It might be the 4th of July today, but all anyone seems to be talking about is Mexican food. Not that we blame them – few things bring smiles to our faces like a fresh taco and a margarita on a hot summer day. So, once you’ve had your fill of hot dogs and decided to turn off your scorching hot grill, here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

According to EaterAZ, Big Earl’s BBQ in Scottsdale is in the midst of a Mexican revolution, from a taquitos transition to a dabble in “tacotory” to full blown Mexico City cuisine. While you’re waiting for the online menu to become officially updated, have a read, or better yet, pay Big Earl’s a visit. Whatever you do, don’t order the barbecue.

Meanwhile in Old Town, America’s Taco Shop is opening a new location, as reported by Chow Bella. Known for being “the home of the greatest carne asada in the Valley, ” this location will bring the restaurant’s count up to five (including the location in Arizona Mills Mall). Are they being franchised? Find out here.

If downtown Phoenix is more your thing, you’ll find new Mexican food there too. Chow Bella has covered opening of Tediberto’s Mexican-inspired vegan restaurant on Roosevelt Row. Get the details here … or skip the vegan joint and dig right in to some Mexican barbecue. Phoenix Bites highlights the prix fixe barbacoa tasting dinner at Distrito in Scottsdale’s Saguaro Hotel. The three-course dinner (plus dessert) is available Wednesday through Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. Click here for details.

If we still haven’t convinced you, feast your eyes on Mouth By Southwest’s Taco Tuesday roster. Not to mention how Barrio Cafe, Bianco’s Tacos & Tequila and Sir Veza’s Taco Garage will soon change the dining game for locals and tourists alike at Sky Harbor’s Terminal 4. Stay tuned for updates.

Craving a good media fix? We’ve got your back. It’s time to round up the best in Valley media blogs and present them to you in a quick, easy to read fashion for the girl/guy on the go just waiting for a great activity to plop on your screen with little to no effort. It’s a good deal. Read on to get the hometown low down.

Ahh, the bolo tie. This blazing symbol of the Southwest can usually be found square on the neck of a man someone could call “Grandpa” or proudly on display amidst the finely crafted turquoise in many galleries littering the streets of Old Town Scottsdale. Well, now you can see it on display at a real museum for its artistic value. Yep, that’s right, The Heard Museum’s exhibition entitled “Native American Bolo Ties: Vintage and Contemporary” has set up shop until November 4 and it’s something everyone should check out. Thank Jackalope Ranch for bringing this to our attention, our necks are itching with excitement.

Looks like downtown is just bursting with culture as usual thanks to all the info provided by the Downtown Phoenix Journal. If you don’t have plans this Sunday, take the family into the heart of Phoenix to experience the Phoenix Art Museum’s 4th Annual Walkabout. It’s an event to celebrate world culture and it’s the same cost of regular museum admission. Get down with some African Drums, listen to the soothing sounds of Japanese flutes and even get some history of Arizona by listening to Frank Lloyd Wright mini tours. Great even to to enrich your life and cha-cha-cha your way out of the Superbowl waiting blues.

If you haven’t checked out America’s Taco Shop’s two Valley locations (Phoenix and Tempe), now is the time. With rave reviews from locals all around, the classic taco joint has some pretty amazing specials and a weekend-only ceviche that “is worth planning your lunch around” according to CenPho. And, if the “Coming Soon” signs are still correct, one will be opening up in Scottsdale on 1st St. and Goldwater right next to Arcadia Farm. Now, if only we knew when “soon” was….

images via CenPho and Downtown Phoenix Journal

We LOVE tacos (tacos, tacos, tacos) and guess what, our friends over at Dine4AZ have just informed us via Twitter, that America’s Taco Shop will be having “Taco Tuesday!” That means, four taco treats for $6.75! Dang, that’s a deal if we’ve ever heard one! Just friend them on Facebook here, print or text the coupon to yourself and you’ve got lunch set set every Tuesday of this year!

Plus, click read more to learn how to get half-off at Mojo Yogurt today.

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America’s Taco Shop is a home-grown Mexican mini chain that’s gaining serious attention from Phoenix foodies for its combination of cheap, hearty and flavorful foods. And now we hear its expanding to the East Valley. »READ MORE