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Hungry yet?
We’re working up our appetites for our huge Best of Phoenix issue, out September 30, with daily servings of Chow Bella’s 100 Favorite Dishes from across the Valley — in no particular order
Leave your suggestions for upcoming favorites in the comments section.
Visit our sister blog, Jackalope Ranch, for a companion series on 100 Creatives who make Phoenix a little more interesting for all of us. We’ll be posting the next 58 picks daily through the rest of the summer.
Number 59: Butterfish tataki at Roka Akor
I have plenty of favorite dishes that knock me over the head with dynamic flavors, but the butterfish tataki at Roka Akor grabs me in the opposite way. It’s a study in subtlety.
While this chic North Scottsale Japanese restaurant specializes in robatayaki items, there’s plenty more on the menu worth checking out, including stellar raw seafood dishes.
As a cool, mouthwatering appetizer to perk up the senses before the savory grilled dishes start showing up, the butterfish tataki is consistently good. Pristine slices of butterfish have a clean flavor and silky texture that pairs well with tender, fresh white asparagus; the delicate, citrusy perfume of yuzu sets it off with a puckery note. After a few bites of this, along with a few sips of house-infused shochu, I tend to forget about the world and simply enjoy the moment.
The Favorite Dishes, so far:
60: Eggs Maximilian at Harlow’s Cafe
61: Chickpea Ceviche at Bombay Spice
62: Spiced Skirt Steak at Tuck Shop
63: Rib Eye Philly at SanTan Brewing Company
64: Albacore With Black Truffle at Crudo
65: Slice at Jimmy & Joe’s Pizzeria
66: Lee’s Combination at Lee’s Sandwiches
67: Duck Curry at Sala Thai
68: Chicken Kabab at Med Fresh Grill
69: Cheese Course at Sweet Republic
70: La Potence at Le Chalet
71: Brisket at Bryan’s Black Mountain Barbecue
72: Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup at The Roosevelt
73: Coq Au Vin at Vincent’s Market Bistro
74: Cochinita Pibil Tacos at La Condesa Gourmet Taco Shop
75: Char Siu Bao at Phoenix Palace
76: Huevos Rancheros at Gallo Blanco Cafe
77: Italian Stallion at La Piazza Al Forno
78: Bourekas at Spices Mediterranean Kitchen
79: Warm Maine Lobster Salad at Modern Steak
80: Escargots En Croute at Petite Maison
81: Salumi at Quiessence
82: Okonomiyaki at Hana Japanese Eatery
83: Croissants at Essence Bakery Cafe
84: Coronado Coney at The Main Ingredient
85: Green Chili at Rito’s Mexican Takeout
86: Soup Gyoza at Sens Asian Tapas & Sake Bar
87: Pop Cho and Sweet Ginger at The Breadfruit
88: La Jawab Kadahi Gosht at The Dhaba
89: Chicken & Waffles from Lo-Lo’s
90: Burrata at Humble Pie
91: Bruleed Foie Gras Torchon at Posh
92: Moroccan Nomad Stew at Chakra 4
93: Peking Duck at Gourmet House of Hong Kong
94: Mozzarella Sandwich at Pane Bianco
95: Egg White Omelette at Fez
96: Machaca From Los Dos Molinos
97: Shish Taook from Baiz Market
98: Pasties From Cornish Pasty Co.
99: Clams in Black Bean Sauce From Asian Cafe Express
100: Bruschetta From Postino
