Best Mexican (No Lard) '97

Best Mexican (No Lard)

El Saguarito Mexican Food
7216 N. Oracle Road

READERS' PICK: We all want that promised future free of heart disease, but are we ready to give up Mexican food? Hardly. And that's just what Albert and Blanca Vasquez decided eight years ago when they opened El Saguarito--traditional, family cuisine that caters to the ticker and the gullet. A feat more amazing than triple by-pass, the Vasquez's revamped their Mexican recipes, removed all need for animal lard (including the tortillas!), and substituted canola oil and salutary creativity in their great kitchen concoctions. Items like green corn tamales, nopalitos colorados, burros and chimichangas can be found on El Saguarito's El Corazón Contento menu (with less than 21 percent of calories from fat), designed with input from the University Heart Center. Forget the guilt of dining out: Drop by El Saguarito whenever the urge arises. You, too, will say hóla canola and adiós brussels sprouts.

READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: La Indita, 622 N. Fourth Ave. Ordering a la carte from La Indita's star-studded menu (stars mean no lard) may be the best way to approach a vegetarian meal here: Offerings include guacamole tostadas, cheese enchiladas, chile rellenos, chalupas, beans and rice. Meat-free burritos are available as well, filled with potatoes and eggs, or beans and cheese. Daily specials may even be vegetarian, like the calabacitas plate with beans, rice and a tortilla for $4.95. Colorful murals and storefront windows looking out onto the avenue give diners additional food for thought. The service is friendly, the horchata sweet and fresh, and the beer is as it should be: Mexican, cold and served in a short, thick, frosted glass.

A REAL SCREAM: With Sedona red-rock walls and polished concrete floors, The Black Bean Burrito Bar & Salsa Co. (2965 N. Campbell Ave.) is a place that's all-Arizona. There's a "Build Your Own

1998 Winner: La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill