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January 2020 Food Events: Vegan cook-offs, bar crawls & anniversaries

January 2020 Food Events: Vegan cook-offs, bar crawls & anniversaries

Jan 6, 20207 min read

It’s a new year and a heap of new events, too.

January is shaping up to be a pretty eventful month as it gets 2020 in full swing. You’ve got choices that include visiting plant-based food trucks, a vegan cook-off, anniversary parties, themed bar crawls, and workshops for the creative foodies.

Saturday, January 11

This is a unique occasion because chef Marcus van Winden has specially prepared and paired the dinner with Modern Times — all five courses, too. Plus, this meal is straight out of the field with pheasants and wild boar being included in different courses.

Seats are $69 per person and you must be at least 21 years old to attend. read more.

It’s heartwarming to know you’ll be providing comfort and support for savable cats and dogs that are homeless in Pima County. In turn, your loving contribution will be rewarded with several vegan chili samples, and an opportunity to vote on your favorites.

Tickets are at $10 per person and that’ll get you one round of samples. If you’d like seconds, it’s just an extra $2. You can also enter the cook-off if you’re feeling competitive. …read more.

Throughout the day at their midtown location they’ll be serving up their signature craft brews — much like the appearance of the Anniversary Strong Ale — and even some tasty brisket and rib specials. In addition to the things you can ingest, the brewery will be offering free live music, drink specials, and giveaways.

If you’re under 21 you’re still invited to the family-friendly event. …read more.

During the class, Jackie will be covering composition, lighting, and techniques he commonly uses when out on a shoot. In addition, there are going to be bites from one of Tucson’s great food trucks and beer from Public Brewhouse.

Seats are $150 per person with beer or $140 without. …read more.

You can “make your own adventure” using the bars and restaurants on the list and visit them in whichever order you wish. Those featured include Mr. HeadsSky BarR BarCobra Arcade Bar, and Fired Pie. At each destination you’ll find discounted drinks, free giveaways, and much more.

You’ve got to be at least 21 years old to join the crawl and tickets are $14.99 for General Admission or $34.99 for a VIP Pass. …read more.

Sunday, January 12

The event, which is co-sponsored by Food + Travel, is meant to reveal some of the most popular and tasty doughnuts around, and to give everyone the opportunity to vote on their favorite. There’s going to be around 8 to 10 vendors showing off their best doughnuts, and everyone attending will get samples from each of them.

There will also be a few options for buying your tickets. General Admission is $12.50 per person, VIP is $20 (which gets you in early at 1 p.m.), Family Passes (two adults and two kids) are $40, and children can get in for $8 each. …read more.

Tuesday, January 14 & Tuesday, January 21

Vegan Dining Series

To increase the level of convenience, you’ve got two chances to make it to this class and it’s perfect for those who are unfamiliar with how to live a healthy vegan lifestyle.

The workshops are free so be sure to pick the date that works best for you. …read more.

Wednesday, January 15

If you’re a fan of wine this is one dinner you’ll want to consider.

Tavolino is celebrating the release of the 2015 Sagrantino and other vintage wines from the Mattoni family of wine. When it comes to the meal, you’re being treated with the likes of Torta al Testo — which is a cast iron baked bread with prosciutto, burrata cheese, and arugula — and Porchetta di Maiale. …read more.

Recently, Geronimo’s Revenge has been working with the brewery to host weekly meals, and this week’s main dish is their housemade ramen.

It’s made with maize noodle and is served in your choice of a Tucson-style hominy broth, a mushroom broth, or tossed in a creamy elote sauce. Each dish is $13 and good luck making a decision. …read more.

Thursday, January 16

If you haven’t had the chance to taste some of Arizona’s best wine, then here’s the perfect opportunity. Each one of the participating wineries will have an owner or winemaker pouring samples, and also answering any questions you may have about their wine.

As long as you’re at least 21 years old, it’s totally free to taste the wine, and you’ll be able to special order any wine that isn’t normally stocked in the market. …read more.

Friday, January 17

If you’ve never tried mead it’s been known to be one of the oldest forms of alcohol, and is created by fermenting honey with water and sometimes with fruit, spices, grains, or hops. From their beginnings in Skull Valley, Arizona to their tasting room in Prescott, Superstition Meadery has made more than 130 unique meads and hard ciders since 2012.

In addition to the free tastings, you can snag 10% off mead flights or full glass pours. …read more.

Dillinger Brewing Company is pairing their tasty brews with popcorn from [POPPED] Artisan Popcorn.

Popcorn & Beer Pairing Menu

  • “Naked” with Sea Salt
    • Paired with Cerveza De Oro
  • Green Chile Popcorn
    • Paired with Serrano Seduction
  • Salted Caramel Popcorn
    • Paired with Roadrunner Red
  • Churro
    • Paired with English Stout

Saturday, January 18

After making a few stops around the country, spanning all the way from the east coast to southern California, the vegan food truck is making a stop in Tucson.

One of Southern Fried Vegan’s signature dishes is coming along for the ride is the Beer-Cheeze Battered Beyond Burger, but there’s plenty more where that’s coming from. In addition to everything being free of meat, many of the items are free of gluten, too. …read more.

Saturday, January 18 – Sunday, January 19

The speakeasy event on Saturday night is from 6 – 9 p.m. and tickets are $45 per person. The experience gets you whiskey and gin tastings from different distillers and small bites.

The experience takes you back to the capture of gangster John Dillinger, which happened right here in Tucson. Dillinger Days features whiskey tastings, appetizers, premium cigars, a gun trick show, live music, and entertainment related to the 1930s era. …read more.

Friday, January 24

Vive Le France Wine Tasting  at Maynards

Come and explore one of the world’s largest wine-producing regions.

You’ve got to be at least 21 years old to attend tastings are $12 or free for Wine Club Members …read more.

Saturday, January 25

Morning at the Museum: Coffee, Tea & Yoga Event at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Sip, stretch, and wake up on the wild side.

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is hosting its first “Morning at the Museum” event of 2020 at 9 a.m. – noon on Saturday, January 25.

The animals are welcoming you to their stomping grounds for tastings and presentations from local coffee roasters and tea houses, early morning snacks, and yoga with Tiffany Georgia from Let’s Sweat.

In addition to the tea and coffee samples, there will be morning cocktails to sip on at the cash bar — Bloody Marys, Mimosas, and Irish Coffees aplenty …read more.

The class is going to teach you some of the basic knife skills and also practice more fundamental cuts — like a mince, dice, brunoise, bâtonnet, and julienne.  You’ll even get to practice cutting large food items like a head of cabbage, herbs, and onions.

Each seat in the class is $55 per person and includes a light Mexican-style lunch and ingredients to take home for dinner. …read more.

Tuesday, January 28

First up, is Erik Stanford from Pivot Produce and will involve using hand-picked, mindfully-sourced, Arizona-grown ingredients.

“We’ll explore my culinary story and the cuisines of wintery rural Wisconsin, Katrina-ravaged New Orleans and the arid agriculture of the desert Southwest all while using ingredients grown or foraged right here in the Sonoran Desert.” said Erik Stanford.

Seats range from $75 – $125 per person and you can make reservations by calling (520) 324-9350. read more.

Thursday, January 30

Spread throughout the store, all guests will have the opportunity to check out the beautifully plated dishes, taste samples, listen to live music, and then even enter to win a piece to take home from Copenhagen.

Once you enter the The Art of Plating event you’ll find separate stations for each chef where the actual plating will take place. After you’ve gotten a clear choice of which tasted and looked the best you can vote for your favorite in the People’s Choice Award.

General admission tickets are $55 per person, which includes food samples and beverages, and then a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Community Food Bank. …read more.

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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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Three-peat!🏆🏆🏆

@Chef_antbanks of @obonsushi defended his Iron Chef Tucson title against AJ Mortazavi of The Barnyard Crafthouse & Eatery, with tomatoes from Wholesum Family Farms revealed as this year’s secret ingredient.

Dromgoole’s winning menu included pork with minced olives over a diced tomato salad, a tomato-forward ratatouille with mozzarella, charred corn and whipped ricotta served with tableside tomato soup, and a standout dessert of fried tomato topped with goat cheese ice cream and balsamic glaze.

With the victory, Dromgoole joins Ryan Clark as the only chefs to win @theironcheftucson three years in a row. Here’s hoping OBON brings these dishes back for a special dinner. 🍅

Photos by @jackie_tran_ 

#tucsonnewsThree-peat!🏆🏆🏆 @Chef_antbanks of @obonsushi defended his Iron Chef Tucson title against AJ Mortazavi of The Barnyard Crafthouse & Eatery, with tomatoes from Wholesum Family Farms revealed as this year’s secret ingredient. Dromgoole’s winning menu included pork with minced olives over a diced tomato salad, a tomato-forward ratatouille with mozzarella, charred corn and whipped ricotta served with tableside tomato soup, and a standout dessert of fried tomato topped with goat cheese ice cream and balsamic glaze. With the victory, Dromgoole joins Ryan Clark as the only chefs to win @theironcheftucson three years in a row. Here’s hoping OBON brings these dishes back for a special dinner. 🍅 Photos by @jackie_tran_ #tucsonnewsBreakfast & Brunch Week starts today and runs through July 26 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer! 

🏆🍳☀️❤️🥞THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: 
• Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival 
• (2) $100 Visa gift cards 
• $20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
• 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum 
• $25 gift card to @beyondbreadbakerycafe 

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Some suggested places to visit this week: @lovinspoonfulstucson, @delcielotamal, @hotelcongress, @prepandpastry, @cafealacarttucson, @tooleys_cafe, @localetucson, @teaspoontucson, @theofficialbreadandbutter, @losmilicsvineyards, @cafepassetucson… More suggestions on the website. Link in bio. 

Let’s support local 💝

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonazBreakfast & Brunch Week starts today and runs through July 26 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer! 🏆🍳☀️❤️🥞THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: • Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival • (2) $100 Visa gift cards • $20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe • 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum • $25 gift card to @beyondbreadbakerycafe ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Some suggested places to visit this week: @lovinspoonfulstucson, @delcielotamal, @hotelcongress, @prepandpastry, @cafealacarttucson, @tooleys_cafe, @localetucson, @teaspoontucson, @theofficialbreadandbutter, @losmilicsvineyards, @cafepassetucson… More suggestions on the website. Link in bio. Let’s support local 💝 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonaz“I scream, you scream...oh, hush! In this warm weather town, there’s no need to scream for ice cream. This year-round favorite treat and its cool cousins, gelato, and sorbet are widely available in a variety of distinctive styles and flavors. You’ll also find more unusual fare such as Indian golas, a version of shaved ice.” — @ediebjarolim 

@bellasgelatoshoppetucson 
@bisouburger 
@blueicegelato 
@brooklynpizzaco 
@azbrucha 
@cerestucson 
@chillonsunrise 
@decibelcoffeeworks 
@frostgelato 
@frozendelight520 
@hubdowntown 
@lickscatalina 
@littleanthonysdiner 
@noodiestucson 
@okashi_ice_cream_confections 
@thescreamery 
@treat_byciaodown 
@varietyh2o_icecream 
@zio_peppe_az 

See @ediebjarolim’s complete guide on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie“I scream, you scream...oh, hush! In this warm weather town, there’s no need to scream for ice cream. This year-round favorite treat and its cool cousins, gelato, and sorbet are widely available in a variety of distinctive styles and flavors. You’ll also find more unusual fare such as Indian golas, a version of shaved ice.” — @ediebjarolim @bellasgelatoshoppetucson @bisouburger @blueicegelato @brooklynpizzaco @azbrucha @cerestucson @chillonsunrise @decibelcoffeeworks @frostgelato @frozendelight520 @hubdowntown @lickscatalina @littleanthonysdiner @noodiestucson @okashi_ice_cream_confections @thescreamery @treat_byciaodown @varietyh2o_icecream @zio_peppe_az See @ediebjarolim’s complete guide on Tucsonfoodie.com #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 #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 

11 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ

#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!🥂

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 #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 #tucsonfoodie

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!