Enjoy Amazing Mexican Fare When Visiting Phoenix

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If the closest you've ever gotten to "Mexican Cuisine" is a visit to your local Taco Bell franchise, then you should really take advantage of the multitude of authentic fine Mexican restaurants during your visit to Phoenix, Arizona. Texas, Arizona, and California have, understandably, the very best selection of south of the border cuisine in the United States: here's more about what you can expect when you visit one of Phoenix's best.

There are over 500 Mexican restaurants to choose from in the greater Phoenix area, and each one offers something unique to its customers. More than 400 years ago, before the influences of the explorers really took effect, the Mexican diet staples were corn-based dishes with a variety of spices and chiles. They also were fond of beans as a reliable source of protein and took advantage of the seasonal availability of tomatoes, avocadoes, squash, papayas, guavas, and other indigenous food stuffs.

Today's Southwest Mexican cuisine retains much of its original flavor, but also reflects the Spanish influences that came with the Conquistadors with the addition of garlic, onions, wine, and various meats. Although corn is still the staple in most Phoenix restaurants' offerings, food wrapped in flour tortillas is also popular. Arizona's climate is more suitable to wheat growing than it is to corn, and locally-produced flour tortillas are a real treat.

Tamales

Traditional Mexican tamales are a must-have: after all, you will never find these at Taco Bell and this authentic dish is especially well-suited to the Southwest spices that make it really special. Steam-cooked corn dough are filled with chiles then wrapped in corn husks and baked. Although post-colonial traditions allowed for the use of meats as fillings, more traditional fare simply contains chiles that have been roasted to perfection. Red or green salsa can be added to the filling, or try one of 9 different varieties of "mole" sauce.

What To Drink

Chocolate was a native indigenous food to pre-Columbian Mexico, and it forms the basis for many of the country's most traditional drinks. Champurrado is a sweet warm drink that is often served with tamales but that is also popular for breakfast. Chocolate-based, its consistency is thickened with hominy flour and milk. Although individual recipes vary, it usually contains cinnamon for flavoring along with anise seed and native vanilla bean. The alcoholic version of this delicious beverage may knock your sombrero off, so imbibe with care.

During your stay in Phoenix, why not give your taste buds a vacation as well by visiting a truly traditional Mexican restaurant?

About the Author:
Arizona Outdoor Fun & Real Arizona Reviews (http://www.realarizonareviews.com/) is a restaurant dining guide. Art Gib is a freelance writer.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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