In this (short-lived, we hope) series, the PHOENIX magazine editorial and art teams share what quarantine is like for them, from who they’re sheltering in place with to where they’re ordering takeout.
What has been your quarantine takeout of choice?
Craig Outhier – Editor-in-Chief
There are two places in my ’hood that I’ve made a point to patronize as much as possible, because life (and, possibly, my property values) would be poorer without them: Luci’s at the Orchard, which was a blighted former nursery at one point but is now such a handsome property, with a handy drive-thru window where you can order wood-fired pizza, roasted Brussels and other well-executed quasi-Mediterranean gems from the adjacent Pomelo restaurant; and moto sushi, which has the best beer program I’ve ever seen at an Asian restaurant and is my go-to after-hike haunt. You can get a “crowler” (canned growler) of takeaway beer there, along with a tasty maki roll.
Leah LeMoine – Managing Editor
My partner, Matt, is a takeout fiend, so we have definitely indulged quite a bit even as I’ve been cooking a lot more at home. He’s a Texan, so we’ve hit nearby NakedQ for his regular cravings of brisket, pulled chicken, beans and mac and cheese. We also popped by our regular “date night” (is it still called date night when you don’t have kids and every night is basically date night?) spot, Crazy Mike’s Wings, for the crunchiest, most succulent chicken wings in the Valley. We always order a mess of the Crazy Mike’s signature dry rub and a saucy batch or two – maybe sweet Thai chile, Korean garlic or Parmesan garlic.
Madison “Maddie” Rutherford – Associate/Digital Editor
Postino was one of my favorite pre-quarantine places in the Valley, and I’m so glad I can still savor the sumptuous cheese board and bruschetta from the comfort and safety of my apartment. Just add wine for the perfect at-home happy hour.
Judy Harper – Calendar Editor
I tasted my first Mexican food after moving to Phoenix in 1972 and quickly discovered that just about anything you consume at a Mexican restaurant will likely be a party in your mouth. I’ve been a Mexican food junkie ever since and was delighted to recently discover the new-to-me Someburros, just down the street. It’s my new comfort food go-to, with time-tested and wallet-friendly family recipes served in generous portions and available for drive-through and counter pickup, or delivery through DoorDash.
My habit-forming favorites are the signature pollo fundido slathered in jalapeño cream cheese (pictured) and the Someburros bowl with pollo asado, rice, beans, lettuce, guacamole, cheese and tomatoes. Taco Tuesday – $2.25 shredded beef, shredded chicken, and ground beef and potato tacos – and individual-sized takeout margaritas have turned this local into a regular. Buen provecho!
#MyQuarantine15
#LiveByFaithNotFear
#JudyJudy
Mirelle Inglefield – Art Director
This yummy spectrum of sashimi and nigiri varieties from Sushi Brokers Arcadia is my to-go choice. It was a treat before the COVID lockdown and a treasure today. I will never take dining out for granted again!
Angelina Aragon – Associate Art Director
A little pickup order to go from La Carreta De Lily is a nice treat. We get mango lokos and fresas con crema. This has been one of the only places that I make a conscious effort to go to. It’s also down the street from my house, so that helps, haha. I never realized how much I crave mango with Tajín and chamoy until this quarantine.
