June is National Lemon Month! When some people get lemons, they make lemonade and when others get lemons, they make seafood marinade. Whether you have a sweet tooth or a predilection for savory fare, check out these local restaurants using the tart citrus in new and exciting ways.
Picazzo’s Italian Kitchen
As the universal adage goes, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” This local Italian chain adds in a few extra ingredients including Espolòn Reposado tequila, Villa Massa Limoncello, simple syrup, lemon zest, and, of course, lemons to create its new limoncello margarita.
Five Valley locations, picazzos.com
El Chullo Peruvian Restaurant & Bar
Leche de tigre (“tiger’s milk”) is a traditional Peruvian marinade made from lemon juice, onion, cilantro, cancha (toasted corn) and choclo (a type of corn from Peru). Order leche de tigre as an appetizer or enjoy it in some of El Chullo’s protein-packed entrées including ceviche de pescado, ceviche mixto and ceviche de camarones.
2605 N. Seventh St., Phoenix, 602-279-8425, elchullorestaurant.com
Kahu Hawaiian BBQ
The juicy grilled chicken breast at this West Phoenix restaurant features a tangy lemon pepper sauce. Hawaiian barbecue fans can get this plate with a side of macaroni salad, crab rangoon, vegetable spring rolls, steamed rice or fried dumplings.
7509 W. Encanto Blvd., Phoenix, 623-245-8888
Churn
The Rodeo Queen ice cream flavor at Churn not only gives back to your taste buds with its refreshing lemon and strawberry flavor, but it also gives back to the LGBTQ+ community by donating one dollar of every scoop of Rodeo Queen purchased to One Community, a local advocacy group dedicated to bringing equal opportunities to LGBTQ+ community members. Rodeo Queen is made with lemon curd, lemon cupcake, strawberry syrup and topped with a miniature pink cowboy hat.
5223 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-279-8024, churnaz.com
Lolo’s Chicken & Waffles
Lolo’s Uncle Brotha’s Shrimp and Grits features a plate of seven fried jumbo shrimp sautéed with mushrooms, scallions, bacon, hot sauce and lemon zest, topped with cheddar cheese and served over grits. And why not pair this zesty lemon dish with a lemony drink? For lemon lovers 21 and over, there is a variety of interestingly named cocktails including the Purplesaurus Rex (gin, grape Kool-Aid and lemonade), Henny Drop (Hennessy, ginger syrup, lemonade and honey), Rooster Punch (red Kool-Aid, lemonade, vodka, gin, rum, triple sec, sweet and sour, and Sprite) and Blue Ivy (vodka, blue Kool-Aid, Sierra Mist and fresh lemon). Those seeking non-alcoholic lemon-themed beverages can enjoy a jar of homemade lemonade.
Four Valley locations, loloschickenandwaffles.com
