I’m way overdue for another adventure lunch.

Located on 16th Street, sandwiched between a dulceria and a cooler supply shop, La Condesa Gourmet Taco Shop is easy to miss if you aren’t looking for it. You should, however, look for it.

The small restaurant has a cool vibe with Mexican folk art lining the walls and a salsa bar with tons of options like fresh guacamole (They leave the pits to keep it fresh, just like my mom does).

On the menu: A variety of tacos, burritos and quesas. I tried the dogfish shark taco battered and fried with a tarter sauce and the Sonoran Carne Asada taco. A singe taco is $2.99, while a 2 taco combo with rice, beans and chips runs $6.99.

Their menu boasts fresh local ingredients where possible.

La Condesa Gourmet Taco Shop
1919 N. 16th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85006
(602) 254-6330

“It’s been awhile,” I replied.

Entirely too long, in fact. So today my husband and I tried the (relatively) new Filiipino/Mexican fusion restaurant, Karey’s Kitchen. The tiny spot sits on the corner of a strip mall at 40th Street and Thomas and consists of 3 tables and some seats along the wall.

The first thing we noticed post-entrance was the warmth. “Is this your first time?” asked the woman behind the counter and started fishing out marinated meats from several covered bins in front of her with toothpicks for us to taste. The first, Beef Caldereta was delicious and tender in a stew-like sauce. It was followed by Pork Adobo, which was also flavorful in a different, smokier way. The 2 women working behind the counter and in some cases, in the kitchen, chatted with a few of the other patrons like regulars.

Each day the restaurant has several specials which they serve with a side of white or fried rice. One item + rice is $5.50, 2 items is $5.99 and 3 is $6.99. We ordered our food (2 items each), which was ready in a matter of moments. Our meal was hearty and good, though not terribly spicy. The remedy, loads of interesting sauces: A banana sauce, which tastes a bit like sweet & sour, a sweet chili sauce, and a hot Tabasco/Sriracha blend.

There are other items on the menu as well: Egg rolls, burritos, sandwiches and noodles. They’ve recently opened for breakfast, serving omelettes and other egg dishes.

Karey’s Kitchen
4041 E. Thomas Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85018
(602) 955-2182
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Order at the counter.

The small but cozy dining room.

The menu board showing the daily specials.

An array of sauces.

Vegetable Chop Suey and Chicken Sotanghon.

Pork Adobo and Chicken Curry.