Vegetarian/vegan Mexican restaurant Tumerico quietly opened La Chaiteria, a cafe and restaurant on Tucson’s west side.
The 3,000-square-foot space at 1002 W. Congress St. previously housed convenience market Quick Stop.
“It’s a community space, so there are murals with Latin and Indian paintings,” said Wendy Garcia, owner-chef of La Chaiteria and Tumerico. “Also, Anthony Bourdain and my forever crush Kristen Stewart.”
Yes, there is a mural dedicated to Hollywood actress and Twilight star Kristen Stewart. In the mural, Stewart is wearing a Tumerico shirt and eating a taco.
The interior currently seats 15 with a patio to come in the future. However, the facade outside has space for people to sit and observe the mountains and sunset.
“It’s for people to feel welcome and at home like at the Tumerico on Sixth,” Garcia said.
The chalkboard menu features Latin-inspired dishes, Garcia’s signature vegetarian and vegan options, and an expanded latte menu with flavors such as Mole, Horchata, Lavender, Mazapan, CBD, Saffron, Chai, and more.
Additionally, the space offers assorted retail Mexican items for sale such as jarred pumpkin blossoms, huitlacoche, hot sauces, La Noria corn tortillas, and more.
Last but not least, the dining area features a salsa bar. Garcia doesn’t play games when it comes to spice, so be cautious with anything that looks like it could have habaneros in it.
Operating hours are 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
La Chaiteria is located at 1002 W. Congress St. For more information, call (520) 400-7127 or visit tumerico.com.
Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
