Chef Alex Padilla Introduces Taberna Mexicana at Scottsdale Seville

Taberna Mexicana is Scottsdale’s newest hot spot restaurant destination to open at the Seville Shopping Center in Scottsdale. Executive Chef Alex Padilla has arrived in Scottsdale and is infusing a lifetime of flavor and tradition to a chic new audience with the introduction of Taberna Mexicana.

Chef Alex Padilla’s experience includes extensive years of formal training under some of the most revered chefs, including James Beard Award Winner Nancy Oakes, who named him Executive Sous Chef of her famed San Francisco eatery Boulevard, where Oakes was named “Best Chef in California” by the James Beard Foundation in 2001. Chef Padilla brings to life a cross-regional and cross generational creative flair that makes each presentation on the Taberna Mexicana menu truly unique. Everything is made from scratch on the premises, including Taberna’s famed hand-rolled tortillas. From a casual business lunch to a fun family dinner, or margaritas and appetizers with friends for happy hour, Taberna Mexicana will fill any need, but above all, offers exceptional cuisine and a sizzling dining experience that is just as titillating as it is accessible. Most entrees range in price from $12-$20 for dinner.

Taberna’s award-winning menu includes appetizers like pepita-studded Guacamole, Tres Picadias, (three masa boats with braised pork carnitas with cheese, onion and avocado) killer ceviches, including Atun (ahi-style tuna), Callos De Acha (scallops with passion fruit) and entrees like Camarones Y Pescado (jumbo prawns and halibut), entrees like Callos De Acha Y Pepitas (pumpkin seed crusted scallops over Mexican grits with Huitlacoche roasted garlic sauce) and Cochinita Pibil (Yucatan pork stew baked in banana leaf with fried plantains, crema and pickled red onions) and an array of gourmet taco plates including Callos Cochinos (scallop and pork belly tacos with a sea urchin aioli) and Cuete En Coste De Mole (filet mignon tacos with smoky chipotle mayonnaise).

Celebrity bar chef Bobby Heugel is responsible for Taberna’s signature handcrafted margarita and signature cocktail list which features made-from-scratch margaritas, sangrias and mixers. The inventive list includes unusual pairings of fruit, peppers and herbs for fresh tasting original margaritas with bite. Taberna’s signature margarita, La Margarita de Taberna is made with Fresh Lime and Agave Nectar, and other unusual libations include the Mole Montage, made with spiced rum Mexico-style, with deep molasses flavors and classic mole spices topped with ginger beer, and the Jalisco Attitude is as angry as Pancho Villa himself with a spicy combination of tequila, lime, cilantro and jalapeno tincture as well as a broad selection of fine tequilas and wines.

The unique and flavorful menu is highlighted by an equally clever and artful design.  The restaurant, designed by Phoenix based architect and design firm, Bar Napkin Productions, seamlessly fuses a casually sophisticated and relaxed dining atmosphere with a lively lounge scene.  With design details that pay tribute to classic Mexican cultural elements, including vibrant yet muted color schemes, custom designed lighting accents and furnishings, this 9500 square foot space offers flavor for all the senses.

An expansive outdoor patio has a chic Moorish vibe punctuated by colorful Mexican tiles and large fire pits is perfect for socializing on balmy Arizona nights with a margarita in hand.
Taberna Mexicana has indoor and patio seating for 286, including 25 bar stools, 40 inside tables, and 30 outside tables.

Taberna Mexicana is located at 7001 Scottsdale Road and will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner from 11am-midnight, Monday through Friday; 10am-midnight, Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 480-607-6707.