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].
65: Hawaiian Butterfish from Trader Vic's
We couldn't get to Trader Vic's fast enough when we saw this scrumptious photo of their Hawaiian Butterfish entree posted on Facebook. One of their most popular dishes, the chic, tiki-fied eatery of Polynesian fare at the Valley Ho in Scottsdale slowly cooks the butterfish, or escolar, a species of fish found in deep, tropical, and temperate waters, suspended from hooks from their wood fired oven -- a mammoth stove surrounded by glass in the dining area and whose origin, it's said, can be traced back to the Han Dynasty.
Hey, you had us at, "butterfish," Trader Vic -- rumored side effects of the swimmer be damned.
Yeah, we know, escolar (butterfish) is a bit of a controversial fellow, but hey, potential danger never tasted so good. Especially since each bite of the firm, white-fleshed swimmer was rich and succulent -- like a fattier swordfish.
Plus, there's the accompaniments of Jasmine rice, crunchy Daikon slaw featuring white daikon radishes and red and green peppers, and a delicate nest of sprouts.
The best part? The Hawaiian butterfish's plate lake of truffled yuzu vinaigrette, which tasted like a savory key lime pie sauce and elevated the flavor of everything that touched it.
A pretty dish packed with flavor. Color us smitten.
Miss a dish?
100: Beckett's Original Grilled Cheese from Beckett's Table
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
90: Slice of Pepperoni Pizza from Mamma Mia
89: Hot Bollix Spicy Potato Balls from Rula Bula
88: Chicken Lo Mein from Desert Jade
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
77: Artichoke and Clams from Iruna
75: Gollo Burro from Casa Reynoso74: Chicken Lettuce Wraps from Ticoz Resto-Bar
73: Brussels Sprout Salad from Chelsea's Kitchen
72: Short Rib Hash from Bonfire Grill
71: Grilled, Double-Pork Chop from Tarbell's
69: Paprika Schnitzel from Haus Murphy's
68: Roast Beef Sandwich from Hanny's
67: Lebanese Chicken from Middle Eastern Bakery & Deli
66: Shrimp Corfu from Romeo's Euro Café
Stomach full? Get some eye candy for dessert over on Jackalope Ranch with our Imagine PHX series.
