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| - I came here with a group of fellow native New Mexicans living in the Phoenix area, constantly searching for Mexican or New Mexican food that even HOLDS A CANDLE to what we eat at home. We basically consider ourselves Mexican food experts. We know what we're doing! Lol
I do have to say Frank and Lupe's puts up a good fight. I go into each Mexican joint with pretty low expectations, because I've been disappointed so many times in the past. But I was indeed pleasantly surprised!
Sat on the patio and loved it -- great atmosphere! Love the decor and lights in the palm trees. My group of friends ordered a pitcher of margaritas and were quite pleased. I ordered the combination plate with a rolled enchilada, tamale, a chile relleno, and a taco -- I wanted to sample several items at once. Oh and I ordered it with hot red chile sauce covering the plate.
Surprisingly, the red sauce tasted pretty close to what we eat in NM. I've heard lots of horror stories about Mexican restaurants passing off tomatoe-y sauces as red sauce. I was worried about what I'd actually get on my plate. But no, again, the sauce gets a thumbs up from me! The relleno was perfect, gloriously greasy and stuffed with gooey white cheese -- right on!
And the tamale was actually BETTER than most I've had back home! The masa surrounding the meat had this amazing texture to it and wasn't too dry or too moist. (I've had a lot of shitty tamales in my life!)
NOTHING outside of New Mexico is truly truly truly up to my standards lol. But Frank and Lupe's is, by a landslide, the best Mexican food I have had in my 6 months living in Arizona. I think I have finally found a place to satisfy my cravings and homesickness!
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