19 Feb 1st–Feb 7th, 2024 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES | NEWS | FEATURE | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & CULTURE | MUSIC | CONCERTS | CANNABIS | CITY OF SPICE 2945 E. Bell Road, #102 After being disappointed by the Indian restaurants in town, the owners of City of Spice decided that instead of complaining, they’d open their own spot. Co-owner Azher Uddin and his wife, Bhoomi, both have hospitality in their blood, with their families in India running restaurants and catering businesses. At City of Spice, Uddin and his brother and business partner, Syed, want to provide a taste of home and are eager to share the cuisine with those who may be unfamiliar with it. This starts with explanatory slides rotating on the TV screens overhead that give details about specific dishes. The Uddins’ dedication likewise comes through in their friendly guidance while you order — and in every bite. There are shatteringly crisp dosa and rich, comforting malai kofta — fried balls of potato and paneer in curry — as well as familiar dishes, such as biryani and kebabs, all expertly executed and bursting with flavor. But take a look at the slides or ask the staff, and taste something you may not have tried before. COCINA CHIWAS 2001 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin are behind some of the Valley’s most beloved and buzzy restaurants, starting with the Tacos Chiwas taquerias and as co-owners of Bacanora, Espiritu and the recently opened Santo. With Cocina Chiwas, the couple has carved out some- thing that reflects where they are in their lives and as chefs, taking diners on a culinary journey from their Chihuahuan roots to a seat at their family table. You can smell the mesquite and pecan wood that fuels the grill and oven in the open kitchen, which chars meats, the Anaheim pepper that’s stuffed with queso menonita for the chile relleno and crisp open-faced quesadillas. The space inside is comfortable and chic. The desserts are stunners. Try the sweet corn panna cotta — creamy, beautifully set and full of rich, sweet flavor from the corn that plays well against seasonal fruit. THE DHABA 1872 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe This cozy, contemporary Indian restaurant, specializing in cuisine of the Punjab region of Northern India, is named after India’s roadside pit stops, where truck drivers go for a cheap, filling meal. And true to its namesake, The Dhaba is an affordable place to relax and indulge in awesome homemade breads, tandoori meats, deep-fried treats and street snacks called chaat. The menu here is long, but there’s a trick to trying it all. Order one of the three Thali options, which include hot masala chai, freshly baked naan and a house dessert. Pick between varieties of veggie curries or meat options to round out this complete meal. EL RINCONCITO DEL D.F. 8901 N. 12th St. There are endless taco options in Phoenix. El Rinconcito del D.F. is one of our favorite spots to visit, thanks to tender carne asada and al pastor and incendiary red and green salsas. But, El Rinconcito is more than a taqueria. It serves a wide-ranging menu throughout the day that includes burritos, tortas and huaraches. These oblong masa- built boats are a must to try, piled high with the topping of your choice and garnished with queso fresco, onion and cilantro. Full disclosure: From the outside, the building’s not a looker, but the hospitality and food inside are inviting, warm and comforting. FABIO ON FIRE 8275 W. Lake Pleasant Pkwy., Peoria Too often, West Valley residents have to be satisfied with second and third locations of restaurants from other parts of the Valley that they first read about years ago. But Fabio on Fire, born and raised in Peoria, is a rare exception to the rule that can go toe- to-toe with anything on the other side of town. Hailing from Domodossola, near Italy’s border with Switzerland, Fabio Ceschetti comes from a line of Italian bakers, and his pizza sports Top 100 Restaurants from p 17 Fabio on Fire (Photo by Dominic Armato) >> p 20
