A fresh seaside scent in the middle of the desert

The last couple of weeks have been hard for us Tucsonans. We cheered up by sticking together, comforting one another, and reviving our sense of belonging to this beautiful community. Which includes getting some comfort from comfort food of course. On one of these blue days we went to Mariscos Chihuahua for lunch. I love the fresh seafood they have here, even in the very hot Arizona summer the seafood is always fresh and delicious.

Do not expect the fancy/romantic seafood restaurants with a wine list and candles! This is prominently a lunch place, where you can also have an informal dinner. Your waitress will welcome you with a basket of delicious Mexican chips and salsa. Beware! You can get filled up just with those. On the other hand, why resist them? Especially if you have ordered a Mexican beer or, even better, a "michelada", which is a beer mixed in with tomato juice and lime; this turned out to be delicious, the best drink for a hot day, or a thirsty diner, or to nurse your hangover! Lemonade is also good. I personally don't like their margaritas because they come from a mix, but the tequila selection is good and you can have a "tequila a la bandera" if you are so inclined. Stay clear from the wine (just one or two choices of mini bottles, you can do better on a plane).

Now on with the food. Order freely from the menu, there is not a single bad item there (I sampled most!) In winter order fresh oysters, followed by a "caldo de mariscos" or seafood soup. It is really heavenly, spiced just right, and fulfilling with its side of real tortillas. If you are hungry, order instead one of the "platos". The seafood "a la veracruzana" is fantastic, so is the "pulpo" (octopus), and the whole fried fish (you can have it small, medium, or large!) Most "platos" are accompanied by rice, fries, veggies, and tortillas.

In summer do not hesitate and get the shrimp ceviche. I took several friends here, and the verdict is unanimous: best ceviche in this hemisphere! Enjoy it on top of the tostadas, or just by the spoonful if you are a purist. Ceviche, a north-pole cold beer, what else do you need on a hot Tucson day? I like everything on the menu, go several times and do a tasting, and discover your favorite. I also like the "ceviche bucket" you get when your order to take out, an ideal lunch for two for a slow summer aftrenoon by the pool.

Now for the ambiance: this place is very simple. Booths or tiled tables, bright and clean look, no fuss. The clientele seem to speak both English and Spanish, all waitress are bilingual. On Sunday you see many dressed-up families eating here after the Mass. A comforting, cozy, easy place to eat excellent seafood. When you are all done and you walk out you will be very surprised not to see a seashore, and fishermen mending their nets. This is the feeling of the place.


Mariscos Chihuahua
356 E. Grant Rd
Tucson, AZ (520) 884 3567
(other locations as well, see webpage)
http://www.mariscoschihuahua.com/Home_Page.php
open for lunch and (early) dinner every day
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