Sabores de Tucson — America’s Best Mexican Food Festival — is happening on Friday, May 2, at the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, 3800 E. Sunrise Dr.
The event is all about the diverse flavors of Mexico’s culinary region — more than 30 local chefs and purveyors, live music, artisan vendors, and art experiences. Through food, you’ll be transported to Mexico, celebrating the heart and soul of Mexican culture.
Sneak Peek of the Menus
The festival will showcase the depth and diversity of Mexican cuisine through the artistry of more than 30 chefs, mixologists, and food artisans.
Each hub will be paired with authentic music, craft vendors, and other experiences that highlight the deep-rooted traditions of each region.
Northern Mexico
- El Guero Canelo: Sonoran-style Hot Dog and Caramelo de Carne Asada on house-made flour tortillas
- Cruda: Camarón Costa Azul en Salsa Culichi (bacon-wrapped shrimp in rich poblano cream sauce)
- Tabu: Steak Tiradito, Mini Chimis, Guacamole with Chips and Salsa, Specialty Cocktail
- Seis Kitchen: Baja-style Shrimp Tostada
- JPs Seafood Restaurant: Shrimp Ceviche, Shrimp Culichi, Arroz con Camarón
Pacific Coast
- GUT Chef Collective (including Janet Balderas, Juan Almanza, Kelzi Bartholomaei): Blue Corn and Goat Pozole, Tamarind Coconut Jericalla
- Si Charro Restaurants: Tomahawk Carne Asada Tacos and Capirotada with Horchata Whip
- The Westin La Paloma: Fish Tacos, Pozole
- Dante’s Kitchen + Cocktails: Sonoran Hot Chicken Taco, Carnitas Tamale Cake, and Signature Mexican Candy Margarita
Central Mexico
- Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar: Elote Nachos, House Salsas, Mezcal-Spiked Purple Flame Cocktail
- Westbound/Tap & Bottle: Azul Mule Cocktail
- La Estrella Bakery: Traditional Mexican pastries (Conchas, Cochitos, Bandera cookies, Empanadas)
Southern Mexico and Yucatán
- Mujer Bonita Catering: Deep-Fried Gordita with Cochinita Pibil and Pickled Watermelon Radish
- Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ: Mole Poblano with Chicken Drumsticks and Arroz de Sopa
- Creo Spirits: Mexican Wine and Agave Spirits
Desserts and Specialty
- Churros Inzunza: Vegan and Gluten-Free Churros with Coconut Horchata
- POPPED Artisan Popcorn: Molé Caramel Popcorn
- La Chingada: Pastel De Elote
- La Estrella Bakery: Assorted Mexican pastries
- Antojitos: Coctel de Elote
Get Your Tickets!
- VIP Admission (5 – 8:30 p.m.)($150) – Exclusive early access to the festival, VIP lounge, specialty drinks, custom tote bag, and upgraded seating.
- General Admission (6 – 8:30 p.m.)($115) – Full access to all regional tasting stations, live entertainment, and artisan experiences.
- Buy tickets here.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) and the Tucson International Mariachi Conference, supporting cultural education and arts initiatives across Southern Arizona.
“Tucson’s Mexican food traditions run deep,” said Kate Marquez, Executive Director of SAACA. “This festival is a chance to celebrate that in a way that goes beyond just eating—we’re telling the stories, honoring the artistry, and bringing the flavors of Mexico to life through an immersive experience.”
Sabores de Tucson: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival is happening at the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, 3800 E. Sunrise Dr. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit saaca.thundertix.com.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
