SCOTTSDALE

THE MISSION

CRITICS' PICK: BEST LATIN AMERICAN RESTAURANT

05/25/2010 - You know how good the food is south of the border. It may be even better south-of-south-of-the-border.

You can make that case after a visit to the Mission, where chef Matt Carter works his magic with the ingredients of Central and South America.

Start off with appetizers like grilled street corn, duck carnitas empanadas and the amazing almejas al vapor, a Peruvian stew stocked with clams, rock shrimp and chorizo. Main dishes range through a gorgeous duo of pork shoulder and chorizo, swordfish Veracruz and roast chicken heady with the scents of oregano, lemon and chile.

Factor in a just-right mojito and a fabulous side of taro fries and you'll leave here knowing that it's Mission: accomplished.