Alrighty kids, lets jump right to the point for this restaurant. This meal burned into my taste buds as some of the best cuisine I have ever had the privilege of crying over. Let me explain.
Phoenix is blessed to have two Los Dos Molinos locations (the original on Central Avenue in South Phoenix and the newer Washington Street location). Each one dons its own style and boasts the challenging phrase, “Some Like it Hot.” Now, I know what you are thinking, ‘I can handle a little heat. In fact, nothing is too spicy for me. Bring it on.’ Easy there, buckaroo. Back in the South, when we would eat food this hot and go running to Mama, she would slap a spoonful of buttered grits into our crying mouths to cool us off. So, folks, this is some seriously hot stuff. I nearly called my mama.
Right off the bat, they bring out some chips and salsa — pretty standard. But, let me remind you that included in the cute little history of this place on the menu is the phrase, “I do not know how to make ‘Mild.'” Those quotations suspended there just represent how fictitious the heat index of “mild” is. There are two bowls — one with a “less spicy” green salsa and the other with a frightening dark red salsa. I’m pretty sure I had to take a gulp of water after I looked at it each time.
When my meal arrived, there was a current of air that wafted the exquisite smell up my nose and placed loving/spicy tears in my eyes. By this point, the salsa had numbed most of my face, but I was willing to dive into this plate. These country-style pork ribs were some of the softest I have ever had. Literally, they cut like butter. They melted in my mouth. Yes, they were marinated in New Mexican red chili. Yes, a tear ran down my face with each bite. I like to think they were primarily tears of joy for what I experienced, mixed with my body’s reaction to hot food.
I ate every bite of those ribs, and I have two words to describe them: Fantastamazing sauce. If Los Dos Molinos started a religion, I would convert primarily for the after-service dinners. If you have yet to experience one of the greats here in Phoenix, then you are missing out. Just be sure to have your buttered grits ready.
Los Dos Molinos is located at 1010 E. Washington St. — light rail station at Washington/Jefferson and 12th St. 602.528.3535
