Emad and Amin Farah started out selling almond cookies and cracker bread at farmers markets in the Uptown and Old Town neighborhoods of Scottsdale, Arizona. But in 2018, the brothers’ market-stand venture evolved into a full-blown operation in a brick-and-mortar building. They opened Tala Food Market, a small Persian- Mediterranean grocery store in north Phoenix, that sells staples and Persian specialty ingredients, including rice, beans, and dried lime, feta cheese in brine, olives, pickles, jams, honey, spices, and dried herbs. They added a kitchen, too, where customers can purchase a variety of prepared Persian food, like falafels, chicken kabobs, kabob koobideh (grilled ground beef kabobs), and ghormeh sabzi (herb and beef stew). While at the farmers market, Amin crossed paths with a self-taught Iranian baker, Karim Yari, whom he invited to sell his baked goods in the store. After all, they’d nicely complement the prepared foods the Farahs had planned for the store. Yari enthusiastically accepted. TaTi Bakery inside Tala Food Market crafts traditional Persian pastries, cookies, and desserts, such as kolompeh (date and walnut pastry), ghotab (Persian pistachio-filled crescent pastries), raisin cookies, coconut cookies, and custom cakes for special occasions. Its divinely delicious baklava is widely known and very popular with locals. TALA FOOD MARKET A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN 2507 E. BELL RD., PHOENIX 480.796.2425 In the heart of Phoenix at 24th Street and McDowell, La Barquita Restaurant stands as a beacon of authentic Mexican cuisine, with its signature dish, birria, capturing the essence of Jalisco’s rich culinary heritage. Owner Jose Garcia brings a personal touch to this traditional stew, drawing from memories of assisting his grandfather at a birria stand in La Barca, Jalisco. La Barquita’s birria is a labor of love, meticulously prepared using Garcia’s grandfather’s cherished recipe. The process begins with selecting quality goat meat, which is then roasted to perfection. The meat is combined with a robust tomato- chile sauce, infused with a blend of herbs and spices, creating a savory and aromatic broth. This traditional preparation results in a dish that’s both hearty and flavorful. Other menu standouts include traditional molcajetes, chilaquiles, seafood entreés, tostadas, warm caldos, fajitas, and burritos filled with chile verde, carnitas, chile Colorado, and of course, that delicious birria. Enchiladas can be topped with red or green sauce, mole, or melted cheese. Beyond its culinary offerings, La Barquita offers a welcoming environment with its warm ambiance and friendly service. Bring the family, because a kid’s menu awaits, too. Affordable and approachable, La Barquita is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. LA BARQUITA FROM MEXICO, WITH LOVE 2334 E. MCDOWELL RD., PHOENIX LABARQUITAAZ.COM 602.275.5994 26 MAY 15TH - MAY 21ST | PHOENIX NEW TIMES | EAT 2025
