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Author Profile

Isabela Gamez

Isabela Gamez is a Tucson-native, writer and multimedia journalist, who grew up surrounded by the flavors of the Southwest. Her work has appeared in publications including Tucson Spotlight, The Arizona Mirror, and Voice of America. She holds a broadcast journalism degree from the University of Arizona. A passionate food enthusiast, she loves exploring the city's culinary scene. Her go-to comfort bites include crispy ground beef tacos, raspados, and a perfectly brewed café de olla. When she's not chasing a story or a great meal, she enjoys karaoke, traveling and hiking.

Work by Isabela

La Carreta Carne Asada brings backyard vibes to South Park Avenue
Article

La Carreta Carne Asada brings backyard vibes to South Park Avenue

La Carreta Carne Asada brings backyard carne asada tradition to South Park Avenue, serving mesquite-grilled ribeye in a family-run Tucson spot.

Sep 22, 20265 min read
Korea House marks nearly 40 years as Tucson’s oldest Korean restaurant
Article

Korea House marks nearly 40 years as Tucson’s oldest Korean restaurant

For nearly four decades, Korea House, the oldest Korean restaurant in Arizona, has been a place where Tucson diners can experience Korean cuisine, culture and family traditions all under one […]

Jul 13, 20266 min read
Tesoro brings a Latin cantina oasis to Tucson’s north side
Article

Tesoro brings a Latin cantina oasis to Tucson’s north side

In the place of a former Mimi’s Café on Tucson’s north side, something entirely new has taken shape. What was once a quiet, familiar chain restaurant is now Tesoro, a […]

Apr 17, 20265 min read
Li’l Abner’s: Tucson’s Rustic Steakhouse That Feeds Generations
Article

Li’l Abner’s: Tucson’s Rustic Steakhouse That Feeds Generations

Tucked off North Silverbell Road, where once there was nothing but desert and open sky, sits a steakhouse that feels like stepping into another era. The property itself has roots […]

Mar 26, 20265 min read
Hotdogs 501 Brings Sonoran Flavor and Story to Main Avenue
Article

Hotdogs 501 Brings Sonoran Flavor and Story to Main Avenue

On the corner of Speedway and Main Avenue, an orange building next to a circus academy catches your eye. Inside is Hotdogs 501, a new Tucson hot dog spot built […]

Feb 23, 20265 min read
Janet & Ray’s Brings Caribbean–Soul Flavor to Tucson’s East Side
Article

Janet & Ray’s Brings Caribbean–Soul Flavor to Tucson’s East Side

When Dollie Pearce and her husband moved to Tucson in 2016, they were excited to start a new chapter in the desert. But as they settled in, they realized something […]

Feb 9, 20265 min read
Micha’s Restaurant Serving South Tucson for 50 Years
Article

Micha’s Restaurant Serving South Tucson for 50 Years

A Family Dream on South 12th Avenue Among the miles of Mexican restaurants lining South Fourth Avenue, Micha’s Restaurant stands as a testament to family, resilience, and tradition. Opened in […]

Jan 20, 20265 min read
From Food Truck to Brick-and-Mortar: The Cuban Corner by TAPAS
Article

From Food Truck to Brick-and-Mortar: The Cuban Corner by TAPAS

A Taste of Sonora & Havana Next to the historic Sahara Hotel sits a brick-and-mortar restaurant that blends two rich culinary traditions. The Cuban Corner by TAPAS is inspired by […]

Jan 16, 20264 min read
Tacos Apson serving mesquite-grilled beef in Tucson for 25 years
Article

Tacos Apson serving mesquite-grilled beef in Tucson for 25 years

On South 12th Avenue sits Tacos Apson, a beloved Mexican restaurant that has been serving Tucson for more than two decades. Founded in 2001, the taquería has become a longtime […]

Jan 7, 20265 min read
Birrieria Guadalajara Serves 40 Years of Family Flavor in Tucson
Article

Birrieria Guadalajara Serves 40 Years of Family Flavor in Tucson

Long before birria tacos became a Tucson staple, one family from Guadalajara was already serving them the traditional way. At Birrieria Guadalajara, the Sanchez family, now led by daughter Monica […]

Nov 4, 20254 min read
Why Teresa’s Mosaic Café has been a Tucson staple since 1984
Article

Why Teresa’s Mosaic Café has been a Tucson staple since 1984

When you walk into Teresa’s Mosaic Café, the first thing you notice is the smell of fresh tortillas. They’re made in the dining room, in a curved workspace, which Teresa […]

Sep 3, 20255 min read

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IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.
THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 @Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave. TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free SPECIAL ADMISSION: • Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID • Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups • Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 @Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave. TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free SPECIAL ADMISSION: • Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID • Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups • Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.
Anne Rysdale built @sheltercocktaillounge in 1961 with concrete walls, lava rock, and Cold War nerves. Today, owners Pam Santangelo and Kevin Breutzmann keep the Tucson bar exactly as regulars remember it. Inside, martinis share space with JFK memorabilia, a vintage atomic chandelier, and a suit of armor named Charlie. “Tucson is changing so much, but this has stayed the same. It’s a time capsule,” Santangelo said. Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photos by @sea_lyonAnne Rysdale built @sheltercocktaillounge in 1961 with concrete walls, lava rock, and Cold War nerves. Today, owners Pam Santangelo and Kevin Breutzmann keep the Tucson bar exactly as regulars remember it. Inside, martinis share space with JFK memorabilia, a vintage atomic chandelier, and a suit of armor named Charlie. “Tucson is changing so much, but this has stayed the same. It’s a time capsule,” Santangelo said. Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photos by @sea_lyon
Scratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜 @ikkyu.tucson @jaramencurry @kiwamiramenbar @kukai___ @marujapanesenoodle @maruplusaz @obonsushi @raijinramen @theramenbartucson @tossfriedchickennramen More guides on Tucsonfoodie.comScratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜 @ikkyu.tucson @jaramencurry @kiwamiramenbar @kukai___ @marujapanesenoodle @maruplusaz @obonsushi @raijinramen @theramenbartucson @tossfriedchickennramen More guides on Tucsonfoodie.com