2004-11-26

The New York Times > Travel > Escapes > 36 Hours: In Phoenix

The Times has on its list of must-go places in Phoenix the amazing little Mexican restaurant we dragged Scott's parents to when we were there. They didn't eat anything, because they were afraid of it and thought we were crazy for dragging them halfway across the city.

What's a trip to the Southwest without Mexican food? Be prepared — Barrio CafĂ© (2814 North 16th Street, 602-636-0240) isn't your typical chips-and-salsa joint. Silvana Salcido Esparza serves her black mole sauce over chicken or enchiladas in her simple but elegant storefront restaurant. The white-walled, Saltillo tile-floored space features a small wooden bar and rotating work by local artists — often Latino. Start your meal with guacamole prepared table-side ($8) and try the 12-hour slow roasted pork with achioto rojo and sour orange and salsa Yucatan ($17). Save room for dessert, especially the churros rellenos de cajeta de cabra ($8) — goat's milk caramel-stuffed fritters with vanilla ice cream.

Those churros really were sublime. Scott's dad had something rude to say about the creative ingredients, if I remember correctly.

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