Mesa, Arizona’s Fresh Foodie Trail is agri-tourism at its finest. Family farms, roadside stands, and eclectic eateries that have been around for decades abound. Heading south and east from Mesa and into the towns of the Southeast Valley, gourmands will find plenty of palate pleasing adventures.
Family-run Jalapeño Bucks began with Duane and Dianne Burden making burritos for friends. Now, their converted cargo container has lines out to the road and is a roadside sensation serving excellent burritos, ribs, brisket, and pork sandwiches.
Joe’s Farm Grill in Gilbert is set on 12 acres of farmland and has both indoor and outdoor seating. When they can, they use organic herbs, fruits, and vegetables from The Farm at Agritopia. Barbecue, seafood, hot dogs, burgers, chicken, and pizzas are options along with many sides from which to choose.
The agritainment hotspot southern Arizona is the Queen Creek Olive Mill the state’s only working olive mill and farm. Situated on 100 acres with 7,000 olive trees, this family owned operation offers tours, tastings, shopping, and even in-house coffee roasting by Superstition Coffee.
Schnepf Farms has been operating for 75 years and is the largest peach grower in Arizona. Open 10 months of the year, the farm has seasonal events besides the just about daily U-PICK from their organic gardens. Check their website’s event calendar for happenings like their October Pumpkin and Chili Party.
Mesa and its environs offer a virtual culinary patchwork spread across the desert valley. From mouth-watering barbecue to farm stands to tasty eateries, The Fresh Foodie Trail is your path to southwestern deliciousness.
~ Ron Stern aka The Global Gumshoe travelwriter01@comcast.net/. All of the transportation, meals, and attractions for this review were provided at no charge. All opinions herein are the authors.