"Outpost for modern Mexican fare, imaginative salsas and local craft beers with a dog-friendly patio in the heart of Tucson ... As featured on the Food Network, New York Times, and Travel Channel; Tucson City of Gastronomy Certified; James Beard Award Semifinalist."



That makes you want to dine at BOCA by Chef Maria Mazon, too, right? I first heard of the chef on TV - both Chopped and Top Chef. And her philosophy on Mexican food includes descriptors as "Elegant, Colorful, Original, Fresh" - that's the kind of Mexican food they're dishing out.



The authentic Sonoran, Mexican cuisine features tacos made with corn or flour with cabbage, guacamole, limes, pickled onions, and so many options for salsas. Everything was flavorful and had a variety of textures and fresh components.



We had fried tortilla strips with fresh salsas, which was grand. And I tried a Boca Ball, which was chipotle mashed potatoes rolled in Panko bread crumbs and fried, served with Boca dipping sauce. Phenomenal. Of course those tacos, though, stole the show. THE DAN GIBSON - Barbacoa style beef cooked in tomato chile sauce - was definitely one I'll order again.



Grade: A