By Molly Cerreta Smith
Desert Ridge Marketplace has become home to the first ComicX superhero-themed restaurant in Phoenix. For caped-crusaders on the hunt for a marvelous meal amidst an array of comic book paraphernalia, ComicX might be just the fix.
ComicX was first created in 2010 and has 36 locations throughout Mexico for kids of all ages. The menu is super approachable, with a wide array of options for even the most finicky crime-fighters. And the fun themed names don’t hurt either.
The menu starts with appetizers such as the Wonder Wings served with house made ranch dressing and a choice of Golden, BBQ, Buffalo, Spicy Asian and Habanero sauce; Lord of the Onion Rings; Galactic Guacamole and Chips; and Dynamic Duo Tostadas featuring seared tuna, pickled vegetables, radish, cucumber, red cabbage and spicy soy aioli.
South of the Border specialties include Super Street Tacos including chicken, steak, veggie, shrimp or fish; and Cast Iron Fajitas served with sautéed bell pepper and a side of rice and beans along with your choice of proteins — chicken, seafood, or steak — or veggie. Entrees range the gamut from classics such as Baby Back Ribs with house made BBQ sauce served with ComicX coleslaw and seasoned fries and Roasted Chicken served with roasted garlic whipped potatoes, and seasonal vegetables to Mutant Cauliflower Steak featuring marinated cauliflower grilled with sensational seasonal vegetables and a roasted red pepper sauce.
Looking for something on the slim side? ComicX features an array of salads including the Asian Pow Salad with fresh mixed greens, shredded carrots, snap peas, orange Supremes, toasted peanuts and crispy wonton strips served with soy-sesame dressing or the Chopped Chicken Salad with oven roasted chicken breast, bacon bits, avocado, tomatoes and mozzarella.
The menu also includes an array of hearty sandwiches and burgers for the supersized appetite. The Crock Burger for example boasts two beef patties, mean-green chili sauce, crispy bacon, onion rings, melty mozzarella and American cheese; while the Portobello Punch Burger features marinated portobello mushroom with arugula, house made tomato jam and goat cheese mousse for the super-sophisticated palate. Hand-tossed pizzas and pastas round out the entrees portion of the menu with a mix of classics and not-so-classics in each category.
Not to be forgotten, and a favorite part of dining for any super-sweets fan, is dessert of course. ComicX after dinner delights include Harry’s Butter Beer — a buttery caramel cream soda served chilled and topped with butterscotch whipped cream; Volcano Cake featuring a warm semi-sweet chocolate lava cake with strawberry coulis and espresso whipped cream and The Incredible Churro Bowl with vanilla ice cream, candies pecans, crystalized mint and drizzled with house-made dulce de leche and chocolate sauces.
ComicX aims to be “a wonderful place where fans of all ages come together and rivalry doesn’t exist, where you’ll find your favorite superhero and villain memorabilia lining our walls and you can take a picture with life-sized comic book characters before you leave.” For more information, visit www.comicx.us.
