Here’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed the most in June. Also, not only are these reminders of the dishes we ate, but they can also be a guide for your own decisions on what to eat here in Tucson.
I will not shut up about how much I love the dinner program at 5 Points. We started with a free sparkling and pet nat wine tasting and followed it up with a bread course, followed by a kale Caesar salad that would resurrect Julius from his grave. And they’re only open until 8 p.m. so you can be in bed by 9 with a happy, full belly.
The Sunday Brunch at Loews Ventana Canyon is everything buffets should strive to be. Live music, free-flowing mimosas, and the most divine array of proteins and vegetables that I’ve ever laid eyes on. Do you want sushi? They have it. How about prime rib? Sure thing. Deliciously grilled sides and vegetables? Hell yeah.
The cheese curds at Saguaro Corners are dangerously good. The restaurant has an awesome ambiance, a dog-friendly patio with shade, and great views of the mountains. You’re definitely going to want to catch a sunset there.
The street corn at GM Kitchen 86 has my heart. Ask for vegan mayo and no cheese to make it vegan!
Argentinian empanadas from Che Cafe. Rather than a buttery crust, it has a more saltine cracker-like texture, which made it feel lighter and easier to eat more empanadas. The fatay has a lemon-marinated beef filling, bright with a little sweetness from onion and pepper. For sweet empanadas, go for the strawberry, evocative of a Toaster Strudel without the cloying sweetness.
Every month I eagerly await to see what “burger” the kids come up with over at Midtown Market for their, yes, burger of the month. Not once, not a single time, have I been disappointed. It’s hard to wrap my omnivorous mouth around the fact that everything that I am eating is 100% plant-based from that place. June’s offering, the Hawaiian Burger, was probably one of my favorites. It’s a Beyond Meat patty that is topped with grilled pineapple, pickled onions, white “cheese”, vegan bacon with a housemade teriyaki glaze, and a Sriracha aioli. This thing was sticky, messy, spicy, tasty, and a whole lot of fun to eat. As per tradition, I take the burger of the month to a local park where I can sit in relative peace and enjoy some nature as I throttle that goodness into my gob and scream.
This was a funny one because I totally didn’t go to Del Cielo for the calabacitas. In fact, I was ordering some enchiladas when I noticed they had some as a side item for a pretty decent price. Feeling saucy and a bit hungry, I tacked on an order of calabacitas because, hey, you only live once! When I got home I decided to try the calabacitas because if a Mexican joint can do calabacitas correctly then that Mexican joint is always right. Hands down some of the tastiest calabacitas I have ever had and I’ve had my fair share. The peppers and squashes were ripe and perfect and sat there in a golden glow of sauce and seasonings. Sometimes at night, I dream about their calabacitas, wishing it was by my side again. Then I wake up and realize that Del Cielo is a few blocks from the house. Thanks, calabacitas!
For nearly two years I called Gallery of Food my day job. It was an amazing experience, I learned a lot, and I got to work in various formats. One of the best things about working there was getting to eat the food. Chef Chris Baldwin and the owner Kristine Jensen, have always come up with incredible recipes all sourced from local farms, ranches, and gardens. They decided to switch up their lunch and dinner menu before they close from July 1 – July 18 for a summer break, adding one dish that blew me away. The Pueblo Ahi is a plate of perfectly seared ahi tuna that has a crust of black sesame seeds and mustard that sits among a happy throng of crispy beets, ginger escabeche, avocado, mango, and grilled jalapeños with a zesty chile mayo. It was so good — so very, very good. July 18 can’t get here fast enough.
Say what you will about Sam Fox, the man knows hospitality. We started with the Shishito Peppers with unami sauce. Then the “Dough” — a pepperoni pizza — and the “Bird” — the rotisserie chicken with mac n’ cheese. Finished off with lemon meringue pie.
Golly, Campbell Plaza has so many good restaurants. Presenting the Leige Waffles at Baja Cafe. Get ’em while they got ’em — one batch is made daily, so when they’re gone, they’re gone.
The Wild Lion Mane Ragú at Agustin Kitchen.
The shorba at Cafe Desta is the best food for your money — hands down. Fight me about it.
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