Mesa’s Fresh Foodie Trail

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 08/02/2023 (996 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Mesa is Arizona’s third-largest city and a true gem of a destination, situated just east of Phoenix. The word ‘mesa’ is Spanish for ‘table’, and it was so-named because of its flat geography in the centre of valleys, mountains, and rolling deserts. It’s the perfect moniker for a place where agri-tourism thrives and good food is in the spotlight.

The bountiful harvest in Mesa and surrounding region is attributable to a long heritage of family farms and agricultural culture. Dining experiences have been carefully curated to create the Fresh Foodie Trail, taking the farm-to-table tradition to the next level. And then some.

Agritopia’s roots go back to 1927 when it was a simple homestead tucked between two dirt roads. Over nine decades it morphed into a planned community with creative spaces, restaurants, and charming homes, all surrounded by 11 acres of urban farmland. The produce grown here meets the strictest standards of organic protocol, and same-day harvested goods are sold at The Farm Stand, as well as served at two onsite restaurants.

The Coffee Shop is open for breakfast and lunch, with delectable deserts on display, and a generous selection of gluten-free scones. Joe’s Farm Grill was originally built in 1966 as a family residence, but has since been converted into a modern mid-century diner. The do comfort food done right, using fruit, vegetables and herbs from the farm, all-natural meats that are sourced locally, and trans-fat free oils for cooking and dressings.

Steadfast Farm is the newest stop on Mesa’s Fresh Foodie Trail. The two-acre market farm grows fruits, vegetables and flowers, and raises pastured poultry for eggs. They pride themselves on honest organic farming practices, and you can buy their produce at two nearby farmers markets, and their own Farm Store. They also make five kinds of breakfast tacos (which sell out quickly every day) and the most delicious lattes with unique flavours such as rose-vanilla, lavender-vanilla, spiced honey, and salted caramel.

Queen Creek Olive Mill is Arizona’s only family-owned and operated olive mill and farm. Grown at the base of the San Tan Mountains where long sunny days and cool desert nights are the norm, this area is known for fertile soils and high-quality produce. Olives are grown and pressed right there, producing high quality extra virgin olive oil and all kinds of olive-infused goods. They even have an impressive line of nourishing body products from their very own brand, Olivespa. Don’t forget to grab a bite at the Tuscan-inspired eatery right there in the olive grove.

Belly up to the bar at Belly Kitchen & Bar, where you’ll discover a varied fusion menu inspired by Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. Some of my favourites were the green papaya salad, the wok fried green beans, pan-seared king mushrooms, and the most tender, braised short rib cooked with lemongrass, lime juice, chili, and fish sauce. They serve on small plates for sharing, with many excellent choices for dietary restrictions. They also have a nice selection of natural wines and handcrafted cocktails to enjoy with your unforgettable meal.

Travellers from the Canadian prairies can currently take advantage of the new Swoop airline schedule. They offer three direct flights each week to Mesa from Winnipeg, and four direct flights from Edmonton. So if you like what you’ve tasted in Mesa, you can always go back again for more foodie goodness.

And then some.