43: Pollo Colonial at Iruna
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We're working up our appetites for our huge Best of Phoenix issue, out September 30, with daily servings of Chow Bella's 100 Favorite Dishes from across the Valley -- in no particular order
Leave your suggestions for upcoming favorites in the comments section.
Visit our sister blog, Jackalope Ranch, for a companion series on 100 Creatives who make Phoenix a little more interesting for all of us. We'll be posting the next 42 picks daily through the rest of the summer.
Number 43: Pollo colonial at Iruna
This new tapas place in Old Town has enough tasty nibbles worth mentioning, but the pollo colonial stands out because I don't often come across memorable chicken dishes that make me eager to come back for more. (It might be a foodie cliche to hate on chicken as pedrestrian, but I'm not buying it -- as long as the bird is beautifully cooked.) Just thinking about it, I'd have a hard time visiting Iruna and not ordering this vibrant dish.
Moist and juicy inside, and lightly crispy outside, the chunks of meat are gilded in a light, sweet, spicy glaze that turns it into a sort of savory candy. Pink pickled shallots on top deliver the right acidic pop to get my mouth watering.
A bite of pollo, a sip of tempranillo, another bite, another sip . . . it could go on and on as far as I'm concerned.
The Favorite Dishes, so far:
44: Mozzarella Carozza at Aiello's Fine Italian Dining
45: Mofongo at El Coquito
46: Sticky Toffee Pudding at St. Francis
47: Steak Frites at Metro Brasserie
48: Black Cod with Acini de Pepe at Cafe Bink
49: Steak & Egg Sliders at Lon's
50: Taco Monterrey at Pepe's Taco Villa
51: Toro Tartare at Sushi Roku
52: Fish Tacos at Barrio Cafe
53: Reuben at Matt's Big Breakfast
54: Short Ribs at J&G Steakhouse
55: Mole Poblano at Los Sombreros
56: Chicken Fried Steak at Texaz Grill
57: Carne Asada on a Potato Pancake at The Vig
58: White Flannel Hash at Orange Table
59: Butterfish Tataki at Roka Akor
60: Eggs Maximilian at Harlow's Cafe
61: Chickpea Ceviche at Bombay Spice
62: Spiced Skirt Steak at Tuck Shop
63: Rib Eye Philly at SanTan Brewing Company
64: Albacore With Black Truffle at Crudo
65: Slice at Jimmy & Joe's Pizzeria
66: Lee's Combination at Lee's Sandwiches
67: Duck Curry at Sala Thai
68: Chicken Kabab at Med Fresh Grill
69: Cheese Course at Sweet Republic
70: La Potence at Le Chalet
71: Brisket at Bryan's Black Mountain Barbecue
72: Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup at The Roosevelt
73: Coq Au Vin at Vincent's Market Bistro
74: Cochinita Pibil Tacos at La Condesa Gourmet Taco Shop
75: Char Siu Bao at Phoenix Palace
76: Huevos Rancheros at Gallo Blanco Cafe
77: Italian Stallion at La Piazza Al Forno
78: Bourekas at Spices Mediterranean Kitchen
79: Warm Maine Lobster Salad at Modern Steak
80: Escargots En Croute at Petite Maison
81: Salumi at Quiessence
82: Okonomiyaki at Hana Japanese Eatery
83: Croissants at Essence Bakery Cafe
84: Coronado Coney at The Main Ingredient
85: Green Chili at Rito's Mexican Takeout
86: Soup Gyoza at Sens Asian Tapas & Sake Bar
87: Pop Cho and Sweet Ginger at The Breadfruit
88: La Jawab Kadahi Gosht at The Dhaba
89: Chicken & Waffles from Lo-Lo's
90: Burrata at Humble Pie
91: Bruleed Foie Gras Torchon at Posh
92: Moroccan Nomad Stew at Chakra 4
93: Peking Duck at Gourmet House of Hong Kong
94: Mozzarella Sandwich at Pane Bianco
95: Egg White Omelette at Fez
96: Machaca From Los Dos Molinos
97: Shish Taook from Baiz Market
98: Pasties From Cornish Pasty Co.
99: Clams in Black Bean Sauce From Asian Cafe Express
100: Bruschetta From Postino
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