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| - Are you tired of, or bored with, the typical Sonoran fare that surrounds us on nearly every corner in the valley? If so, then you need to put one of the two locations of La Santisima on your list. The only things that you would recognize are the usage of the words: tortilla, taco, quesadilla, and burro. It's that unique.
I've eaten more times than I can count at 16th St, and several times in Glendale. Here's what you need to know between the two. The original 16th St is small, almost cramped. Parking is literally ON the street edge, and around the corner. It can be dangerous backing out of your spot into the northbound flow of 16th St. You will often find a wait to be seated, and there is no indoor waiting area, just a bench outside, and seating for perhaps six at the (full liquor) bar. You will more than likely be privy to your your neighboring diners' conversations, as well as bumping into them at the salsa bar. It's got wonderful ambience, certainly, but it's not for large-parties, or those having issues with claustrophobia, or anxiety that might be sparked due to tight quarters. Those using wheelchairs or scooters should go directly to Glendale. There is ample parking in the rear, and at neighboring venues. The dining room is at least twice, or thrice, that of 16th st, and there is patio seating along Glendale, outside. I've not ever had to wait there, due to the extra seating available.
The salsa bar gets much praise from other reviewers, and I'll get that out of the way first. Yes, there are a dozen, or perhaps 14 choices there. However, batches are kept small for freshness, and they may not have a couple of your faves once you've discovered them. However, there will certainly be ample remaining choices to top your light, airy, housemade(?) chips. Your first basket is gratis, but they do charge for extras (sometimes, LOL). It's very, VERY easy to ruin your appetite with these, due to the wonderful tastes and combos that you simply have not likely seen elsewhere. Chopped jicama, lightly salted w/cilantro? A roasted combo of several different peppers, and onions? Watermelon salsa? Peanut mole? You get the idea....
The menu lays out their special recipe combos pretty well. You can certainly get a standard type street taco plate, with or w/o rice and beans, with several of their takes on the standards, such as carne asada, al pastor, etc. The rice is simple, yet not your standard rosa-colored 'Spanish' rice. It even appealed to a former Asian g/f, who ate plain white rice as a staple. Beans are on the creamy side, more 'refried' than charro style....again quite tasty for their type. However, I almost always succumb to one of their bowls. All can be ordered as burro wrapped in a large tortilla, but I always get a bowl. Afterall, I know I will be semi-full from those chips! I've had the House Special bowl more times than I can remember, and it does not disappoint. But, I've explored out of my comfort zone a time or two, without disappointment.
Quesadillas come in a large fresh corn tortilla, unlike anything I've ever seen at another restaurant. That adds a unique texture and flavor to their already delicious fillings. However, if you think you would be put-off by it somehow, be sure you specify that you wish to have a traditional flour tortilla.
I have to make a special plug for their guacamole. Like other recipes, this one is unique, and darned yummy. They add cranberry, jicama, and I believe mango to your standard avocado blending. It's creamy green nirvana. Well worth that second basket of chips, for sure. Don't plan on sharing a small serving with any more than one other diner. Otherwise, violence could very well break out at your table.
Well then, it's time for dessert. This is perhaps the only reason I am hesitant to provide them with 5-stars. Frustration! Their take on a leche flan is quite different than what you're used to (that's the theme here, right?). Picture more of a tres-leches sponge-cake, because that's what it is (in my book), and what it should be called (to my thinking, LOL). Suffice to say, in the many times I've eaten here, it's been sold-OUT all but ONE TIME!!!! I even ask for it BEFORE I ORDER MY MEAL, just in the hopes of reserving one for myself at the end. No such luck, LOL.
Alright, it's time to go eat!
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