Have you ever been in the middle of nowhere?
I mean really really in the middle of nowhere?
Well, into the pure nothingness is where I spent most of my week in Arizona. In Arizona, you will see and experience some of the most beautiful surroundings you will ever feast your eyes upon. You will also see little to no people and have to watch for actual tumbleweeds rolling across the empty highway. You will take pleasure in and fear this sentiment. Sometimes, in New York, I get so sick of seeing crowds of people, shopping in crowds of people and speaking to crowds of people, that I wish I lived in a place with less people. However, with people comes the opportunity to learn new things, taste new foods and gain news friends. If I've learned anything from watching the Food Network and Travel channel;it's that in order to understand the culture of people,you must eat their food! Unfortunately,I spent at least one night eating fast food on my trip because well, how is a New Yorker supposed know that most restaurants run on Hopi time when a majority of the town is actually Hopi Indian. The Hopi populated town of Tuba City was dark by 8pm (non-Hopi time) and our only option for nourishment was the good ol' golden arches. Fortunately, the rest of my trip was spent eating some of the most awe-inspiring food I've ever eaten in my life!
Sun Setting on Tuba City, AZIn New York, if I offered you a burrito from a gas station you'd look at me like I was crazy. In Arizona, if I offered you a burrito from a gas station you should jump on the opportunity before we drive by the apparently forsaken establishment. At this point on the highway, you'll pull over just to catch a glance at another human being but alas you'll discover that these gas station offer more than just coffee and chips, many will supply you with a authentic fare! After driving an hour and half in the wrong direction to our destination, we pulled over at the large "GAS" sign to fill up and grab some coffee. Behold- next to the coffee was a selection of hot crispy fried burritos. We both grabbed a coffee and a cheese and bean burrito and headed back to the rental car. With low expectations we unwrapped the paper and bit into a bean cheese fusion that put me into a food coma for the rest of the burritos consumption. I live in New York freakin' City, a mecca of awesome food and a damn Arizona gas station burrito just blew my taste buds into foodgasm orbit.
Arizona taught me that when visiting a rural area, don't just go to the safe places to eat. Arizona is full of touristy restaurants and some of them are very good but in all truth, the best meals I had in Arizona were from a gas station and a little hole in the wall dive called Los Compadres or "My Buddies". (You can visit their website here: http://www.loscompadresaz.com/) You know the food was good when you bring home the menu as a souvenir. When we pulled up the the highly tripadvisor rated joint, I had my doubts. The place looked like an abandoned building nestled between Hijacking Way and Assult Street. However the aromas and friendly service at the order window quickly stifled my doubts as we ordered. We were handed a tray with a squeeze bottle of salsa, some chips and a tray and were told we'd be called when our food was ready.The salsa was the best I've ever had! It was so simple but made with such fresh ingredients that it exploded with flavors in your mouth. I think I could put that salsa on everything I ever eat for the rest of my life. Our entrees were nothing below mind-blowing. If I could do groundhogs day for any meal I've ever eaten, please, make it that one.
Los Compadres
Fiesta Margarita with Prickly Pear Cactus 
Fish Tacos from Javelina Cantina If my quest good local food in Arizona has taught me anything about life; it's to stray a bit off the beaten path-you may just like what you find.
