Looking for the Best, Authentic Mexican Food in Scottsdale and Phoenix

I’ve had this unquenchable hankering for mind-blowing, authentic Mexican cuisine of late.

I can’t really explain why; but I figure as long as I live in Arizona, I might as well take advantage of my geographic location and do a little culinary exploration.

I’m finding it a little frustrating to find the best of the best because an Internet search will bring up Yelp (or the like) where “touristy Mexican food” tends to top the list.

I’m looking for the real deal.  Mind-blowing, authentic Mexican cuisine.  Does that exist in Scottsdale and Phoenix?

I made the first stop on my quest to Carolina’s Mexican Food to try out their Oaxaca Special Burro.  That was good, but I didn’t take a photograph.  So, it gives me a reason to go back.  Right?

Image from MexGrocer.com

They had me at Huitlacoche

For the second stop on my journey, we ventured to Los Sombreros primarily because I wanted to try the Huitlacoche Crepes.

I was first introduced to huitlacoche by Chef Mel Mecinas when he was at the Four Seasons Scottsdale.

Huitlacoche (pronounced weet-la-COH-cheh and pictured right) is a fungus that grows on corn kernels and is highly priced in Central Mexican cuisine.

Huitlacoche has been called anything from Mexican truffles to Mexican mushrooms to the less appetizing corn smut.

Nonetheless, every time huitlacoche has crossed my palette,  I have been more than pleased.

So, that very top photograph is an iPhone photo I grabbed when our waiter Jesus brought out the Huitlacoche Crepes: crepes stuffed with goat and blue cheeses smothered with huitlacoche sauce, pomegranate sauce, and cranberries.

At first blush, with the confluence of savory and sweet, my taste buds didn’t really know what the heck just hit them.  Even so, as the tastes began to blend on my palette, I found a smile growing on my face with my fork speedily descending for a second bite.  Yum, I say, YUM!

That second photograph up there is another iPhone photograph I snagged of my Al Pastor Tacos.  More Yum!

You know, while I greatly enjoyed our Sunday brunch at Los Sombreros, I left a little frustrated.  Why?  Because there were so many other items on their menu I wanted to sample.  I guess that means we’ll be back.  And real soon, I hope.

Carol and I give Los Sombreros two thumbs up and highly recommend you visit to sample their Central Mexican cuisine.

Where is YOUR favorite Mexican cuisine found in Scottsdale or Phoenix?  

Leave us your answer in the comments section below.  Thanks!
 
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