. I spent some time in AZ years ago and I crave that food! Tamales, machaca, huevos rancheros, etc... Thanks for those incredible views.

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (tcrouzer)

Mon, 14 May 2012 20:32:11 GMT

Great food, fabulous photos! I'd go your route just to see all those wonderful statues and the beautiful desert. But I'd have to stop for tamales! Fantastic trip report, WJ......as usual.

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (wanderingjew)

Mon, 14 May 2012 18:44:46 GMT

Monday April 23

Starting out the day at the Tucson location of the Phoenix mini- chain Cartel Coffee lab- made me realize something.
Coffee snobbery may exist. Cartel Coffee is one of those new third wave coffee houses (aka pour over) that I wish would just "go away" Cartel coffee goes a step almost ridiculing you for putting any type of cream, milk of sweetener in their coffee. Those of you (I'm assuming the majority of you) that are satisfied with their maxwell house and Mr. Coffee and don't get my going "ga ga" for coffee houses (probably the same way I don't get your going "ga ga" over bacon) probably understand where I'm coming from .

Anyway, enough ranting, yes the coffee was outstanding at at $3 per 16 oz cup and $3 for each refill it should be!

I made the 90 minute jaunt back to Phoenix and actually had another decent cuppa coffee at Copper Star Coffee a few miles north of Downtown.

After taking care of some personal business it was time for lunch

Carolina's Mexican Kitchen

A cement square of a structure that has even less atmosphere inside than it does outside. But what it lacks in atmosphere it makes up for in what it delivers.

Carolina's Mexican Kitchen means alot to me from a Roadfood perspective . Some of you may remember that when I first started taking digital photos on my trip reports, 6 years ago, Carolina's was the first place I started doing so.

And like 6 years ago, I ordered the same thing.

Their fantastic loaded Chimichanga. For those who don't know, the Chimichanga was invented in Arizona, actually it was invented in Tucson at El Charro back in the 1920's. Well, I couldn't tell you about the one one there, but the Chimichanga at Carolina's offered a hot crunchy exterior and a very flavorful and not overly spicy interior.

It went well with a respectable horchata (free refills too)

After lunch, I had another stop to make. My plans were to hit the Tamale Store out on Cave Creek Road in Phoenix and compare their green corn tamales to the ones I enjoyed in Tucson. I made a call in advance when I first arrived on Friday and the lady I spoke to assured me they would have some green corn tamales when I visited on Monday afternoon. Well when I got their, they were closed, no explanation. I called and the recording confirmed their hours. What a bummer- Travelin Manned- for the first and last time on this trip.

The rest of the day was wide open, my initial plans were to do some more outdoor sightseeing but with temps expected to soar past 100 degrees I had enough of the desert heat Before starting this trip, I had no idea the temps
courtesy of good ol' global warming were going to average 15-20 degrees above average.

I opted instead to head to Old Town Tempe first. Home to ASU, Old Town Tempe caters to college students

In fact

I stopped here at Sparky's Old Town Creamery where they were passing out samples.

I went for something very unique- The Raspberry Dark Chocolate Habanero - a free topping was included- I added peanuts to this interesting combination, they warned me this would be spicy, and although the ice cream itself did not wow me- yes, it definitely had a kick- enough to make my eyes water- unfortunately I forgot to get a photo.

I continued on people watching and noticed these interesting signs right next door to eachother

Thinking like a student, I figured I would begin here.

And immediately afterwards go here, right next door

Makes sense?

Afterwards I drove to one of my favorite brew pubs- Four Peaks in Tempe- and ordered the best beer on the trip, the Kilt Lifter- a refreshing Scottish Ale- one of my favorite beers in the country.

After enjoying my beer, I continued on to Old Town Scottsdale where I was greeted by this cowboy

Old town had some pretty cool shops-

and some great scenery as well.

I tried to ask these folks for help in finding a good western wear shop but they weren't much help- all they did was just sit there.

After checking into The Scottsdale Cottonwood Resorts (a steal for $50 on priceline) I was ready to head back to the Barrio in inner city Phoenix for some more eats.

Since I was green corn tamale deprived from earlier in the afternoon, I decided to head to the place where I would have had breakfast (if I decided to) two days earlier prior to heading to Tucson.

La Tolteca

A bakery, market and restaurant all rolled up into one- Receiving accolades on both Yelp and Urbanspoon, when, I walked in I could see why.

I approached the counter, checking their website before arriving, they had exactly what I was looking for.
I gave my order, and when it arrived I sat down in the dining room

I ordered two Green Corn Tamales (I had to save room for dinner which was immediately afterwards)

If I knew how big they were going to be, I would have ordered one- they were hum-on-gous and incredibly good.
I'm not sure if they were better that that at the Tucson Tamale Company but they were at least just as good. If I have the opportunity to ever return to Phoenix again, I would certainly return and try their other items as well. Truly a fantastic find.

Immediately after my snack, I made my final stop for the evening.

Rosita's Place

Like La Tolteca, there were nothing but glowing reviews on yelp and urbanspoon. So I was set on Rosita's.
Once again, I had the opportunity to share a meal with foodbme who was there when I arrived.
Fresh and hot chips arrived at the table- and when I mean hot and fresh- I don't think they could have been any fresher- I declare the chips at Rosita's Place the best of the trip.

And the red and green couldn't have been any better- in fact the red really had kick to it.

I ordered the Machaca plate

I never had Machaca before. It was tender and juicy and served with flour tortillas on the side.

I heard great things about Rosita's horchata on the web.

Not only was it the largest glass of Horchata on the trip, I also declare it the best- not too sweet but packed with "cinnamony" flavor.

Rosita's place was another great find, and I would certainly return again.

It was a pleasure dining with foodbme once again. He is a great ambassador to his adopted city.

Afterwards I headed back to my hotel in Scottsdale as I had an early day to look forward to.

Tuesday April 24

Flying out of Phoenix this morning, I really wanted to head back to Copper Star for coffee but decided to get coffee in Scottsdale since I didn't know what traffic would be like heading back to the Airport. I unknowingly ended up at another "pour over" coffee house called Echo- voted best in Scottsdale for obvious reasons- good, yes, expensive yes. I asked the barista why pourover coffee was so popular in Arizona, she didn't know, she assumed it was popular everywhere. Well as it turns out there was very little traffic heading back to the Airport.

I arrived and departed Phoenix for new adventures.

This is the end of this trip report, however the trip continues with a new trip report beginning sometime in the middle of the week.

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (wanderingjew)

Mon, 14 May 2012 13:14:01 GMT

ChiTownDiner

WJ - you covered a lot of ground in a short period of time...nice job!

Thanks, I did but I also realize compared to your pace it all "finger food"

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (Foodbme)

Sun, 13 May 2012 22:24:47 GMT

Sundancer7

Sorta funny that Tucson which is hot but not as hot as Phoenix and it is further south. Maybe because of the elevation.
Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Tucson is about 2600 ft Elevation, Phoenix 1100 ft. It's usually a little cooler down there, but not much. Mt Lemmon, outside Tucson, goes up to 9150 ft and there's a Space Observatory and Ski Area up there along with panoramic views.

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (ChiTownDiner)

Sun, 13 May 2012 22:03:00 GMT

WJ - you covered a lot of ground in a short period of time...nice job!

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (wanderingjew)

Sun, 13 May 2012 18:16:51 GMT

Ann

The desert is absolutely beautiful. There were ATV tours to see the desert at night unfortunately it was just a little out of my price range.

Mr Chips

Thanks, I wish I had more time to explore the desert but temps were averaging 15 + degrees above normal, something I wasn't anticipating prior to starting the trip.

JRPfeff

Glad you enjoyed The Fry Bread House as much as I did. Since it was my first stop on the trip, it truly was a symbolic welcome to the desert southwest.

Although the trip itself is not even half way over, I will conclude this trip report tomorrow evening. I'll begin a new trip report for the second half of the trip (different state) sometime in the middle of the week.

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (mr chips)

Sun, 13 May 2012 16:20:08 GMT

Foodbme

mr chips

On my last visit, I discovered (or realized) the saguaro cactus is a tree when seeing a a dead saguaro on the ground at the National park near Tucson. I loved the food in tucson and think a road food tour there and in Phoenix would be a great idea. Great report, WJ. Looking forward to more.

The ribs and spines of a dead Saguaro were used by the native tribes in many ways.
http://www.ehow.com/info_8317613_uses-saguaro-cactus-after-dies.html

Thanks for the link.

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (leethebard)

Sun, 13 May 2012 07:20:01 GMT

Super report...I had family who lived in Arizona for years...and this report brought back the wonders of the dessert...and food. Thanks!

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (Foodbme)

Sun, 13 May 2012 03:25:09 GMT

mr chips

On my last visit, I discovered (or realized) the saguaro cactus is a tree when seeing a a dead saguaro on the ground at the National park near Tucson. I loved the food in tucson and think a road food tour there and in Phoenix would be a great idea. Great report, WJ. Looking forward to more.

The ribs and spines of a dead Saguaro were used by the native tribes in many ways.
http://www.ehow.com/info_8317613_uses-saguaro-cactus-after-dies.html

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (JRPfeff)

Sat, 12 May 2012 18:23:43 GMT

WJ - This report got me into the Fry Bread House for the first time today. I had the same taco that you had - fantastic. Although the fry bread is so good I could go for a platter of plain fry bread.

I noticed several patrons ordering the cheese crisp at the Fry Bread House. I don't know how it compares to this, but I will find out on my next visit.

jrp

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (mr chips)

Sat, 12 May 2012 16:12:34 GMT

On my last visit, I discovered (or realized) the saguaro cactus is a tree when seeing a a dead saguaro on the ground at the National park near Tucson. I loved the food in tucson and think a road food tour there and in Phoenix would be a great idea. Great report, WJ. Looking forward to more.

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (Foodbme)

Fri, 11 May 2012 15:41:21 GMT

For those who are interested in the Saguaro Cactus:
http://www.desertusa.com/july96/du_saguaro.html
They only grow in the Sonoran Desert of AZ and Northern Mexico.

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (ann peeples)

Fri, 11 May 2012 10:13:42 GMT

As I have never been to a desert , much less Arizona, I am especially enjoying the scenery.And the food-it just seems to be getting better and better!

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (wanderingjew)

Fri, 11 May 2012 09:45:06 GMT

Foodbme
I actually think the Arizona desert is prettier than New Mexico's which is mostly sagebrush and Yucca

Paul
I almost forgot to mention, you were correct about the mission's tower not being capped- believe it or not this was done for tax purposes - since it was deemed "an unfinished building" there were no tax levies.

You are also correct about the Saguaro and it's "multi armed" status- apparently no one knows the exact cause- it could have been a virus, genetic or a lightening strike among other reasons.

Unfortunately Sunday would be my last day in Tucson so I didn't have time to make it to the zoo.

Buffetbuster

And I thought you'd be upset because I didn't have any pie or dessert.

Re:Saguaros, Sonoran Surprises and other Desert Delights (buffetbuster)

Fri, 11 May 2012 07:53:17 GMT

Theresa's Mosaic Cafe, Pico de Gallo and Mariscos Chihuahua all in one day? Now that is some great eating. And I agree with Foodbme, those are beautiful shots from the desert.