In the Sonoran Desert, over 80% of what grows natively is either edible or medicinal. That’s always blown my mind. This place is alive with flavor and healing.
That’s the spirit behind Desert Magic, a new one-night event we’re hosting after sundown on Monday, August 25 at Tohono Chul Gardens. In partnership with Salus and Local First Arizona, we’ve engaged some of Tucson’s most talented chefs and wellness practitioners to create a unique experience that celebrates both the culinary and medicinal properties of native desert plants.
You’ll wander through the gardens, drink in hand, and stop at chef stations along the way. Each chef is creating a plate that highlights native plants growing here in the Sonoran Desert: chiltepín, mesquite, prickly pear, corn, squash, and more.
While the focus is on the plant, these dishes aren’t entirely plant-based. Chefs will be cooking with all sorts of other ingredients, including animal proteins, but they’ll be sourcing as local as possible. Each serving will be 2 ounces or more, giving you a full 20 ounces of yummy, healing, and satisfying food by the end of the night.
Here’s who’s cooking:
You’ll also get a botanical welcome cocktail to kick off the evening.
Our friends in the wellness and herbalism world are bringing hands-on stations and ceremonies where you’ll get to engage with desert plants in unexpected ways:
All experiences are included with your ticket. Additional handcrafted goods including salves, tinctures, body care products, candles, herbal products, art and other items from these practitioners will also be available for purchase.
The music and sound work are woven into the evening, helping you slow down, tune in, and feel the desert in a different way:
If a certain plant captures your heart, you just take one home from Tohono Chul’s greenhouse.
Tickets are priced $44 and include entrance, all food, all workshops and experiences, and a welcome botanical cocktail. Additional alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase.
Space is limited and we expect to sell out in advance.
Come spend an evening with us grounding, connecting, tasting, learning, and celebrating the wild magic of the Sonoran Desert.
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