Here’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed the most in September. 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.
Addie Ibarra
Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine
6878 E. Sunrise Dr. #130
I really enjoy a place that feels like home and that’s what I felt at Inca’s. The service was out of this world. The portions were generous and it really did feel like I was back in Lima, Peru enjoying a leisurely lunch. I think I drank my body weight in chicha morada and pisco sours.
Zio Peppe
6502 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
I haven’t met a meal I don’t like at Zio Peppe. Their pan-seared salmon with tamale cake was chef’s kiss.
Vino Stache Winery
6 Lone Mesquite Ct., Elgin, AZ
Vino Stache is a new-ish winery in the Sonoita area. It’s definitely off the beaten path, but it’s absolutely worthwhile. This isn’t a photo of it, but their skin-contact rosé (not pictured) alone is worth the trip.
Chrissy Mance
The Parish
6453 N. Oracle Rd.
Happy hour at Parish cannot be beaten. My sister Jessie Mance and I ordered a “mini buffet” with one (or more!) of everything on their happy hour menu (bacon popcorn, hush puppies, fries, southern edamame, two cups of gumbo). We also ordered the Brussels sprouts and they’re crunchy, nutty, crispy, and delicious.
Dante’s Fire
2526 E. Grant Rd.
This Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding from Dante’s Fire was one of the best treats I’ve had in a long time! Moist and dense, topped with chantilly cream. The curved plate made it easy to soak up every drop of the strawberry Grand Marnier sauce.
Hannah Hernandez
Espressoul Cafe
Multiple Locations (it’s a food truck)
Run to Espressoul and order a creamy baklava iced coffee. It’ll come topped with a dreamy vegan cold foam and pistachio combo.
Matt Sterner
Polish Cottage
4520 E. Broadway Blvd.
Did you know Polish Cottage has at least five Polish beers on the menu? This was my first time coming to the restaurant. I was wandering down Broadway Boulevard on foot, my throat was dry, I was craving a beer, and the Zywiec IPA hit the spot. I also had the Beef Stew & Fries appetizer (not pictured) and had enough energy to keep strollin’ down Broadway.
Casa Marana
8225 N. Courtney Page Way #191
Dang, they weren’t kidding when they made this meat-lovin’ pizza pie. The Quattro Carne is loaded with San Marzano mozzarella, pepperoni, Italian sausage, salami, and prosciutto. I took my mom out on a hot date that day and she ordered the Pollo Pesto because tomato sauce makes her feel funky. Her pizza had a basil pesto sauce and olive oil instead of marinara, with the addition of mozzarella and chicken. Casa Marana is a great place to have a local craft beer, too!
Max Wingert
Cafe Desta
758 S. Stone Ave.
“The Works” combo platter at Cafe Desta is top-notch — a colorful sampling of all the various meats and veggies served on one huge tray. Enough for five people and then some. Plus, you get to eat with your hands!
Rita Connelly
Casa Santa Rosa
2615 S. Sixth Ave.
Casa Santa Rosa for breakfast. Red chili, green chili, refries, eggs sunny-side up, and of course, their heavenly popovers.
Shane Reiser
Agustin Kitchen
100 S. Avenida del Convento #150
The Salmon Rillette at Agustin Kitchen!
El Antojo Poblano
1108 W. St Marys Rd.
The Enmoladas de Pollo from El Antojo Pobalano. The mole is rich and sweet and the chicken falls off the bone — so good!
