Wild Mushroom Ravioli from Merc Bar

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] 85: Mushroom...

By Erica O'Neil

June 3, 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]

85: Mushroom Ravioli from Merc Bar

Setting foot in Merc Bar will instantly transport you from a blistering desert to a low-lit, swanky speakeasy. There's no need to worry about chancy back alley firewater here, though. Merc Bar knows how to pour the perfect bourbon or craft a classy cocktail in equal measure. Just don't let the atmosphere distract you from one very important feature, the bitsy little bar chef's kitchen that churns out awesome small plates. Spiced marcona almonds, jalapeno crab dip, sweet-n-savory balsamic ricotta cheese, decadent choco mousse, and best of all, wild mushroom raviolis bathed in a rich white wine reduction.

The wild mushroom ravioli from Merc Bar are half dozen homemade pillows cooked to al dente perfection and stuffed with a savory, melt-in-your-mouth mushroom bliss. A garlic-infused white wine sauce bathes the raviolis in silky decadence, and shaved pecorino cheese cuts the richness of the dish with a pungent bite. The balance of all the flavors had us (literally) licking the plate to ensure we didn't waste a single morsel.

Miss a dish?

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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

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89: Hot Bollix Spicy Potato Balls from Rula Bula

88: Chicken Lo Mein from Desert Jade

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

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