Artichoke and Clams from Iruña

Last year we marked the hundred day countdown to Best of Phoenix by sharing our 100 Favorite Dishes with you. Now we're back - with the 2011 edition. Have a suggestion for a dish you'd like us to try? Leave it in the comments section or email [email protected]. 77: Artichokes...

By Erica O'Neil

June 15, 2011

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Last year we marked the hundred day countdown to Best of Phoenix by sharing our 100 Favorite Dishes with you. Now we're back - with the 2011 edition. Have a suggestion for a dish you'd like us to try? Leave it in the comments section or email [email protected].

77: Artichokes and Clams from Iruña

Seafood is Arizona is generally the butt of a joke rather than the makings of a tasty night on the town. Good thing for us, Iruña is around to make our landlocked stay just a bit more briny with their fresh shellfish tapas. Take your pick with scallops, calamari, octopus, and shrimp on the menu, all of which are sweet seafood gems. There's plenty to choose from, but the tapas we can't seem to get enough of are the steamed artichokes and clams.

Kick back at the bar or relax on their spacious patio and absorb the modern, Spanish vibe while you sip a glass of the house sangria or a tall glass of Tempranillo. Then order a platter of artichokes and clams (and maybe some Pollo Colonial for good measure). You'll be rewarded with fresh and juicy clams surrounded by steamed artichoke hearts afloat in amazing white wine broth. While the clams and 'chokes are great, we guarantee it's the broth you'll be obsessed with sopping up. Seafood in the desert? No joke.

Miss a dish?

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99: Golden Gazpacho from Rita's Kitchen

98: The Med Plate from La Bocca

97: Cash Sandwich from Main Ingredient Ale House

96: Sonoran Hot Dog from Nogales Hot Dogs

95: Fattoush Salad from Al-Hana Restaurant at Baiz Market

94: Croissant from Essence Bakery Cafe

93: Funghi Pizza from The Parlor

92: Baynchaiv Crepes from Sekong by Night

91: Caldo de Res from Pitic

90: Slice of Pepperoni Pizza from Mamma Mia

89: Hot Bollix Spicy Potato Balls from Rula Bula

88: Chicken Lo Mein from Desert Jade

87: Spicy Broccoli from FnB

86: Barra Vieja Shrimp from Mucho Gusto

85: Wild Mushroom Ravioli from Merc Bar

84: Cochinta Pobil from Taberna Mexico

83: Filet and Crab Cake from Cheuvront

82: The Dragon Roll from Stingray Sushi

81: Cornmeal Crusted Calamari from Kitchen 56

80: Mongolian Delight from Loving Hut

79: Pappardelle Bolognese from Amaro Pizzeria

78: Torta El Rey from Torta El Rey

Stomach full? Get some eye candy for dessert over on Jackalope Ranch with our Imagine PHX series.

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