Pita House - Scottsdale

In the interest of full disclosure, I should say that I didn't have a good attitude about Pita House as soon as we walked in. However, they failed to meet even my very low expectations. The place is foul. The food was ok, but irrelevant because the restaurant was so dirty and gross and they sat us next to tubs of chemicals so I was breathing bleach or rat poison on whatever the whole time.

Jade Palace - Scottsdale

A big fat yawn for Jade Palace. Another place that's totally forgettable. Unremarkable food, unremarkable service, not a whole lot of point in going back.

Jalapenos - Scottsdale

I am crazy about Jalapenos in North Scottsdale. Spicy, yummy food with tasty margaritas. I like the green corn tamale, chile relleno, spinach enchiladas and the prickly pear margarita. Husband likes pretty much anything with the inferno sauce on it.

El Bruno's - Cuba (NM)

The best Mexican food I've ever had in my life was from El Bruno's. I'd say you should go visit, but you can't, because it burned the hell down. It was spicy, delicious,New Mexico style, it smelled wonderful, I can't say enough about it.

Garduno's - Albuquerque

I always think I'm going to like Garduno's, but rarely do. I think I just like the coconut margarita so much that I want so badly to like everything else. Stick with drinks and fajitas and don't venture too far off from the standards. DO NOT order nachos, it's a trick. It's a big plate of shredded lettuce.

El Pinto - Albuquerque

On vacation, we stopped at El Pinto, Mexican restaurant of choice for President Bush when he finds himself in New Mexico. I had the chile relleno dinner, it was nice. One of the kids had the best quesadilla I’ve ever seen. The tortillas were thick and soft, and the cheese was on top (two small tortillas stacked on top of each other with chicken, etc inside) Yum. Really pretty building, too.

Sam's Cafe - Phoenix

Went to lunch at Sam's Cafe at the Biltmore. The artichoke queso dip is naaaaaaaasty, it tastes like cheap beer. The free dessert is this bizarre white chocolate thing wrapped in a corn husk. The “rico rita” was delightful, and the grilled chicken quesadilla was very nice. Husband liked the fish tacos.