Seafood lovers in Phoenix don't need to trek to coastal cities to find top-notch mariscos and other ocean delicacies. Two restaurants in the area are drawing in crowds with their unique takes on seafood dining, bringing a taste of ocean fare to the desert landscape with a cultural flair. South Phoenix's Mariscos El Dorado Sinaloa has just re-emerged from a revamp, promising a menu that fuses traditional Sinaloa seafood with an electric atmosphere. Up north, on High Street, Humble Oysters and Bubbles is making waves with its affordable yet upscale seafood offerings, a brainchild of Chef Jorge Gomez who previously impressed foodies on the reality show Chopped.
The renovated Mariscos El Dorado Sinaloa held its grand reopening on February 8th, boasting a 9,000-square-foot space where family tradition meets modern zest. According to Phoenix New Times, attendees were treated to a dynamic charrería performance and live music, highlighting the lively spirit of Sinaloa that the restaurant aims to encapsulate. Carlos Cardenas, the founder, has designed an expansive menu featuring over 120 items, including behemoth sushi rolls, sizzling carne asada, and the popular Torre de Mariscos El Dorado.
Humble Oysters and Bubbles, the newcomer on the block, sticks out with its promise of great seafood minus the hefty price tag. The eatery's menu draws inspiration from Gomez's childhood near the beaches of Hermosillo, Mexico. As azfamily points out, Gomez is on a mission to showcase the "phenomenal flavor" of oysters, eschewing the typical cocktail sauce or Tabasco accompaniment for more nuanced pairings like a Korean Gochujang-infused cocktail sauce. The restaurant also boasts a tantalizing selection of nearly one hundred wines, sparkling wine, and champagne, making sure guests have the perfect pairing for their seafood.
While Mariscos El Dorado Sinaloa rides the waves of its grand reopening, Humble Oysters and Bubbles is fast becoming a local favorite since its launch last October. The restaurants collectively embody Phoenix's growing seafood scene, each in its way chipping in to add depth to the city's gastronomic diversity. Chef Gomez of Humble Oysters and Bubbles told azfamily, "We are always trying to get phenomenal oysters: different sizes, different shells, different colors," capturing his dedication to offering an oceanic journey to diners.
