If you're looking for a frozen treat in Tempe (at least around the Arizona State University campus), your options are going to be frozen yogurt, Italian ice, and ice cream. Not bad choices, but those looking for something more interesting -- like, say, a Mexican raspado -- would be out of luck.
Well, that's not the case anymore. About two weeks ago, RaspadoRico opened at 1522 North Scottsdale Road, just north of Loop 202. The small shop serves an impressively large menu of frozen and fruity desserts and drinks, as well as sandwiches, nachos, and salads.
See also: Raspados Paradise Mexican Food: Finally, a Reason to Go to Arizona Mills Mall
You can get a raspado at RaspadoRico in 10 flavors, including mango, pineapple, coconut, tamarind, pecan, strawberry, vanilla, and jamaica. They can be ordered in three sizes that range in price from $3.50 to $5. You also can add ice cream for an extra buck or lechera (sweetened condensed milk) for just a quarter.
Other menu items include raspados de leche quemada con fruta (shaved iced topped with burnt milk and fresh fruit), diablitos (shaved ice with chili powder), and bionco (a combination of fresh fruits -- think apple, banana, mango, melon, strawberry, coconut, and more -- with granola, crema, and ice cream).
You also can get scoops of ice cream, root beer floats, and milkshakes.
On the savory side, there are nachos, elote en vaso (with mayo, cojita, lemon, and chile), and verduro, which combines lettuce, tomato, pickled pork skins, avocado, and Valentina sauce.
RaspadoRico also serves Tostitos preparados and Takis preparados. If you've ever eaten a Frito pie, then you'll have a good idea of what these snacks entail: a bag of chips loaded with toppings like pickled pork skins, avocado, diced cucumber, cotija cheese, or chili.
The restaurant also makes sandwiches, subs, and two salads.
RaspadoRico 1522 North Scottsdale Road, Tempe 480-947-2849 www.facebook.com/pages/RaspadoRico/266709533508320
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
