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Tucson Foodie’s Week in Review: What You Missed (March 15-21)

Tucson Foodie’s Week in Review: What You Missed (March 15-21)

Mar 21, 20253 min read

Welcome to this week’s roundup!

We’ve gathered the top stories, a standout social post, and other foodie highlights you shouldn’t miss. From the latest around Tucson’s dining scene to can’t-miss events and exclusive perks for our Insiders, this is your go-to guide to staying in the loop.

Let’s dig in!

Top Stories & Articles

Jerk Chicken, Oxtail Shine at Kingston Kitchen Tucson
Curry chicken at Kingston Kitchen (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Curry chicken at Kingston Kitchen (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Kingston Kitchen, located at 5305 E. Speedway Blvd., stands as a vibrant celebration of authentic Jamaican cuisine. Co-owner and general manager Damion Williams took over the restaurant space in 2021, transforming what was formerly CeeDee Jamaican Kitchen into something entirely new.

Read the full article: Jerk Chicken, Oxtail Shine at Kingston Kitchen Tucson.

Wine Blending Urban Winery ‘Vertigo Wines’ to Open Downtown
Interior at Vertigo Wines (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Interior at Vertigo Wines (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Longtime Tucsonans may recognize owners Kristel and Dominic Johnson from their previous business, Isabella’s Ice Cream. Kristel also spent time as general manager for HUB Ice Cream Factory and business development manager for Sand-Reckoner Vineyard before working on opening Vertigo Wines. She landed on the name Vertigo Wines after a personal experience with vertigo.

Read the full article: Wine Blending Urban Winery ‘Vertigo Wines’ to Open Downtown.

‘Bakery By Ren’ Opens Next to Ren Coffeehouse
Bakery By Ren (Photo by Victoria Ciscneros)
Bakery By Ren (Photo by Victoria Ciscneros)

Earlier this month, Bakery By Ren relocated to 4300 N. Campbell Ave. #12 (formerly at 4320 N Campbell Ave. #43) Now, the new spot shares the wall with Ren Coffeehouse, allowing folks to easily wander from one spot to the other.

Read the full article: ‘Bakery By Ren’ Opens Next to Ren Coffeehouse.

Oasis Fruit Cones Closed After 41 Years

“After 41 wonderful years, it’s time for us to say goodbye. It’s with a mix of gratitude and bittersweet emotion that we announce the closing of Oasis Fruit Cones & Raspados as John and Julie step into a much-deserved retirement.”

Read the full article: Oasis Fruit Cones Closed After 41 Years.

New Foodie Guides

Guide to Locally Owned Groceries with Fresh Produce in Tucson
Produce at Time Market (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Produce at Time Market (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Locally owned groceries around Tucson carry an assortment of packaged foods, but how many carry fresh produce? As it turns out, not nearly as many as there are restaurants.

Read the guide: Guide to Locally Owned Groceries with Fresh Produce in Tucson.

Best Bars in Tucson, According to Wine Enthusiast
(Photo courtesy of Barbata)

“There are cocktail dens for every desire, cozy breweries in industrial shells and patios that satisfy the sun-seekers and shade-lovers,” said Rebecca Toy of Wine Enthusiast. “Try cocktails mixed with agave, prickly pear, and chiltepin chiles.”

Read the guide: Best Bars in Tucson, According to Wine Enthusiast.

Tucson Foodie Cookbook Club: ‘Wine Food’ at REVEL
Wednesday, March 26
Wine Food by by Dana Frank and Andrea Slonecker (Photo by Meg Baggott)
Wine Food by Dana Frank and Andrea Slonecker (Photo by Meg Baggott)

The next Cookbook Club is from 6 – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26 at REVEL, 416 E. Ninth St., featuring “Wine Food” by Dana Frank and Andrea Slonecker.

Read the article: Tucson Foodie Cookbook Club: ‘Wine Food’ at REVEL.

What to Eat & Drink at the Fourth Avenue Street Fair
Friday, March 21 – Sunday, March 23
Fourth Avenue Street Fair (Photo courtesy of Fourth Avenue Merchants Association)

The three-day event is happening on Friday, March 21 – Saturday, March 22 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and then 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 23.

Read the article: What to Eat & Drink at the Fourth Avenue Street Fair.

Perks of Being an Insider

For $20 a month, Tucson Foodie Insiders get a stack of cash vouchers to local restaurants worth over $6,000, free tasting events at local restaurants every month, access to members-only monthly dinner series with local chefs, discounts on events, and monthly mixers with other members.

Learn more and join!

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IT’S THE FINAL WEEK OF 12 WEEKS OF FOODIE SUMMER! 🎉

Sonoran Week starts today and runs through August 9! Visit any locally owned Tucson spot that fits this week’s theme, save your receipt, and upload it at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win this week’s prizes.

🏆THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: 
Win: Tickets to Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge, (2) $100 Visa gift cards, $20 gift card to Ghini’s, 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, (1) gift card to Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar, (1) $50 gift card to Charro Concepts, (1) $50 gift card to BATA, (1) $50 gift card to Sonoran Moonshine

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS.

Stay tuned for @Sonoranrestaurantweek! Let’s support local ❤️

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonazIT’S THE FINAL WEEK OF 12 WEEKS OF FOODIE SUMMER! 🎉 Sonoran Week starts today and runs through August 9! Visit any locally owned Tucson spot that fits this week’s theme, save your receipt, and upload it at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win this week’s prizes. 🏆THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: Win: Tickets to Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge, (2) $100 Visa gift cards, $20 gift card to Ghini’s, 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, (1) gift card to Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar, (1) $50 gift card to Charro Concepts, (1) $50 gift card to BATA, (1) $50 gift card to Sonoran Moonshine ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Stay tuned for @Sonoranrestaurantweek! Let’s support local ❤️ #tucsonfoodie #tucsonaz@Hello_bicycletucson is closing its doors permanently after five years in business. The owners shared the news on Instagram on Sunday, but there’s still time to stop by before they close.

The cafe will remain open through August 16, while the bicycle shop will continue operating through August 23. After that, the owners will prepare the space for new ownership.

They also hinted that a new business will soon be taking over the Midvale Park Road location.👀 

“After 11 years in Seattle as Hello Bicycle, and 5 years in Tucson as Hello Bicycle & Cafe, we are closing our doors for good. Thank you to everyone who rode along with us, we couldn’t have done any of it without you.” 

More on Tucsonfoodie.com 

#tucsonnews #tucsonfoodie@Hello_bicycletucson is closing its doors permanently after five years in business. The owners shared the news on Instagram on Sunday, but there’s still time to stop by before they close. The cafe will remain open through August 16, while the bicycle shop will continue operating through August 23. After that, the owners will prepare the space for new ownership. They also hinted that a new business will soon be taking over the Midvale Park Road location.👀 “After 11 years in Seattle as Hello Bicycle, and 5 years in Tucson as Hello Bicycle & Cafe, we are closing our doors for good. Thank you to everyone who rode along with us, we couldn’t have done any of it without you.” More on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonnews #tucsonfoodieShare your favorites in the comments🥗

@bluewillow.tucson 
@cerestucson 
@charrosteak.delrey 
@falorapizza 
@forbes_meat_company 
@frescotucson 
@tucsonjaimes 
@thekingfishertucson 
@noodiestucson 
@reillypizza 
@reneestucson 
@roccoslittlechicago 
@veroamoretucson 
@zio_peppe_az 

More on Tucsonfoodie.comShare your favorites in the comments🥗 @bluewillow.tucson @cerestucson @charrosteak.delrey @falorapizza @forbes_meat_company @frescotucson @tucsonjaimes @thekingfishertucson @noodiestucson @reillypizza @reneestucson @roccoslittlechicago @veroamoretucson @zio_peppe_az More on Tucsonfoodie.comJoin the Tucson Foodie team for a very special dinner at @sawmillrun. A culinary journey from the Sonoran Desert to the summit of Mount Lemmon.❤️ 

Tickets in bio.
MENU👇🌲

AMUSE:
Forest Floor
Hazelnut Soil • Whipped Goat Cheese • Black Garlic • Pickled Mushroom • Crispy Mushroom • Mountain Herbs

FIRST COURSE: 
Desert Oasis
Compressed Melon • Whipped Feta • Chiltepin Vinaigrette • Pickled Cucumber • Toasted Pepitas • Mint

SECOND COURSE: 
Campfire Embers
Roasted Bone Marrow • House Chorizo • Pickled Shallot • Cilantro • House-Made Blue Corn Tortilla

THIRD COURSE: 
Juniper Ridge
Juniper-Smoked Pork Belly • Charred Corn Succotash • Prickly Pear Gastrique • Dehydrated Jalapeños

PALATE CLEANSER:
Aspen Breeze
House-Made Lemon Sorbet • Candied Lemon • Fresh Mint

FOURTH COURSE: 
Granite Peak
Mesquite-Grilled Vera Earl Beef • Smoked Tomato Chimichurri • Charred Heirloom Tomato • Crispy Shallot

DESSERT: 
Summer on Mount Lemmon
Arizona Honeycomb Ice Cream • Roasted Willcox Peaches • Huckleberry Compote • Almond Streusel • Honey Tuile

#tucsonevents #tucsonfoodie #mtlemmonJoin the Tucson Foodie team for a very special dinner at @sawmillrun. A culinary journey from the Sonoran Desert to the summit of Mount Lemmon.❤️ Tickets in bio. MENU👇🌲 AMUSE: Forest Floor Hazelnut Soil • Whipped Goat Cheese • Black Garlic • Pickled Mushroom • Crispy Mushroom • Mountain Herbs FIRST COURSE: Desert Oasis Compressed Melon • Whipped Feta • Chiltepin Vinaigrette • Pickled Cucumber • Toasted Pepitas • Mint SECOND COURSE: Campfire Embers Roasted Bone Marrow • House Chorizo • Pickled Shallot • Cilantro • House-Made Blue Corn Tortilla THIRD COURSE: Juniper Ridge Juniper-Smoked Pork Belly • Charred Corn Succotash • Prickly Pear Gastrique • Dehydrated Jalapeños PALATE CLEANSER: Aspen Breeze House-Made Lemon Sorbet • Candied Lemon • Fresh Mint FOURTH COURSE: Granite Peak Mesquite-Grilled Vera Earl Beef • Smoked Tomato Chimichurri • Charred Heirloom Tomato • Crispy Shallot DESSERT: Summer on Mount Lemmon Arizona Honeycomb Ice Cream • Roasted Willcox Peaches • Huckleberry Compote • Almond Streusel • Honey Tuile #tucsonevents #tucsonfoodie #mtlemmonIT’S WEEK 11! 

Steak & Carne Asada Week runs through Aug 2 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🥩🔥

🏆THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: 
•Tickets to Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge
•(2) $50 @asadataqueria gift cards
•(2) $100 Visa gift cards
•$20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
•4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum 
•(1) gift card to @redbird_scratchkitchen 
•(1) $50 gift card to Charro Concepts

Upload your receipts: summer.tucsonfoodie.com
ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. 

Let’s support local ❤️

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonazIT’S WEEK 11! Steak & Carne Asada Week runs through Aug 2 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🥩🔥 🏆THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: •Tickets to Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge •(2) $50 @asadataqueria gift cards •(2) $100 Visa gift cards •$20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe •4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum •(1) gift card to @redbird_scratchkitchen •(1) $50 gift card to Charro Concepts Upload your receipts: summer.tucsonfoodie.com ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Let’s support local ❤️ #tucsonfoodie #tucsonazGIVEAWAY! We’re giving away 3 pairs of VIP tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival on Saturday, August 8!🎉

Experience an unforgettable evening featuring tasting experiences from 30+ celebrated Southwest chefs, showcasing the rich flavors and traditions of Mexican cuisine. Enjoy everything from heritage moles and handmade tortillas to fresh ceviches, carne asada, cochinita pibil, live music, art, and more at @Westinlapaloma. VIP tickets include early entry at 5 PM plus exclusive access to the VIP Lounge.

How to enter:
• Follow @artstateaz, @westinlapaloma & @tucsonfoodie
• Like this post
• Tag the friend you’d bring (unlimited entries!)

Winners will be randomly selected on August 3.

Looking to buy tickets instead? Head to the link in @artstateaz’s bio and use code 15FOODIE26 for 15% off your tickets!

21+ event.

#tucsonfoodie #tucsoneventsGIVEAWAY! We’re giving away 3 pairs of VIP tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival on Saturday, August 8!🎉 Experience an unforgettable evening featuring tasting experiences from 30+ celebrated Southwest chefs, showcasing the rich flavors and traditions of Mexican cuisine. Enjoy everything from heritage moles and handmade tortillas to fresh ceviches, carne asada, cochinita pibil, live music, art, and more at @Westinlapaloma. VIP tickets include early entry at 5 PM plus exclusive access to the VIP Lounge. How to enter: • Follow @artstateaz, @westinlapaloma & @tucsonfoodie • Like this post • Tag the friend you’d bring (unlimited entries!) Winners will be randomly selected on August 3. Looking to buy tickets instead? Head to the link in @artstateaz’s bio and use code 15FOODIE26 for 15% off your tickets! 21+ event. #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!