10 Tasty Ways to Turn Up the Heat

Looking for a new way to sweat? Scottsdale’s renowned chefs have found deliciously creative ways to turn up the heat. Here’s our tasty, and toasty, list of local favorites:

Death's Door at Barrio Queen

As if the name isn't scary enough, this spicy sipper comes with a drink-at-your-own-risk warning right on the menu. Habanero-, jalapeño- and chile de arbol-infused tequila is mixed with Ancho Reyes spicy liqueur, Azuñia blue agave tequila, agave nectar and lime juice for a drink that’s most definitely not for the faint of heart. 

BRISKET TORTA AT THE MISSION

Served with a smoked habanero barbecue sauce and aji amarillos (yellow Peruvian chile peppers), this dish is as feisty as it is tasty. Order the Expresso Churros, which come with a chocolate milkshake, to cool you off after this spicy meal.

Shrimp Chicharron at deseo

Aji amarillo chiles and pickled jalapeños give this dish a powerful punch of heat and a subtly sweet finish. The lemon-colored aji amarillo peppers have a distinctive smoky flavor and are a staple in traditional Peruvian cuisine.

THE GLADIATOR BURGER AT DAILY DOSE

Ask for an extra napkin before doing battle with this beastly burger. A perfectly-seared beef patty is nestled on a soft egg bun, then topped with cheddar and jack cheeses, caramelized jalapeños and onions, peppered bacon and red chili cheese sauce. 

Aji Pizza at Craft 64

Who would have thought that jalapeño peppers and pizza would be such a great pair? Well, that’s exactly the combo Craft 64 celebrates with their Aji pizza. This delicious and spicy pairing features house-made mozzarella, parmigiana reggiano, fennel sausage, sautéed onions, ricotta and their Spicy Aji jalapeño sauce.

CUBANO SANDWICH AT TORO LATIN RESTAURANT & RUM BAR

Hot Chinese mustard gives this two-fisted sandwich its kick. The Cubano starts with a soft roll that’s piled high with pork carnitas, cured ham and swiss cheese. If you’re really hungry, warm up your taste buds with an order of Crispy Chicken Wings in spicy plum sauce.

Mango Habanero Margarita at Tommy Bahama

Slices of fresh habanero chile give this mighty cocktail its kick. Smooth Milagro Silver tequila, Curaçao orange liqueur and mango puree sweeten the deal.

Spicy Thai Chicken Bowl at Hula’s Modern Tiki

This bowl of Polynesian delights features marinated chicken breast swathed in a spicy Thai sauce and resting on a bed of black beans, rice and Napa cabbage. Want it hotter? Ask for chopped Scotch Bonnet peppers to kick it up a notch. 

RED CHILI PORK CHOP AT OLD TOWN TORTILLA FACTORY

A zippy sauce of ancho chiles and raspberries dials up the heat on this signature dish. The 10-ounce pork chop is grilled to perfection and served with garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal veggies. Enjoy the dish on the patio, in the shade of 100-year-old pecan trees.

Lamb Vindaloo at Jewel of the Crown

A traditional dish from Goa, India, Vindaloo is chockfull of spices like cinnamon, cloves, cumin seeds and turmeric. Red chiles add the heat, which you can order to taste. Ask for “Indian hot” to bring on the sweat.