Tucson Dining: Cafe Terra Cotta

Cafe Terra Cotta in Tucson, Arizona, is a chic but relaxed fine dining restaurant with mountain views, a bar to hang out in, good service and superb southwestern food

We wanted to treat two friends to some Tucson southwestern food that was a little bit special, but in a restaurant that wasn't too formal. Some research found Cafe Terra Cotta in northeast Tucson. Our neighbors said the mountain views were terrific, the food was tasty, and the only complaint was that the restaurant had taken their favorite Banana Split off the menu.

We'd asked for a table near the window, but had to settle for one in the middle of the room. The warm Tucson welcome and friendly service more than made up for that, and we could still see the mountains through the picture window, as they turned pink and then golden as the sun went down.

My husband's Scottsdale Margarita with Herradura Silver Tequila and Grand Marnier went down even more quickly than the sun, but I'd volunteered to be the designated driver so I focussed on the food. My eyes went straight to the Chipotle-Maple Glazed Chicken with a dried fig chutney and cauliflower mashed potatoes. We always choose different dishes when we eat out, but this time the chicken was saying 'choose me' to both of us.

Our friends both opted for a starter served as a main course: Roasted Corn and Chipotle Quesadilla with grilled chicken and jack cheese. I was allowed a bite and it was wonderfully light and tasty. No regrets on choosing the chicken, though. It was the perfect example of southwestern cuisine. The sweet maple and gently spicy chipotle contrasted perfectly, and the dried fig chutney added a gorgeous zing to the mix.

While we agonised over the Terra Cotta dessert menu, we admired the eye-catching decor. There were lots of timber beams, and in one room a saguaro rib ceiling. The walls were covered in colorful southwestern art, and in summer the outdoor patio with its umbrella, ramada and lights would be the perfect spot for a relaxed lunch or dinner.

Back at the desserts, I decided to order a spoon. With that I could dip into my husband's Caramelized Apple and Cranberry Bread Pudding, when he would let me near it, and on my other side sample a few bites of my friend's choice: A 'Real' Split Banana with vanilla and chocolate-chocolate chip ice cream, hot fudge, brownies and fresh fruit. We had news for our neighbors. The Banana Split was back, and worth traveling to the Tucson Foothills for.

Terra Cotta is open daily for lunch and dinner. 3500 E. Sunrise Dr., Tucson, Arizona 85718. Phone: (520) 577 8100. For more information, check the website: www.dineterracotta.com