Judi Friedman and Jerry Lankin
We’re two SaddleBrooke foodies forever seeking great places to eat! We’ll review two restaurants each month for taste and presentation, service, price, value, and ambiance. If you have a favorite eatery and would like to spread the word, please send us an email at [email protected].
Flaming Heart BBQ
1702 North Stone Avenue, Tucson, Ariz.
Kevin’s cell: 520-332-7363
Truck phone: 520-355-9968
As your Cooks were driving up Oracle, we passed the food truck, Flaming Heart BBQ, and decided to check it out. We had read so many great comments on Nextdoor that we were really curious. We were so glad we did! Jerry had a delightful conversation with Kevin, the owner. It turns out he ran a fine dining restaurant in Chicago before moving to Tucson. It took him four months to update and upgrade the truck to his own specification and make it a reality. He truly succeeded! While Kevin was preparing meals for another customer, we reviewed the menus—both the regular menu and the specials. The regular menu runs the gamut of BBQ dishes as well as some other enticing smoked dishes. Jerry went with one of the specials that had smoked brisket, pulled pork, and a hot link, along with beans and slaw. Judi went with the regular menu option of a grilled smoked turkey sandwich served on hearty sourdough bread with Swiss cheese, apples, and basil mayonnaise. All entrées are served with potato chips and your choice of coleslaw or potato salad.
With our meals packed up and safely stowed in the car, we were on our way back to SaddleBrooke. Once home, we set the table, opened our containers, and were really impressed by the generous portions. Judi took one bite of her sandwich and was so glad she decided to order the smoked turkey! The turkey was moist and flavorful, paired with the traditional taste of Swiss cheese, crunchy fresh apple, and basil mayonnaise—superb! Happily, there was the other half of the sandwich for lunch the next day. Jerry’s platter was equally as generously portioned. The brisket and pulled pork BBQ sauce was flavorful and appropriately smokey! He loved the flavors, the flavorful BBQ sauce, and the generous portions so as to have leftovers for lunch the next day. We understand that on some weekends Kevin offers crab cakes, which always sell out! Can’t wait to be able to enjoy them as well.
Taste and Presentation *****
Service *****
Price $$$
Value *****
Flaming Heart BBQ is highly recommended.
Elvira’s
2221 I-19 Frontage Road, Tubac, AZ 85646, 520-398-9421
www.elvirasrestaurant.com
Opening soon in DC Ranch, Scottsdale
We’ve gone far afield because of the popularity and quality of this fine dining Mexican restaurant. Elvira’s (pronounced El-veeras) is the gold standard of regional food from south of the border, specializing in moles and intriguing tequila cocktails. From the moment you enter, you know that you are in a special place. Thousands of glass teardrops hang from the ceiling, and the lighting puts you in the mood to accept what is to come. We were with family, Rob and Holly from Philadelphia, who have had experience with great Mexican food from their travels. We knew this was going to be a treat for all. Our server Chloe was quick to take our drink orders. Margaritas, made with fresh-squeezed limes and other exotics flavors, were perfect. Huge chips and an excellent medium-hot salsa came quickly. We ordered appetizers for the table to share. Perfectly prepared garlicky guacamole and the house cheese crisp, served with an arugula-based salad, almost filled us up. The main courses were each spectacular. Jerry had the Tongue Molcajete. Served in a superheated volcanic rock bowl with salsa verde, queso panela, cilantro, beans, guacamole, and corn tortillas, it dominated the table. Unquestionably the best tongue ever, a generous portion, moist and flavorful, with a sauce to die for. Sorry, I had to share. Judi had the Mole Poblano, their most popular, made with Mexican chocolate, peanuts, chile poblano, chile pasilla, and guajillo, sesame seeds, and cinnamon. A truly rich delicacy. Rob and Holly shared the grilled Cabrilla from the Sea of Cortez, topped with salsa verde, along with a side of house rice and beans. They said it was one of the best fish dishes they’ve ever had. Shared desert of flan, made with a touch of napoleon mandarin orange liquor, vanilla bean, and strawberry glaze, topped off a perfect meal. We spent a half hour touring their impressive attached home store with a huge inventory of furniture and nick-nacks. And if that wasn’t enough, their display of wine selections for purchase was impressive.
Ambiance *****
Taste and Presentation *****
Service *****
Price $$$$$
Value *****
Elvira’s is highly recommended.