JENNY HUNSPERGER
Tucson Citizen
What: Zivaz Mexican Bistro
Address and phone: 4590 E. Broadway, 325-1234
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays
Specialty: fast-food Mexican
What was ordered: three chicken flautas ($6.95 total), two chicken tacos ($6.95 total)
Comments: Zivaz is perfect if you're in the mood for an eclectic selection of authentic Mexican foods. Menu items range from the traditional (dishes from Sonora, Mexico City, Veracruz) to the bizarre (Mexican sushi?). The bistro's premise resembles that of the Chipotle chain – quick, delicious food in a café environment – and, in that capacity, it fits the bill. A pleasant bonus were the friendly, helpful service and huge portions or anything near what we southern Arizonans call "real" Mexican food.
As we waited for our meals (about five minutes), we were served a small bowl of tricolor, warm tortilla chips and two kinds of salsa. The red salsa was excellent, more chunky and tomato-flavored than spicy. The green chile salsa was a tiny bit spicier.
The flautas were true flautas, made with corn tortillas and deep-fried. They were just crispy enough that a fork could still cut them, but provided that crunch you expect. The dish also came with a salad made with dark, leafy greens (the healthful ones), beans, rice, guacamole, sour cream and salsa. It was wonderful.
My friend wasn't quite as impressed. She said her tacos were good but tricky to eat because of how full the plate was. Her meal also came with the salad and extras. She also mentioned the tacos tasted too black peppery.
In all, Zivaz is a great local alternative to the more mainstream, less original Chipotles of the world.
Service: The service was well beyond what I would expect at a small Mexican fast-food café. The woman who took our orders was friendly and patient when we changed our minds. The food came out in five minutes, and we were asked several times throughout the meal how everything tasted and if we needed anything. Superb.
Bar: beer, wine, margaritas
Vegetarian options: yes
Dessert: flan
Currency: cash and credit
Takeout: yes
Children's menu: no
Most recent health inspection: Dec. 27; "Excellent." No critical violations were noted.
