Green Chili Pork Enchilada, Richardson’s

BEST ENCHILADAS

Green Chili Pork Enchilada
Richardson’s
1582 E. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix
602-265-5886
burningembersphoenix.com

Smoky and succulent, these are the kind of enchiladas that make you forget calorie counts and fat grams. The roasted Anaheim chilies give off just enough heat to give the dish gusto without blowing your face off. $15

Beef Enchilada
Mango’s Mexican Café
44 W. Main St., Mesa
480-464-5700
mangosmexicancafe.com

No one does shredded beef like Mango’s. It’s marinated in celery, onion, tomatoes and spices for four to six hours and must also have voodoo magic in it, because it induces serious cravings. Wrapped in a corn tortilla and topped with succulent sauce and melted cheese, it’s hard to believe such a tiny package can bring such great joy. $4.75


BEST FRENCH FRIES

Parmesan Fries
Portland’s Restaurant
& Wine Bar
105 W. Portland St., Phoenix
602-795-7480
portlandsphoenix.com

I judge the quality of fries by how many I can eat before getting bored. I don’t think I could ever reach a saturation point with these beauties, delicately crisped and liberally coated with clumps of garlicky Parmesan. At happy hour, they’re $5. Encore, encore! $7

Trio of Fries
Bourbon Steak
7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale
480-513-6002
michaelmina.net/mm_bourbonsteak_scottsdale/

What devious mind came up with this evil plan: Fry potatoes in truffle oil then serve them with three sauces that are so outrageously delicious, you won’t know which way to turn. And, oh yes, offer them for free as an amuse bouche (a pre-meal palate tickler) so that diners crave them so much they’ll have to go back repeatedly to get satisfaction. This should be illegal.

BEST GUACAMOLE

Pomegranate Seed Guacamole
Barrio Café
2814 N. 16th St., Phoenix
602-636-0240

The freshest of the fresh, greenest of the green avocados are lightly tossed (not mashed) tableside with the usual suspects, and – wait, what’s this? Sweet, crunchy little nuggets? Pomegranate seeds are the not-so-secret ingredient that make this guac rock more than any other in town. $10.50

Seafood Guacamole
Maria Maria
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe (Tempe Marketplace)
480-449-3663
mariamariarestaurants.com

Guacamole purists may get their pincers in a knot over this one, but it’s quite a catch: It combines the clean, green flavor of the avocado with briny lump crabmeat and sassy shrimp salpicon to add zip. And it’s served up in one of the best-looking dining rooms in town. $15

Lamb Kebab Plate, Spices Mediterranean Kitchen

BEST KABOBS

Lamb Kebab Plate
Spices Mediterranean Kitchen
4040 W. Ray Road, Chandler
480-491-4777
spicesmk.com

Nearly every Middle Eastern restaurant in town overcooks its lamb into hard little pucks, but Spices is a welcome exception. Praise be to the chef – the meat is slightly pink in the center, as it should be. Even better, it’s dressed with a mouth-watering marinade and has a light, smoky taste from the grill. The sides are exceptional, too. $11.95 (with sides)

Koobideh Kebab
Persian Room
17040 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
480-614-1414
persianroom.com

Ground beef, minced onions and a whopping amount of seasoning is wrapped onto skewers and broiled. The result is a dish so aromatic you won’t know how all that flavor comes out of such a humble-looking package. $12.95

BEST INDIAN CURRY

Chicken Makhani
Curry House Flavor India
2051 W. Warner Road, Chandler
480-857-2277

This saucy little number takes the honors for its rich, buttery, tomato-and-onion-laced gravy. Even when it’s not ordered hot, the spices skyrocket it into a fury of curry that’s so irresistible, you have to mop up every last drop with traditional Indian naan bread. $12.95

Chicken Madras
Indian Paradise
15111 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale
480-483-9284
indianparadiseaz.com

The layers of flavor in this pungent curry overlap so much it’s difficult to explain what makes it so good. Maybe it’s the onion gravy or the creamy coconut milk. Maybe it’s the hint of mint. Like a good patchwork, just enjoy the finished result rather than dissecting the parts. $12.95