Grand Canyon, Phoenix, Sedona and Flagstaff

[t19103]

Hello

I will be visiting Arizona for the firs time this Memorial Day weekend. I am flying into Phoenix, staying in Flagstaff and visiting the Grand Canyon.

What are the best LOCAL or REGIONAL items that I absolutely must try? I mean things that I cannot buy elsewhere or things that are not as good elsewhere.

Also, what are your suggestions for specific places to find such meals? I will be roughing it on this trip so it doesn't have to be fancy. If there is an upscale place that you recommend, that is also no problem.

Thanks so much!

Simone

PS
I have been a member of Chowhound for a while and have noticed that, no matter how straightforward the question is, there are people who will respond with more inquiries and state that they do not understand what the OP is looking for, etc. etc.

As, I have written, I am going to be in four different areas but fly into Phoenix. Star rating is irrelevant. Budget is not a concern. I want food that is local or regional or that is simply done better in the state. I have never visited before.

And, yes, I have researched restaurants (e.g. Kai) and dishes (pozole, pinon nut cakes, machaca) but the purpose of this board is to receive input from local people based on personal experiences. Any comments with your recommendations will be appreciated. I only have a few weeks before I visit and want to plan my excursions around my meals.

Thanks so much

[t19103]

Thanks guys! I will also post on the Southwest board/ Arizona board.

[Beach Chick]

Phoenix..
Carolina's Mex next to the airport..solid cheap dive that is excellent.
Lon's at the Hermosa or T. Cook's at the Royal Palms..just for the great food and vibe of AZ.

Sedona..
Elote Cafe
Garland's Lodge
Cowboy Club
Yavapai at Enchantment Resort for lunch..sheer beauty of red rock and good food.

[biga290]

Phoenix: Barrio Cafe and Gallo Blanco for the kind of modern Mexican that is very hard to find elsewhere.

Sedona: Elote. Same as above.

Flagstaff: Brix for local well-sourced meats and produce, somehat upscale. Criollo is owned by the same folks as Brix and is also well-sourced meats and produce. However it has more of a latin twist and is less expensive and more casual.

Grand Canyon: Had lunch last month at El Tovar. Food was just OK but dining on the rim is an experience that you should not miss.

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Gallo Blanco Cafe
401 W Clarendon Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85013

[scaheld]

Please make sure to search/post on the Southwest board as well since that one covers all the areas that are not Phoenix.

http://chowhound.chow.com/boards/6

Most on here would likely recommend Carolina's for delicious Mexican in a hole-in-the-wall sort of atmosphere. Awesome freshly made tortillas plus it's close to the airport!

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Carolina's Mexican Food Restaurant
1202 E Mohave St, Phoenix, AZ 85034

[johnseberg]

In Phoenix, I would direct you to the Fry Bread House, Dick's Hideaway, Rosita's Place, and Carolina's. Also, be sure to look at the Southwest board : http://chowhound.chow.com/boards/6

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Carolina's Mexican Food Restaurant
1202 E Mohave St, Phoenix, AZ 85034

Dick's Hideaway
6008 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85016

Fry Bread House
4140 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85013

Rosita's Place
2310 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85006