🎟️ Desert Magic | Aug 29 — Get Tickets & View Featured Chefs →Get Tickets →
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Author Profile

Jackie Tran

Jackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.

An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.

Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.

If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.

Work by Jackie

Salvadoran eatery Asaditos Zulmyta celebrates one year with food truck grand opening
Article

Salvadoran eatery Asaditos Zulmyta celebrates one year with food truck grand opening

Asaditos Zulmyta marks its first anniversary and launches its new food truck September 12 in Tucson, alongside Central American Independence Day.

Aug 27, 20265 min read
James Beard-nominated chefs bring Tortillas Chiwas to Tucson
Article

James Beard-nominated chefs bring Tortillas Chiwas to Tucson

Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin, founders of Tacos Chiwas, are opening Tortillas Chiwas at 914 N. Grande Ave. in Tucson's Barrio Hollywood.

Aug 26, 20262 min read
Berry Greens Acai & Juice Bar closes its downtown Congress Street location
Article

Berry Greens Acai & Juice Bar closes its downtown Congress Street location

Berry Greens Acai is closing its downtown Congress Street shop after seven years. The University Boulevard location remains open in Tucson.

Aug 24, 20261 min read
Istanbul Mediterranean Express to open in Marana
Article

Istanbul Mediterranean Express to open in Marana

Istanbul Mediterranean Cuisine and Bar is opening a second location on Cortaro Farms Road in Marana, with new dishes and a fast-casual concept.

Aug 21, 20263 min read
Photo guide to east Tucson Mediterranean restaurant Casa Pita
Article

Photo guide to east Tucson Mediterranean restaurant Casa Pita

Read the article.

Aug 14, 20261 min read
Le Buzz celebrates 30 years, plus Swan location specials
Article

Le Buzz celebrates 30 years, plus Swan location specials

Don’t wait too long to try the new Le Buzz specials, as they will disappear at the end of the month.

Aug 12, 20262 min read
Photo tour at Casa Vera, now open in former Tamarind space
Article

Photo tour at Casa Vera, now open in former Tamarind space

Casa Vera opens Aug. 12 at 7265 N. La Cholla Blvd. in Tucson, with a regional Mexican menu led by former PY Steakhouse chef Eliana Hernandez and hacienda-inspired design.

Aug 7, 20262 min read
Los Milics Vineyards launches weekend brunch at its downtown Tucson tasting room
Article

Los Milics Vineyards launches weekend brunch at its downtown Tucson tasting room

Los Milics Vineyards now serves weekend brunch at its downtown Tucson tasting room at 98 E. Congress St.

Aug 5, 20263 min read
Photo guide to OBON's new summer drinks & dishes
Article

Photo guide to OBON's new summer drinks & dishes

OBON Sushi Bar Ramen invited the Tucson Foodie team to capture their newest cocktails and dishes.

Jul 31, 20262 min read
Alchemy Foods: the Tucson meat alternative made for people who love to cook
Article

Alchemy Foods: the Tucson meat alternative made for people who love to cook

Tucson's Alchemy Foods makes a mushroom and pea protein-based meat alternative for home cooks and restaurants. Find it at Heirloom Farmers Market and Food Conspiracy Co-op.

Jul 24, 20265 min read
Gibson Food Hall & Market now open downtown
Article

Gibson Food Hall & Market now open downtown

Gibson Food Hall & Market opened July 10 at 11 S. Sixth Ave., bringing four food hall vendors, a revamped grocery, and the hidden Pearl Lounge speakeasy to downtown Tucson.

Jul 22, 20263 min read
Double Down on Fourth takes over Bawker Bawker space on Fourth Avenue
Article

Double Down on Fourth takes over Bawker Bawker space on Fourth Avenue

Double Down on Fourth soft opens July 19 at 400 N. Fourth Ave., bringing a Southwest saloon concept, 28 taps, and house-made dry cider to Historic Fourth Avenue.

Jul 21, 20262 min read

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NEXT WEEK! @vegantucsonnightmarket❤️🐖🐄
September 5th from 6–10pm 

Come support our amazing local makers, small businesses, and restaurants while eating an absolutely ridiculous amount of vegan food. 

📸Glamour shots by @viguerrafoto 
🪩Music by @visionaryhousecollective 

🌙FREE ENTRY | FREE PARKING | DOG-FRIENDLY
📍RILLITO PARK • 4502 N 1ST AVE, TUCSON, AZ

🐶
@oldsoulsanimalrescue 
@paws_without_borders 
@rescuemetucson 

HOT/SAVORY 
@substancediner 
@hotsaucenpepper 
@huhushouseofdumplings 
Eatgypt
Bereisheet 129
@bobbyskitchen__ 
@cutsandslabs.charcuterie 
@delcielotamal 
@lovinspoonfulstucson 
@ensenadastreetfood 
@mayascajunkitchen 
@therealnaughtyvegan 
@patricias_cuban_kitchen 
@scratchingtheplate 
@themakanbowl 
@theveganjointaz 
Wrapido Food Truck
@youslydogtucson 
@yumyumpocha_ 

DESSERTS
@atekei_treats 
@thirddaysourdough 
@treats_by_gabby 
@donutblitz 
@churrosinzunza 
@abstractaquariums 
@sweetrollsandmore 
@tucsonchocolatefactory 
@uniquelymadecookies 
@coolkidssnackcakes 
@dirty_t_tamarindo 
@duckys_pineapplebananabread 
@tiasourdough 
@eatbliss.az 
@flourpotvegan 
@maxa_oats 
@sahteinpatisserie 
Counter Crispies 

BEVERAGES
@transit.tea 
@yourcoffeestopaz 
@barlapachanga 
@scentedleaf 
@konaiceofmarana 
@littlebearlemonade 
@bardownfitnessandnutrition 
@brewingcupofculture 
@lemonpoptucson 

SHOP LOCAL
@barknberryaz 
@cosmicfoundry 
@desierto_designs 
@enjoycrochetandknit 
@greenexpressiontucson 
@harvestedcreations 
@purpleskyincense 
@ricos_threads 
@snackabeesaz 
@sparkle_sparrow_az 
@spunkykind 
@yellowbirdfarm 
@wisteriacreekcottage 
@wisdombodyandsoul 
@tacosysalsa_tucson 
@thedrecreations 

#tucsonevents #vegantucson 
#tucsonsmallbusiness #tucsonlocalNEXT WEEK! @vegantucsonnightmarket❤️🐖🐄 September 5th from 6–10pm Come support our amazing local makers, small businesses, and restaurants while eating an absolutely ridiculous amount of vegan food. 📸Glamour shots by @viguerrafoto 🪩Music by @visionaryhousecollective 🌙FREE ENTRY | FREE PARKING | DOG-FRIENDLY 📍RILLITO PARK • 4502 N 1ST AVE, TUCSON, AZ 🐶 @oldsoulsanimalrescue @paws_without_borders @rescuemetucson HOT/SAVORY @substancediner @hotsaucenpepper @huhushouseofdumplings Eatgypt Bereisheet 129 @bobbyskitchen__ @cutsandslabs.charcuterie @delcielotamal @lovinspoonfulstucson @ensenadastreetfood @mayascajunkitchen @therealnaughtyvegan @patricias_cuban_kitchen @scratchingtheplate @themakanbowl @theveganjointaz Wrapido Food Truck @youslydogtucson @yumyumpocha_ DESSERTS @atekei_treats @thirddaysourdough @treats_by_gabby @donutblitz @churrosinzunza @abstractaquariums @sweetrollsandmore @tucsonchocolatefactory @uniquelymadecookies @coolkidssnackcakes @dirty_t_tamarindo @duckys_pineapplebananabread @tiasourdough @eatbliss.az @flourpotvegan @maxa_oats @sahteinpatisserie Counter Crispies BEVERAGES @transit.tea @yourcoffeestopaz @barlapachanga @scentedleaf @konaiceofmarana @littlebearlemonade @bardownfitnessandnutrition @brewingcupofculture @lemonpoptucson SHOP LOCAL @barknberryaz @cosmicfoundry @desierto_designs @enjoycrochetandknit @greenexpressiontucson @harvestedcreations @purpleskyincense @ricos_threads @snackabeesaz @sparkle_sparrow_az @spunkykind @yellowbirdfarm @wisteriacreekcottage @wisdombodyandsoul @tacosysalsa_tucson @thedrecreations #tucsonevents #vegantucson #tucsonsmallbusiness #tucsonlocal
🌵KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: DESERT MAGIC🌵

Desert Magic is happening TONIGHT! Tickets are available through the link in bio. Swipe for the menu previews! See you there! ✨

TONIGHT | 5–10 PM
@tohonochul 
7366 N. Paseo Del Norte

🍽️ 10 chef tasting stations
🌞 20+ wellness practitioners
🎶 Live music + soundscapes
🌱 Herb walks, workshops + botanical drinks

🚗 FREE PARKING is available in the main Tohono Chul lot. If the lot fills, street parking is available along N. Paseo Del Norte.

Wear something light and comfortable for strolling the gardens, and stay hydrated! Free water is available throughout the grounds.

🌿WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 

🔥FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate)

❤️SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev

#tucsonevents #tucsonarizona🌵KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: DESERT MAGIC🌵 Desert Magic is happening TONIGHT! Tickets are available through the link in bio. Swipe for the menu previews! See you there! ✨ TONIGHT | 5–10 PM @tohonochul 7366 N. Paseo Del Norte 🍽️ 10 chef tasting stations 🌞 20+ wellness practitioners 🎶 Live music + soundscapes 🌱 Herb walks, workshops + botanical drinks 🚗 FREE PARKING is available in the main Tohono Chul lot. If the lot fills, street parking is available along N. Paseo Del Norte. Wear something light and comfortable for strolling the gardens, and stay hydrated! Free water is available throughout the grounds. 🌿WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 🔥FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate) ❤️SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev #tucsonevents #tucsonarizona
@Sonoranrestaurantweek is almost here! September 4–13!🌵

This year, Flying V at @loewsventana is featuring a special K4 Ranch Prime Beef Tasting for $55.🥩

Dry-Aged Beef Tartare
Koji-Honey Vinaigrette, Fermented Tomato, Shallot, Pistachio, Fry Bread I *+18 add Flying V Special Reserve Caviar I *Casa Madero - Chardonnay — Valle de Parras, Mexico 

Tournedos of Filet Mignon
Desert Pearl Oyster Mushrooms, Del Bac Demi Glace, Our Beef Garum, Chives I Family Style: Hayden Mills Polenta, Farmer’s Market Featured Vegetables I *Merkin — Chupacabra Red - (Grenache, Mourvédre, Syrah, Petite Sirah) - Willcox, Arizona 

Caramel Butter Cake
Exo Coffee-Toffee Sauce, Bread Syrup, Preserved Jujube Chutney, Bone Marrow Ice Cream I *Flying Leap — Sangiovese – Elgin, Arizona 

See menus and build your itinerary on Tucsonfoodie/srw👈
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents@Sonoranrestaurantweek is almost here! September 4–13!🌵 This year, Flying V at @loewsventana is featuring a special K4 Ranch Prime Beef Tasting for $55.🥩 Dry-Aged Beef Tartare Koji-Honey Vinaigrette, Fermented Tomato, Shallot, Pistachio, Fry Bread I *+18 add Flying V Special Reserve Caviar I *Casa Madero - Chardonnay — Valle de Parras, Mexico Tournedos of Filet Mignon Desert Pearl Oyster Mushrooms, Del Bac Demi Glace, Our Beef Garum, Chives I Family Style: Hayden Mills Polenta, Farmer’s Market Featured Vegetables I *Merkin — Chupacabra Red - (Grenache, Mourvédre, Syrah, Petite Sirah) - Willcox, Arizona Caramel Butter Cake Exo Coffee-Toffee Sauce, Bread Syrup, Preserved Jujube Chutney, Bone Marrow Ice Cream I *Flying Leap — Sangiovese – Elgin, Arizona See menus and build your itinerary on Tucsonfoodie/srw👈 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents
TOMORROW! An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky.🌵✨

In partnership with @salus.healers, join us tomorrow, August 29, at @tohonochul for Desert Magic, a one-night celebration of the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and discover chef and wellness stations along the way. 

🌿WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 

🔥FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate)

🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev

Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks.

Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨ 

Video by @dalton.voss 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsoneventTOMORROW! An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky.🌵✨ In partnership with @salus.healers, join us tomorrow, August 29, at @tohonochul for Desert Magic, a one-night celebration of the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and discover chef and wellness stations along the way. 🌿WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 🔥FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate) 🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks. Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨ Video by @dalton.voss #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevent