25 Jan 26th–Feb 1st, 2023 phoenixnewtimes.com phoenix new Times | cONTeNTs | feeDBacK | OPiNiON | NeWs | feaTuRe | NighT+Day | culTuRe | film | cafe | music | FULL BAR! 2003 Bills of $35 or more Dine-In or Take Out Not Including Combinations Dinner Only Expires 12/31/23 Closed On Tuesdays $5 OFF 2050 N. Alma School Rd., #36 • 480.857.4188 New Neighbors Three new restaurants and cafes are opening in downtown Phoenix’s Heritage Square. BY GERI KOEPPEL D owntown Phoenix’s Heritage Square is gearing up to welcome three new places to eat and drink next month, giving a boost to the historic area known for its repurposed, quaint turn-of-the-20th century homes. Here’s what to expect. Latha 628 East Adams Street thediasporacollective.com Latha, which means “flavor” in Swahili, is opening in the Silva House which used to hold The Rose and Crown, directly across from Pizzeria Bianco. It should begin taking reservations in mid- to late February. “The menu is basically a celebration of the flavors of Africa and the African dias- pora: Brazil, the Caribbean, and the southern U.S.,” according to owner Evelia Davis. “That’s where most of the diaspora is and where they’ve had the most influ- ence on the food.” She’s working with Digby Stridiron, an acclaimed chef from St. Croix, to create the cuisine. Diners might see tagine from northern Africa, jollof rice from West Africa, or jerk chicken from the Caribbean, for example. One of the goals is to help people discover how food is intercon- nected throughout the diaspora, according to Davis. “Jollof is a really important dish in west Africa, but in the U.S., we have jambalaya,” Davis notes, which has many of the same components, like tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices. “As someone’s taking a bite, taking a sip, a lot of times there will be things that are familiar that will help them make those connections,” she says. And yes, the drinks will be as thoughtful as the food. “We’re curating a selection of wine, beers, and spirits that are owned, made, or designed by Black artisans,” Davis says. In addition to the restaurant, the space will designate one room as a soko, which means market in Swahili, to sell a curated selection of jewelry, clothing, and home decor. Davis, who has 30 years of corporate retail experience, already runs an online marketplace, The Diaspora Collective, showcasing goods made or designed by artisans from Africa and the African dias- pora, including local makers. Latha will eventually serve lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. A grand opening VIP dinner is planned for late February; ticket information can be found online. Que Sazon 622 East Adams Street instagram.com/quesazon_az Food truck fans undoubtedly remember the acclaimed Que Sazon, named Phoenix New Times’ Best Food Truck in >> p 26 At the new Que Sazon, look for dishes like mini arepas with pork and chorizo or pollo and mango. Evelia Davis’ new restaurant Latha is devoted to foods of Africa and the African diaspora. Que Sazon Evelia Davis | CHOW BELLA | t Café
