In light of “National Garlic Day” this Friday, April 19, I have put together a list of the most delicious and garlicky options you can find in central Phoenix. I decided to go with an array of dishes, anything from a classy dinner for a fancy night out, to a classic greasy meal to share with some friends. With that being said, let’s start off with a bit of a fancier option for your choosing.
FEZ
FEZ is located on Central Avenue, just south of Indian School Road, and they serve a great entree that consists of herb flatbread with a roasted garlic fondue. They also include sauteed shrimp, spinach and diced tomatoes on the plate as well. This dish, the Shrimp Kisra, serves one to two people for about $15. If you want to go completely overboard with garlic, try a few of FEZ’s other garlic-infused dishes, like their garlic rosemary fries or their garlic hummus. Any of these options that will leave your mouth garlicky for the rest of the night, so be sure to bring a fresh pack of breath mints.
Brick Pizzeria and Wine Bar
If a cheaper option is what you’re looking for, Brick offers a few pizzas that will conquer your garlic quest. Located in the Arizona Center in downtown Phoenix, Brick has a Mediterranean pizza for only $9. This pizza has fresh spinach, tart creamy cheese, diced tomatoes, pesto cream, and more than a handful of roasted garlic cloves sprinkled on top. This pizza is the definition of garlicky and a good price. Another plus: after you enjoy this delicious pizza, you can go catch a movie with some friends at the AMC Movie Theatre only a few yards away.
Pita Jungle
If you’re looking for a dish to share with friends or satisfy a smaller appetite, Pita Jungle offers their classic garlic dip appetizer for only $5. The dip is a mixture of lemon juice and olive oil, with fresh garlic and smashed potatoes. But, beware: it is so strong, it will leave the taste of garlic in your mouth until next year’s celebration. The garlic dip is served with chips, pita bread, and chopped vegetables, such as carrots, olives, and cucumbers. Pita Jungle is located at the corner of Third Avenue and Roosevelt Street.
Z Pizza
Z Pizza’s Napoli pizza is a great option for celebrating National Garlic Day. Located on Monroe Street off of First Avenue, Z Pizza is dishing up this pizza with a nice thick crust covered in their homemade roasted garlic sauce. The pizza’s toppings include mozzarella cheese, fresh tomatoes, Parmesan, and fresh basil. “The Napoli is one of our most popular pizzas,” said Sydney Swan, aZ Pizza employee. “We feature it two times a week by the slice and all the ingredients are home made. If you love garlic, the Napoli is the pizza for you.” For all you college students eating downtown this Friday night, the Napoli pizza is only $10, making it a cheap option with a great garlicky taste.
Moira Sushi
If your palate prefers the satisfaction of seafood instead, Moira Sushi offers a satisfying Szechuan Garlic Edamame. Located on McKinley Street between Second and Third streets, you can buy the Szechuan Garlic Edamame for only $6. This dish will quell all of your garlic cravings with it’s enriched garlic salt sprinkled over a bowl of delicious edamame. Definitely a healthier option if you’re into that. If the garlicky edamame isn’t fulfilling enough for you, there are also many stir-fries that include a strong presence of garlic as well.
Where will you get your garlic fix this Friday ? Let me know in the comments below!
Contact the reporter at rcoukoul@asu.edu
