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The Mission
3815 N Brown Avenue, Scottsdale | 480-636-5005

Matt Carter is one of the Valley’s premier chefs when it comes to culinary magic.  The menu he created for his new Latin American restaurant, The Mission does not disappoint and contains the most amazing dish I have ever tasted.

Yes, the restaurant has a sext look with its black, gothic chandeliers and mysterious dark interior lined by big-framed mirrors.  And there is an adorable, candlelit patio with an inviting brick fireplace.  There is even a free parking garage across the street to save you the frustrating search for those rare parking spots in Old Town.

And, then there is THE dish.  Listed under Starters, the Almejas al Vapor ($14) is a rich seafood broth swimming with clams, shrimp, chorizo and grilled corn.

“How is it?” our server inquired.

Words failed me and I blurted out uncontrollably: “I could sleep in this.”

I was not kidding.  I could.  The warm liquid was soothing.  It made me feel cozy.  I am going to buy a lottery ticket and if I win, I shall buy a Jacuzzi and fill it with this stuff and just live in it.  Floating, napping, slurping.  Heaven.

Companion had quite a beginning to his evening, as well. He is an avocado freak and although the price is steep: the tableside prepared guacamole ($12) is a sight to see.  A server appears with a wheeled cart that hold small bowls containing everything needed to make fresh guac as you watch.

Like the music overhead which shifts from a mellow hip-hop to an instrumental salsa and then to classic James Brown, The Mission menu has something for everybody.

Sur there are main meals like the Chilean Salmon with Padron peppers and huitalacoche crema ($24) of the Uruguayan Beef Rib Eye ($32) served with chilaquiles, a traditional dish of tortilla strips simmers in a meaty salsa.

With so many choices, we decided to stick to some small plate selections.  We could not decide which was better, the trio of perfectly seasoned Chicken Tacos ($10) of the mind-blowing Tecate Skirt Steak Tacos ($10) with its beautiful green chili salsa flavored with lime and cojita, a rich crumbly cheese.

I have developed a passion for those thin sweet potato fries now all the rage.  The Mission Fries ($6)  were crisp and flavored with lemon, chile and cumin and arrived alongside a delicious white sauce for dipping.  I could have done without the regular potato shoestrings mixed in to dip in the accompanying boring ketchup. 

I do not usually imbibe, but another addiction I would need to go to rehab for if it were just not so difficult to find, is the juice of a blood orange.  The Mission has an extensive specialty cocktail list, including 54 kinds of tequila, and there it was, calling out to me.

Just like Alice in Wonderland who could not resist the tag that read “Drink Me,” I was powerless against the Blood Orange Margarita ($12). 

Casa Nobles Crystal Tequila mixed with pressed lime, blood oranges and Grand Marnier (drool).

I will also have to install a cold-plunge pool filled with this magical orange elixir when I need a break from my warm broth Jacuzzi bath.