Is this local out-there fare worth the hype? Check out these three distinctive dishes and drinks to broaden your gastronomic horizons.
Artichoke Tea from Teabo Coffee & Sandwiches
More often than not, the mention of artichokes evokes ideas of dips, spreads, salads and pizza. However, artichokes are also the main component of the signature tea at Teabo Coffee & Sandwiches in Goodyear. It combines a carefully brewed artichoke tea with a scoop of basil seeds, grass jelly and crystal boba with ice. Artichoke tea is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine highlighted for its myriad health benefits. The tea itself touts a pronounced earthiness, subtle nuttiness and herbal notes and is complemented by the natural sweetness and fun textures of the boba, jelly and basil seeds, making for a singularly refreshing springtime sipper.
319 N. Litchfield Rd., Goodyear, 623-533-4355, teabocoffee.com
-Jr De Chavez
Pollack Pasta from Zu & Pocha
If you want to dip your toe in the water of Korean-style seafood, the pollack pasta at this Tempe fusion eatery from the owners of Scottsdale’s Zu Izakaya and Bei Sushi is a great place to start. This unique dish is made with squid ink noodles, pollack roe cream sauce, Parmesan, shiitake mushrooms and parsley. Don’t be deterred by the jet-black noodles – the squid ink-infused pasta has a distinct silky texture and salty taste that complement the creamy sauce and rich flavors of the cheese. The mushrooms and parsley add texture and variety. Think fettucine alfredo with a slightly fishy, fusion-y twist.
1212 E. Apache Blvd, Tempe, 480-590-2903, zuandpocha.com
-Sydnee Wilson
Goat Cheese, Honey & Pistachio Ice Cream at Churn
Goat cheese is commonly found in appetizers and entrées, but rarely crosses into dessert menus. However, at Churn in Uptown Phoenix, you’ll find goat cheese ice cream among everyday flavors like chocolate and vanilla. As a part of Churn’s limited-time summer menu, this is one of the interesting and unique seasonal flavors the ice cream shop churns out every July. The goat cheese, honey & pistachio ice cream is a fan-favorite – balancing the salty richness from the goat cheese base, sweetness from the honey, and earthiness of the pistachios.
5223 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-279-8024, churnaz.com
-Jr De Chavez
