"Making waves on both local and national levels, Chilte has found its stride at the revamped Grand Avenue Egyptian Motor Hotel. Once a farmers market staple, Lawrence Smith and Aseret Arroyo brought their global flavors to a brick-and-mortar space in early 2023. A former football player turned chef, Smith centers his menu around native chiltepin chiles while pulling inspiration from other cultural foodways. Dishes like the green chorizo vampiro — a hand-pressed corn tortilla topped with marrow bone, queso, and salsa macha — and the Pear Shrooms, featuring sautéed pears and oyster mushrooms with chicharron crumbs, Chinese hot mustard, and a corn dressing, showcase Smith’s inventive approach. With inventive, unfettered cooking, Chilte has quickly become one of the most exciting additions to Phoenix’s restaurant scene." - Mcconnell Quinn, Chris Malloy, Nikki Buchanan