My first trip to Scottsdale, Arizona, was a 48-hour adventure that left me yearning for the next time I can return to the desert.  I flew into Phoenix on a Friday evening and within a quick 30 minutes was walking into dinner with a friend who had lived in Scottsdale for years.  I was lucky this trip with a tour guide to show me the best of what the Arizona desert has to offer.  He picked SOL Mexican Cocina in the Scottsdale Quarter for my first meal in Scottsdale.  It was a lovely evening with a slight coolness to the air so the warmth of the fire glow on the outdoor terrace was welcome.

While the Organic Slim Margarita I had while waiting for a table was delightful, once we sat down, I splurged on SOL’s ultimate margarita. The Grande Clase Azul Margarita made with Clase Azul reposado with fresh lime juice, agave nectar and Cointreau shaken tableside.

From the antojtos (appetizers), the shrimp taquitos and coconut calamari sounded appealing, but we had to go with the Guacamole SOL, their naked guac topped with mango, tequila, creamy goat cheese, toasted pepitas and cilantro served up with crispy tostadas because I can’t go to any Mexican restaurant without ordering guac!

I couldn’t decide between two of their specialty tacos.  I’m a huge fish taco fan so the Fish Taco “Gobernador’ was a given for me.  It’s wild-caught fish pan roasted with lemon and garlic then served on a taco dorado with cheese, salsa, avocado, onion, cilantro, pico, and lettuce.  

My other selection was the Filet & Shrimp ‘El Jefe.’  The ‘El Jefe’ is grilled angus filet topped with two agave-chile shrimp then topped with melted cheese, slice avocado, and served with a spicy roasted green chile salsa.  

The two tacos were very different, delicious, and bursting with flavors.  It was a combo of two of my favorite street tacos done in an elevated way with a side of black beans topped with pico and queso fresco.  Pure Mexican food heaven to me!

Wish I could have saved room for the ‘La Guera’ Blondie or Nachos Dulce for dessert but the sweetness will have to wait until the next visit.  I was stuffed from a wonderful dinner at this Baja-inspired Mexican restaurant.