Blue Adobe GrilleFamiliar with New Mexican food? (No, not Tex-Mex, not Mexican, but New Mexican – with its own blend of spice, zing and taste.) If you are, you know that Blue Adobe Grille is the place to go. If you haven’t tried New Mexican food, this needs to be your destination.
Blue Adobe opened several years ago in Mesa to rave reviews. In 2001, they opened their downtown Chandler location. The Chandler spot, across the street from the plaza, is tastefully decorated, not cluttered with a great looking bar. It has a spacious patio dining section. The wait staff is friendly and very knowledgeable of the menu. It is obvious that they are proud of the food they serve.
For libations, Blue Adobe has a good wine selection, numerous on-tap beers (and a great selection of bottles – including all the Mexican ones) and a huge variety of margaritas (by the glass or by the pitcher, from the house margaritas to prickly pear and the high-end gold tequilas).
While you’re perusing the menu, order the homemade chipotle salsa. It has good texture and a wonderful smokiness from the chipotles. It is addictive. Other great starters include: the Adobe salad (fresh greens, goat cheese, roasted red pepper in an orange chipotle vinaigrette) – sweet and spicy at the same time; and the green chile lobster dip (think queso with good chunks of green chiles, spinach and sweet lobster claw meat).
As for main courses, there is something for everyone. There are combo platters with familiar items such as enchiladas, chimichangas and tamales. More unique items include beef tenderloin chile renellos (the panko bread crumbs make it extra crunchy); carne adovada (tender pork simmered in red chiles); and Southwest-inspired pizzas and pastas. Blue Plate Specials are far from ordinary – ancho-rubbed salmon, a beef tenderloin with a jalapeno béarnaise sauce (yum!), and an amazing chorizo-stuffed chicken breast with fontina cheese and an amaretto mushroom sauce. Each are served with green chile potatoes (twice-baked in a chile) and fresh sautéed vegetables.
Need a sweet to end the meal? Great choices abound. The manzana (apple) sopapillas with pecans and vanilla bean gelato is top-notch. The menu lists the crème brulee is listed as one of the best around, and since I’ve done a world-wide search for the best, I have to admit, it is awfully good. The chocolate chip pie with a jalapeno raspberry sauce will satisfy any chocoholic.
Blue Adobe is all about quality – fresh, local veggies; great cuts of meat; vanilla bean gelato and not just vanilla ice cream. These extra touches make the great creative dishes shine.
good to know: check the chalkboard for the daily specials – the chef has fun with these. Full lunch menu and an express lunch menu for those short on time.
what to wear: anything from shorts and tees to business dress accepted.
must haves: anything with the beef tenderloin; the manzana sopapilla.Blue Adobe Grille
144 N. Country Club, Mesa (480) 962-1000
10885 N. Frank Lloyd Wright, Scottsdale (480) 314-0550