180 Best of phoenix 2023 | WWW.bestofphoenix2023.c0m | septemBer 28, 2023 yellow, green and a stewed version called estofado. As stand-alone dishes, the moles come with rice and tortillas and either chicken or pork. But the rich, spicy sauces can also be found throughout the menu, tucked into tamales or empanadas, spooned over enchiladas or served with chips to dip. Though there are many good options to try, we prefer the Moles de Fiesta, a shareable sampler platter with stripes of black, red and estofado mole. The black mole has the characteristic sweet, choc- olatey flavor, while the red packs some serious heat. However you enjoy them, dipped, scooped or spooned, these moles transport diners straight to Oaxaca. Best Guacamole CALL HER MARTINA 7135 E. Camelback Road, #165, Scottsdale 480-687-8592 callhermartina.com The guacamole at Scottsdale restaurant Call Her Martina is about so much more than the avocado. Yes, the guac itself is creamy, well-balanced and delicious. But the cascade of ribeye chicharrones poured overtop along with a scattering of pome- granate seeds takes this dip to the next level. All together, the combination is smooth, salty and savory with pops of sweetness, and good enough to eat on its own. Pair this decadent dip with a craft cocktail at this upscale, swanky Mexican restaurant. Grab a seat at the bar and tuck in as you enjoy the people-watching during an evening in Old Town. Best Mexican Sushi SUSHINOLA ROLL 5930 W. McDowell Road, #103 623-271-9920 3824 W. Indian School Road 602-503-0051 sushinolarolls.com To the uninitiated, Mexican sushi can be a bit of a shock. As we wrote in 2016, it’s a “Mexican- Japanese fusion concept whose hallmark is the deep-fried sushi roll, stuffed with unconven- tional ingredients like steak and bacon and gener- ously garnished with boldly flavored sauces.” The best examples of the genre that we’ve found are in Phoenix at Sushinola Roll’s two locations. The Sushinola Roll menu is divided into three main sections: natural rolls, bread rolls and baked rolls. Like tradi- tional sushi — and traditional Mexican food, for that matter — Mexican sushi tends to use a core group of ingredients in many different menu items. We love the Crispy Roll, which blends spicy crab salad, seaweed, shrimp, avocado, cucumber, cream cheese and rice, topped with breaded shrimp, spicy eel sauce, crispy onions and chipotle sauce. The quintes- sential Mexican sushi roll is the Cielo, Mar Y Tierra (Sky, Sea and Land), a heavily breaded, dense combination of avocado, cucumber, cream cheese, chicken, meat and shrimp. Make sure you come hungry. Best Mexican Seafood MARISCOS PLAYA HERMOSA 1605 E. Garfield St. 602-462-1563 mariscosplayahermosa.com Ask anyone in town for a Mexican seafood recommendation, and Mariscos Playa Hermosa will likely be their response. And for good reason: This colorful spot has earned its place at the top of the Phoenix mariscos mountain. The massive selection of always-fresh seafood spans cold ceviches and aguachiles to bacon-wrapped shrimp, saucy seafood entrees and whole fried fish. Seafood dishes pair perfectly with drinks such as the Spicy Mami, a watermelon and chiltepin blend; the La Ofrenda, a black- colored margarita; or the absinthe mojito. Bring a crowd and plan to share at this high-energy spot. On weekends or occa- sions, plan ahead and reserve a table because although Mariscos Playa Hermosa is large, big groups often fill up the space with birthday parties and celebrations. Best Ceviche TUMI 2.0 1245 W. Guadalupe Road, Mesa 480-868-7682 tumi2az.com Who said the pick for ceviche had to be Mexican? His sojourn to the West Valley now complete, Chef Oscar Graham recently opened Tumi 2.0 in the space that
