Best Formal Dining '97

Best Formal Dining

Café Poca Cosa
88 E. Broadway

READERS' PICK: The fresh selection of traditional Mexican dishes at Café Poca Cosa (on the ground floor of the Clarion Hotel) changes daily. Entrees are written in Spanish on a chalkboard, which is brought tableside by a friendly server qua translator. What was moments ago indecipherable now sounds delicious. It is all delicious. For those who can't make up their minds, chef/owner Susana Davila offers the "Plato Poca Cosa," a mixed plate of cafe specialties in succulent meat and vegetarian varieties. Being strictly chef's choice, nobody but the chef knows what three-item combination will arrive, steaming, in front of the adventurous diner. Order a pitcher of margaritas and see if you don't feel like you're on vacation. Heaping portions of Mexico City-style pinto beans, rice, and warm tortillas are served in bowls to be passed around the table, family style. A comfortable, soft-lit dining room, lush garden patio, festive music, authentic cooking and warm hospitality make dining at Poca Cosa a singular Tucson experience.

READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: La Parrilla Suiza is a small Mexico City chain whose name means "The Swiss Grill," not for any hidden bank accounts, but for one of its many specialties: enchiladas suizas, enchiladas covered with sour cream and cheese, enough dairy products to set anyone thinking of the Alps. Other specialties are chilango favorites like chilaquiles, strips of tortilla chips coated in cheese and tomato sauce; grilled meat cutlets; and the best batter-dipped fish tacos in town. Both locations (2720 N. Oracle Road; and 5602 E. Speedway) are always hopping, reflecting the good food and service and the reasonable prices.

A REAL SCREAM: Tucson is world famous for its Mexican food, and one of our favorite places to partake of this Food of the Gods is El Parador, 2744 E. Broadway. The cuisine is excellent, and the distinctly outdoor dining indoors adds much to the experience. You can eat in the giant indoor courtyard, an open, airy space made intimate by a dense foliage of ficuses and other plants; or you can have a dinner party in one of the many spacious side rooms. Whatever your choice, this midtown spot promises an evening well spent.

1998 Winner: Café Poca Cosa