Cubano, Tortas El Güero

BEST SANDWICHES

Cubano
Tortas El Güero
611 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler
480-963-2633

The Cubano is no sandwich for the weak, the faint of heart or those short on appetite. It’s served on a soft yet hearty mini-loaf of bread as big as your head, stuffed silly with sliced ham, pork and fried steak, and topped with queso fresco, shredded lettuce, tomatoes and pickled jalapeños. It’s a work of art, architecture and culinary prowess all in one. $6.50

Mozzarella, Tomato & Basil
Pane Bianco
4404 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
602-234-2100

Talk about “from scratch.” The focaccia dough for the sandwiches is made fresh every morning and cooked in a wood-fired oven every five minutes. The mozzarella is house-made, and the basil and tomato are locally grown. And yes, this is the same Bianco of Pizzeria Bianco fame, so would you expect any less? $8


BEST SOUPS

Gazpacho
Havana Café
4225 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix
602-952-1991
havanacafe-az.com

Soup can be a hard sell in Phoenix for most of the year, but not if it’s the gazpacho here. The zesty, traditional-style recipe, made with chunky tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers and onions – served cold – is always in season. $6.50

Pho Tai Bo Vien
Saigon Pho
1381 N. Alma School Road,
Chandler
480-786-8828

It might include Chinese five spice, but you’ll swear this highly scented pho (pronounced “fuh”) contains hundreds in its beef broth. This sliced beef and beef ball soup stands on its own and will make a meal, but it’s even more of a knockout when you stir in some fresh basil, bean sprouts and sriracha hot chili sauce. $5.95


BEST SPRING ROLLS

Shrimp Spring Rolls
Da Vang
4538 N. 19th Ave., Phoenix
602-242-3575

Spring rolls can be judged on the quality of the filling. You’ll find no brown lettuce, puny shrimp or tough pork here – it’s all top-notch, from plump shrimps and delicate pork strips to crispy greens and herbs. A dark, thick peanut sauce for dipping adds extra oomph. $2.25

Tofu Spring Rolls
Latitude 8° Thai Grill
11 W. Boston St., Chandler
480-722-0560
latitude-eight.com

Oh, don’t give me attitude about tofu – you’ll love it in these lively and attractive wraps, which are also filled with crunchy lettuce, Japanese noodles and a hint of mint, with sweet and sour sauce on the side. $6