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Mardi Gras themed Carnival event with Gastronomic Union of Tucson (GUT)

Mardi Gras themed Carnival event with Gastronomic Union of Tucson (GUT)

Jan 18, 20183 min read
What
SAVOR Carnival
When
6 – 9 p.m Thursday, February 1
Where
Rialto Theatre
318 E. Congress St.
More Info
saaca.org

The Gastronomic Union of Tucson (GUT) and the Rialto Theatre are hosting the SAVOR Carnival from 6 – 9 p.m. on Thursday, February 1.

GUT is a team of chefs from different local restaurants that work to educate and display just how dynamic the food scene is in Tucson.

The Mardi Gras themed event will feature creative Cajun, Creole, and Brazilian carnival cuisine prepared by local GUT chefs, beer sampling, live music, and loads of entertainment.

The carnival will also benefit the Rialto Theatre and Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance‘s programming and future events.

Tickets to the 21 and older event are $45 per person.

The event is just one of a few events happening before the 2018 SAVOR Southern Arizona Food & Wine Festival, which begins on Saturday, February 3.

Participating Gastronomic Union of Tucson Chefs & Menus

Chef Marcus Van Winden (The Dutch Eatery & Refuge) collaborating with Max Provost (Private Chef), Nohemi Montoya (HUB Restaurant and Ice Creamery), Travis Gary Peters (The Parish)

  • Dirty South Mudbug Rolls n’ Gutzz
  • Smoked ‘gator boudin sausage with creole mustard
  • Green gumbo & grilled kale garlic rice

Chef Tanner Fleming (Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails) accompanied by Devon Sanner (The Carriage House), Tim Moore (Pastiche), and Matt Kraiss (Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails)

  • Brazilian feijoada
  • Pao de queijo
  • Yucca fries
  • Molho rose

Chef Rocco DiGrazia (Rocco’s Little Chicago) accompanied by Obadiah Hindman (Mountain Oyster Club) and Mat Cable (Fresco Pizzeria and Pastaria)

  • Smokey duck boudin balls with kumquat remoulade
  • BBQ shrimp & pork belly poboys with charred pickle slaw
  • Chicory, celery & chicken heart salad with crispy onions and buttermilk vinaigrette

Chef Chuck Scott (Highlands Bar & Grill) accompanied by Sam Krajnak (Red’s Smokehouse + Tap Room), Buddy Hopkins (Ermanos Craft Beer and Wine Bar), Rica Rances (The Parish)

  • Stuffed freshwater shrimp head with a shrimp mousse
  • Corn flour tempura with smoked chimichurri
  • Beef roulade with charred green onion, pickled carrots, bacon, avocado and serrano cream
  • Coconut flan, filo crisp and sous vide candied plantain topped with a coconut lace garnish.

Chef Jim Murphy (Kingfisher) accompanied by Michael Elefante (Mama Louisa’s) and Ken Foy (Dante’s Fire) serving

  • Heritage red beans and Carolina gold rice with pickled pork
  • Alligator gumbo, Cajun trinity, and tasso ham
  • Fresh beignet “fosters” au foie

Chef Gina Skelton (Casino del Sol Resort)

  • King Cake

Featured Breweries

Lyft will be there to help you get home safely with free rides and discounts, too.

First time users can redeem up to $20 in free Lyft credits by using the code: SAACA, and existing users can get home with 20 percent off by using the code: SAVORFEST.

The RialtoTheatre is located at 318 E. Congress St. Visit saaca.org for more information and to purchase your tickets.

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Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.

He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.

If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.

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#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieIT’S ITALIAN WEEK! Now through July 19, explore Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.🍝 THIS WEEK’S PRIZES👇❤️🏆🎉 • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • (2) $100 Visa gift cards • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 gift card to @eatnorthitalia • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum • Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival Let’s support local this summer💞 @anello_pizzeria @brooklynpizzaco @charredpie @ciaodownpizza @embersmobilewoodfiredpizza @empirepizzatucson @falorapizza @fentonellispizzeria @fiammepizza @frescotucson @tucsonjaimes @localetucson @penelope.woodfired @reillypizza @reneestucson @roccoslittlechicago @serial_grillers_az @timemarket @uglybuthonestpizzeria @veroamoretucson @wholeslvcepizza @zio_peppe_az #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieNow open in downtown Tucson: @gibsonmarkettucson🙌

Coming soon: @pearlloungetucson 

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#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonNow open in downtown Tucson: @gibsonmarkettucson🙌 Coming soon: @pearlloungetucson 11 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonFoodie Dinner at @Sonoranhouse_samhughes! 

Executive Chef @Culinarycowboy86d showcased delicious new dishes while guests enjoyed tastings and shared feedback. Thank you to Chef Gabby, @sonoranhouse_samhughes, and everyone who joined us!🥂

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#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieFoodie Dinner at @Sonoranhouse_samhughes! Executive Chef @Culinarycowboy86d showcased delicious new dishes while guests enjoyed tastings and shared feedback. Thank you to Chef Gabby, @sonoranhouse_samhughes, and everyone who joined us!🥂 Want in on more foodie experiences? Here’s what Tucson Foodie Members get: • $6,000+ in gift cards & perks • Free monthly Foodie Hours • Exclusive R&D dinners • Festival discounts • Help keep Tucson Foodie free #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieItalian Week runs now through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝🍕 

Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.

🎉 Week 5 Winners
• Libby: $50 North Italia gift card
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Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply.

🏆 This Week’s Prizes
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
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• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
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• @desertmuseum passes 

More details in bioItalian Week runs now through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝🍕 Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August. 🎉 Week 5 Winners • Libby: $50 North Italia gift card • Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets • arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes • Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card • Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply. 🏆 This Week’s Prizes • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • $100 Visa gift card • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • @desertmuseum passes More details in bio@Theironcheftucson returns to Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita this Saturday, July 18!

Two-time reigning champion @chef_antbanks of @obonsushi is back to defend his title against AJ Mortazavi of @barnyard_az, winner of the 2026 Meet the Chefs competition. Once the secret ingredient is revealed, both chefs will race against the clock to create dishes judged on taste, creativity, and presentation. 

The event begins with the Culinary Experience from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring three hours of food and drink sampling, cooking demos, and classes, followed by the live Iron Chef Competition from 5 to 8 p.m. This is a 21+ event. 

More details and tickets at Tucsonfoodie.com🏆🎉@Theironcheftucson returns to Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita this Saturday, July 18! Two-time reigning champion @chef_antbanks of @obonsushi is back to defend his title against AJ Mortazavi of @barnyard_az, winner of the 2026 Meet the Chefs competition. Once the secret ingredient is revealed, both chefs will race against the clock to create dishes judged on taste, creativity, and presentation. The event begins with the Culinary Experience from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring three hours of food and drink sampling, cooking demos, and classes, followed by the live Iron Chef Competition from 5 to 8 p.m. This is a 21+ event. More details and tickets at Tucsonfoodie.com🏆🎉

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!