Here’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed during September!
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.
Time Market has oysters now and they’re delightful. They’re only served on the weekends though so plan correctly.
Read our article Time Market: Your local one-stop shop for flavors & purveyors.
Penca has officially reopened! I had to stop in during their opening weekend to get my ceviche and turkey taco fix. It’s still the perfect place to dine at during golden hour.
Keep up with Penca on Instagram.
The polish food at Polish Cottage was a delight. I don’t think I’d ever had that much cabbage before but I was surprised at how well it was seasoned and how much I kept going back to it. The portions were substantial so I definitely had leftovers. National Pierogi day is on 10/8 so make sure to check them out for that.
Read our article Polish Cottage Expands into Space Next Door (PHOTOS).
The scallops at La Luz were cooked to perfection. I especially liked the addition of the salsa macha and the cherry tomatoes.
Read our article The Westin La Paloma Resort Opens 2 New Dining Concepts.
The new all-vegan Crispy Oyster Mushroom Po’boy at Arizona Inn has quickly become one of my favorites. It’s made with crispy local oyster mushrooms, Fresno remoulade, house pickles, and a rocket and curly endive salad with Dijon herb dressing, all served on a French roll, with a choice of vegan-friendly side: salad or fries. I especially love enjoying it with a cocktail on the patio, taking in the beautiful views.
View our Instagram Reel.
I stopped by HeeMee Coffee + Bakery’s new University location and was impressed not only with their drinks but also with their stacked avocado toast. It comes layered with mustard, avocado, arugula, tomato, olive oil, and spices on sourdough.
View our Instagram Reel.
The Taco Vaquero features a handmade heirloom blue corn tortilla filled with Vera Earl Premium Beef, melted queso asadero crust, and nopal salsa. Upon eating the tacos, two main qualities stood out: freshness and flavor intensity. Even though I ate three of the tacos, it didn’t feel heavy. The tartness of the nopal and avocado salsas along with the pickled onion contrasted the rich crispy queso asadero crust. I washed it all down with a refreshing cucumber lime agua fresca.
Read our article Tasting La Chingada’s award-winning Taco Vaquero.
During a camping trip, I snuck off to Sawmill Run for a non-camping feast. I initially came for a sakura gin & tonic, Vera Earl bone marrow, and their seasonal huckleberry crumble dessert, but chef Nick shared some additional seasonal treats with me: slow-smoked corn as his riff on elote, huckleberry panna cotta, and these savory corn bread-like waffles with trout roe and (I think?) cream cheese. I could write a paragraph for each one of these dishes and how much I enjoyed them all, but they were all fleeting specials… so go check out their current Fall Harvest menu instead. My favorite feast of the month. A shame I was camping and didn’t have my proper camera gear with me for a photoshoot.
Keep up with Sawmill Run on Instagram.
After four years, I finally tried out Flaps and Racks. The Citrus Chipotle balanced sweet, sour, and smoky spice with some fresh zest. The al pastor pork belly was heftier than I expected, crunchy as well and garnished with grilled pineapple. More attention to detail in their food than I expected from a neighborhood bar; I’ll definitely return to try more sauces.
Read our article ‘Flaps and Racks’ is now serving its wings, ribs & more on the south side.
When I saw the photo for the Monday Munchies article, I wanted to see if the crunchy potato tacos were as satisfying as I remembered from almost ten years ago. It was indeed what I was craving. The most rustic, crunchy comfort.
Read our article Monday Munchies: Combination Plate at Taqueria Porfis.
I had been craving Samurai Sombrero since I last wrote about them five months ago. During the previous visit, I only placed one order of yuzu salmon nigiri. This time, I wanted to hop across the spectrum and try the rest. Gah, I’m craving more right now, but they are closed as I’m writing this. They are still by far my favorite Mexican sushi in town.
Read our article Samurai Sombrero Fuses Sonoran Roots With Bold Tucson Sushi.
I haven’t been to Juanito’s in years since before the renovation, holy moly what a massive difference the space is inside now. Despite the extra room, they still offer superb street value at a superb value. This seafood tostada was loaded to the brim with seafood and avocado, yet was still under $5.
For more information, visit juanitostaqueria.com.
Finally, I got to try dessert from one of Tucson’s legendary pastry chefs, Marianne Banes. She’s been a pro since 1977! And her key lime pie stars at the swanky new Miramonte. Nice and light, not too sweet or tart, and with a crust that held nicely without being too dense. Fragrant with wisps of lime zest, paired with a dry Riesling.
Read our article Miramonte brings midcentury style and late night menu to Midtown.
The Baklava Cheesecake Bar at FIGS oven + enoteca is a fantastic cold and creamy combination. I recommend a side of pistachio gelato and going back and forth between bites.
Read our article Figs Oven + Enoteca opens Aug. 25 with scratch-made Mediterranean [PHOTOS].
The falafel burger at Geronimo was a delicious surprise. They bring it out on a ridiculous tower with lots of surprise goodies hanging off of it. The falafel itself was cooked right – fluffy on the inside and slightly crunchy on the outside. I recommend asking for extra “special sauce” on the side and pouring it on every bite.
For more information, visit geronimotucson.com.
I decided to indulge on the steak and chicken fajitas at El Charro Café. The last time I had fajitas was in the late 90s at an Applebee’s. I forget how good fajitas are. El Charro’s were literally mouthwatering. The chicken especially was seasoned and cooked beautiful. When you order ask for double the tortillas. I prefer flour tortillas for these. Huge portion. I couldn’t eat it all. I swear to God it tasted better the next morning for breakfast.
Read our article Tucson Restaurant Named the ‘Best Cult-Favorite’ in Arizona.
The Foodie team went to La Luz at The Westin La Paloma at the invitation of chef Devin. It was my first time dining there. The stand out dish for me was the Pappardelle Pasta with wild mushroom, poached egg, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. We added seared scallops which was honestly such a good decision that I think they should just make it standard. Those looking for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes have plenty of options here as well.
Read our article The Westin La Paloma Resort Opens 2 New Dining Concepts.
The veg dish at Anello right now is a roasted pumpkin. I’m not entirely sure what was on it, but it was slightly smoky and it had a bit of a kick to it. Maybe it was chile oil that gave it the heat. One of the best things I’ve had all year. Couldn’t stop eating it. Pumpkins are still in season as you’re reading, so it’s likely still on the menu. If not, whatever they have as their featured veg dish is bound to be delicious. It’s the first thing I order when I go to Anello even before I get a drink.
Read our article A love letter to Anello.
5 Points has really upped their pastry game. The Chocolate Babka is one of my faves. Dip it in a latte.
Read our article 5 Points Reemerges with All-Day Menu, Elevated Bakery & Market.
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