Last year we marked the hundred day countdown to Best of Phoenix by sharing some of our favorite food folks' "Personal Best" lists. This year we're bringing back our list of 100 Favorite Dishes. Have a suggestion for a dish you'd like us to try? Leave it in the comments section or email [email protected].
82. Lemon Bars from Phoenix Public Market Cafe
See Also: Phoenix Public Market Cafe: A Dazzling Space With the Occasional Letdown
You can keep your cupcakes for all we care because lemon bars are easily the best handheld dessert we can think of. Tangy, bright lemon curd baked all over a thin layer of shortbread-like crust is the sign of any good lemon bar and Phoenix Public Market Cafe does it right.
First off, the Downtown Phoenix joint's lemon bar has a custard-like thick layer of lemon curd on top. Its smooth texture just fills your mouth with its lemony flavor. If the color is any indication too, this lemon bar is clearly a cut above the rest when it comes to packing a punch of citrus sourness with every bite.
On top of that, well actually directly below it, there's a crumbly crust that's so buttery and tasty that you'll be thinking about it for days. As a package deal, the mellow crust compliments the intensity of the curd on top, resulting in a deliciously balanced treat that feels a little more grown up than its sprinkle-covered compatriots in the pastry case. Still want your cupcake? Yeah, we didn't think so.
Miss a dish?
100. Pork Belly Pastrami from Citizen Public House
99. French Onion Soup from Bonjour Vietnam
98. Whiskey Cream Gelato from Marrazo That's Amore
97. Breakfast Croissant from Cartel Coffee Lab
96. Salmon "Yasu Style" at Yasu Sushi Bistro
95. Cannoli from DeFalco's Italian Deli
94. Falafel Sandwich from Al-Hana Restaurant
91. Combo Plate from El Pollo Supremo
90. Brunch Burger from Orange Table
89. Duck Fat Fries from Bourbon Steak
88. Kurobuta Pork Chop from Noca
87. Carne Adovada Enchiladas from Los Dos Molinos
86. Maple Bacon Doughnut from Rainbow Donuts
85. Pad Khing from Nunthaporn's Thai Cuisine
84. Mariscos con Arroz from Tumi Fine Peruvian Cuisine