Here’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed during December!
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
OBON Sushi Bar and Ramen
350 E. Congress St. #120
The new menu at Obon is fresh, it’s delicious, and it’s reasonably priced. Plus, they have a killer happy hour. My plan is to go more often in 2025.
Charro Vida
7109 N. Oracle Rd.
I’m not a vegan, but the Cauli al Pastor tacos at Charro Vida were mind-blowing. I tasted the chicken tacos, and while they were good, they were no match for the elevated flavors in the vegan taco.
Penelope Pizza
800 N. Kolb Rd.
Penelope Pizza is home to my favorite bartender (my husband), favorite secret dinner specials, and the best mortadella in town. Want mortadella grilled with mustard seeds as an app? They got ya. What about on a pizza? They got ya, too.
Casa Asada
2502 N. Campbell Ave.
The proteins at Casa Asada, like the Carne Asada, are seasoned and grilled to perfection. The tacos are fat, the quesadillas are fluffy and the salsa bar is well-stocked to customize your order.
Time Market
444 E. University Blvd.
The slice of pizza and kale salad combo at Time Market reigns supreme in my book. It’s not an actual combo on the menu, just in my heart.
Maynards
400 N. Toole Ave.
I wish I could swear on this thing because Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, the new menu at Maynards is so absolutely decadent. The oysters with apple granita are a refreshing way to start your meal. I followed mine up with some Brussels sprouts and scallops. My friend had a beet appetizer and duck. The entire experience felt luxurious.
Tito & Pep
4122 E. Speedway Blvd.
I got to try the new brunch at Tito & Pep and it’s safe to say that I’ll be back as often as I can. I had the Chicken Torta. I’ve never had a torta like this — the chicken had an excellent crunch, but without it feeling greasy and gross. It was like a chicharron, but better. And the bread? Wow, such a soft roll. The potatoes were crispy.
Chrissy Mance
Mariscos Chihuahua
Multiple Locations
Chickpea Ceviche at Mariscos Chihuahua is a spicy, hearty, and satisfying dish — a great alternative to traditional ceviche!
Saffron Indian Bistro
7607 N. Oracle Rd.
Had such a great dinner at Saffron. Wonderful food and service. We got the vegetarian samosas, paneer tikka masala, paneer saag, and garlic naan. 10/10!
Edie Jarolim
Kneller’s Delicatessen & Appetizing
Pop-up
A taste of things to come when Jeremy Kneller-Hernandez opens up his brick-and-mortar deli (April is the aim). Now he’s found at the weekends at St. Philips Plaza. Here’s a breakfast sandwich (kaiser roll, latke, eggs, and cheese) and a potato knish with mustard and a gherkin. The knish tastes like the ones I enjoyed in Brooklyn, growing up. There can be no higher praise.
Hannah Hernandez
Donut Blitz
Food Truck
Donut Blitz has vegan options! Their mini doughnuts remind me of the non-vegan ones I used to love at hockey games.
Del Cielo Tamal
3073 N. Campbell Ave.
Tamal breakfast at Del Cielo.
El Torero
231 E. 26th St.
Vegan green corn tamales at El Torero. So perfect.
Luckie’s Thai-Asian Cuisine
8110 S. Houghton Rd. #186
Green curry tofu + potatoes at Luckie’s. Ask for no fish sauce to make it vegan.
Rita Connelly
La Baguette Bakery
1797 E. Prince Rd.
La Baguette Bakery’s morning buns sell out quickly and with good reason. They’re sweet, buttery and addictive. The dough is painted with orange marmalade and then rolled. The outside is crazy with cinnamon. Unroll them apart slowly for the best effect. A cup of black coffee is all you’ll need for a most heavenly breakfast. La Baguette is located inside Ghini’s French Caffe on the corner of Prince and Campbell.
Shane Reiser
Ermanos Bar
220 N. Fourth Ave.
Roasted 1/4 Cabbage at Ermanos: herb butter, green tahini sauce, dill, chili crisp, tzatziki.
Slow Body Beer Co.
831 E. 17th St.
Left: Feelings (Tropical Nelson Pale Ale)
Right: Strawberry and Pineapple Limonada Hard Shrub
Cheba Hut
446 N. Campbell Ave. #2
Kali Mist at Cheba Hut.
Sexy Grilled Cheese
Food truck
Chef Ken Foy made this bahn mi hot dog from his food truck Sexy Grilled Cheese for a food truck competition. So, it’s not on the menu but maybe he can re-create it if you ask nicely cause it was the best hot dog I’ve ever had.
Bombole
100 N. Stone Ave.
The vegetable curry empanada from Bombole.
Charro Vida
7109 N. Oracle Rd.
Mushroom taco at Charro Vida.
Elysium Botanicals
Pop-up/Order Online
These tea blends are from Elysium botanicals. I particularly love the bedtime herbal sleep blend. It works just as good as cannabis, coming to put me into a deep sleep. It’s got catnip, passionflower, chamomile, valerian, lavender, lemongrass, kava, hops, spearmint, lemon balm, St. John’s wart, and holy basil.
