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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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