24 FEBRUARY 2022 CAVA: CAVA made its debut in the Arcadia neighborhood on December 10, 2021. The eatery is located in the former Zoe’s Kitchen building on 40th St. and Indian School Road. The CAVA Group was founded by Ted Xenohristos, Ike Grigoropoulos, Dimitri Moshovitis and Brett Schumann. Ted, Ike and Dimitri are childhood friends who grew up in large Greek families (if their last names didn’t already give that away) – so their recipes reflect that home- cooked, family vibe. “CAVA brings the fresh, vibrant cuisine of the Mediterranean to fast- casual dining, unlocking bold flavors and nutritious ingredients with every bite,” CEO and co-founder Brett Schumann said. There are currently 164 locations across the U.S., on the east coast, and in California and Texas. Arcadia is the first Arizona location, but the owners plan to open four more in the state before the end of the year. “Our Harissa Avocado bowl and Spring Lamb + Feta bowl, which is topped with house-made pickled onions and our garlic dressing (made from aquafaba that they make from chickpeas) are two of our most popular dishes,” Schumann said. Recipes are inspired by the Levant region of the Mediterranean, which includes Greece, Lebanon, Syria and Israel. To build a bowl, guests start with a base (like salad or pita) and can choose to add an assortment of dips/ spreads, meats such as falafel or spicy lamb meatballs and toppings like cucumber and feta. They also offer house-made juices and teas. cava.com PAPI GORDO’S: Owners Austin Walter and Albert Hernandez opened Papi Gordo’s Cocina + Tequileria, located in the Gaslight Square Complex on 36th St. and Indian School, in October 2021. While Papi’s is their first business in the Arcadia area, the pair also plans to open Freshly Laid – a breakfast sandwich shop in the strip just east of the Gaslight Square. “Papi Gordo’s food is high- end without the ‘bougie’ feeling,” Hernandez said. “It’s good tasting, and it looks good.” Popular menu items include queso- birria tacos, a loaded street-style baked potato (which is the size of a dinner plate), birria ramen and steak tacos. The Mexican chingon bowl, made with a red chili tamale, Spanish rice, refried beans, cabbage, pico de gallo, salsa and choice of meat, is also a fan-favorite. The eatery also offers horchata and Mexican sodas, plus churros and house- made doughnuts for dessert. “The recipes are family traditions from generations back. They originated in southern Mexico in the state of Michoacán and have not been altered to ‘fit in.’” Hernandez said. “We adapted them with new interpretations, and I believe they set themselves apart with their flavors. Come in and take a tour of southern Mexican cuisine!” papigordos.com Arcadia News is introducing a new column highlighting some of the upcoming restaurants in our neighborhood. This month, we’re spotlighting CAVA Mediterranean and Papi Gordo’s Cocina + Tequileria. Vicky’s Green Chili Tomahawk Pork Chop. Pita sandwiches at Cava. By Mallory Gleich asuforyou.asu.edu What’s next in learning? Ambition, curiosity, creativity and passion don’t fit in any one box. No matter who you are or how you learn, ASU is here to help you and your family. Our learning options are growing every day. Visit ASU for You to travel the world through virtual field trips, access research learning tools through the library; conduct experiments with K–college science labs; and enhance your professional skills with badge and certificate programs. Serving Arizonans in all forms of learning at all stages of life