Asi Es La Vida

The cuisine at this casual-upscale Mexican restaurant in Central Phoenix is nearly as gratifying now as it was over 20 years ago, when then-owner and founder Moises Treves first brought his gourmet dishes celebrating the regions of Mexico to the Valley. Given its age, the building may seem a bit frayed, but inside, its softly lit rooms decorated with tables topped with white linen, paintings of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, and lazily spinning ceiling fans, make for an intimate place to unwind -- perhaps with a glass of sangria and outstanding dishes like an Acapulco-style shrimp cocktail, a heady soup, and outstanding signature plates of thinly sliced top sirloin, Veracruz-style fish, and enormous butterflied and garlicky shrimp you'd be forgiven for picking up and eating right out of their skins. Read our review.