Tucson - American Southwest - page 370

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Janos SOUTHWESTERN/REGIONAL AMERICAN Janos Wilder, Tuc-
son's most celebrated chef, is not only a world-class chef, but a real sweetheart, too.
Should you happen to bump into him while dining here, he'll make you feel as though
you've been a regular at his restaurant for years. It is this conviviality—which spills over
into all aspects of a meal here—that makes this one of the most memorable restaurants
in the state. Consequently, this luxuriously appointed restaurant, which is just outside
the front door of the Westin La Paloma (p. 357), should be your top choice for a special-
occasion dinner while in Tucson. The menu changes both daily and seasonally, but always
features complex dishes that seamlessly meld Southwestern flavors with classic culinary
traditions.
No other restaurant in Tucson does as much to promote local and indigenous ingre-
dients as Janos, which works closely with Tucson's Native Seeds/SEARCH organization
(p. 393).
At the Westin La Paloma, 3770 E. Sunrise Dr. & 520/615-6100. www.janos.com. Reservations highly
recommended. Main courses $28-$50; 5-course tasting menu $75 ($115 with wine). AE, MC, V. Mon-
Thurs 5:30-9pm; Fri-Sat 5:30-9:30pm.
McMahon's Prime Steakhouse STEAK/SEAFOOD If a perfectly done steak is
what you're craving, then McMahon's is the place. This restaurant serves some of the best
steaks in Tucson, and with a decidedly modern opulence, McMahon's boasts an atmosphere
calculated to impress (a large glass-walled wine room dominates the main dining room).
You can drop a bundle on dinner here, but no more than you'd spend at such high-end
restaurants as Janos or the Ventana Room. The main difference is that your choices at
McMahon's are simpler: steak, seafood, or steak and seafood. You'd be wasting a night out,
though, if you didn't order a steak. There's a separate piano lounge and cigar bar.
2959 N. Swan Rd. & 520/327-7463. www.metrorestaurants.com. Reservations recommended. Main
courses $9-$18 lunch, $24-$55 dinner. AE, DISC, MC, V. Mon-Thurs 11:30am-10pm; Fri 11:30am-
10:30pm; Sat 5-10:30pm; Sun 4-9pm.
Miguel's NUEVO LATINO If you're staying at one of the foothills resorts and just
can't get enough Mexican food, this is another good bet for upscale south-of-the-border
cuisine. Be sure to start your meal with the guacamole or the lobster “cigars.” The bacon-
wrapped shrimp and the grilled pork chop with orange-ancho-chile sauce are favorites of
mine, but there are also flavorful steaks and lots of seafood dishes. The tequila selection
here is one of the best in Tucson, and the margaritas are delicious. If you can, eat before
the sun goes down, as there are views of the Santa Catalinas and the city.
At La Posada, 5900 N. Oracle Rd. & 520/887-3777. www.miguelstucson.com. Reservations recom-
mended. Main courses $16-$34. AE, DISC, MC, V. Daily 3-10pm.

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Ventana Room NEW AMERICAN The Ventana Room is Tucson's poshest
and most classically elegant restaurant, as you'll immediately guess from the wall of wine
bottles just inside the door. Ventana means “window” in Spanish, and the views through
the windows of this restaurant are every bit as memorable as the food. Be sure you make
an early dinner reservation so that you can catch the sunset. Although you may have
trouble concentrating on your food, do try; you wouldn't want to miss any of the subtle
nuances. The tasting menus are designed to provide you with a delicious variety of flavors
and textures. Ingredients are flown in from all over the world, so you never know what
may show up on the menu. In the restaurant's rarefied atmosphere, you'll be pampered
by a bevy of waiters providing professional and unobtrusive service. For superb French-
inspired cuisine and gorgeous views, this restaurant just can't be beat.