We’re excited as hell to introduce the Heavy Table Hot Five. Each Friday afternoon, this list will track five of the best things Heavy Table’s writers, editors, and photographers have recently bitten or sipped. Have a suggestion for the Hot Five? Email editor@heavytable.com.
The Chimichanga at Saguaro
“Saguaro’s chimichanga was lightly fried and crisp but not greasy. Its mix of beans, rice and meat (in our case pork) hit a golden ratio that made for substantial dining without any one filling overwhelming the others. Its poblano-cheese layer was comfortingly present but not a gooey pool of salty dreck. In short, this is a chimichanga worth traveling for.”
Pecan Pie at A Baker’s Wife
“Heavy Table’s judges were wowed by the ‘nice big pecans’ on the Baker’s Wife pecan pie, which was praised for its ‘nicely balanced’ gooey / crunchy texture and ‘great, caramel-y crust.’”
Bent Paddle Brewing’s Cold Press Black
“The coffee really leads with this beer, and that’s a good thing: Its body is a rich, roasty, clean, natural coffee flavor without any unpleasant bitterness or hollow artificiality to it. The beer itself is mild, gentle, and retiring — a perfect canvas for the bold, strong paint of coffee flavor.”
Our review of Cold Press Black
Corn Pancakes at Maria’s Cafe
“These enormous pancakes are served perfectly golden brown and crisp on the edges, with the requisite scoop of butter melting on top.”
Our review of Maria’s Cafe corn pancakes
Festbier at Fair State Brewing Cooperative
“Count us as huge fans of their Festbier — with just a touch of caramel sweetness up front before waves of comforting malt cascade to a clean finish.”