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John Simon

John Simon has two first names, but he doesn't think you should hold that against him. When not looking up synonyms for "flavor," he's involved in grad school studies, social work, and local ministry.

Work by John

Frank’s by day & Francisco’s by night, the restaurant has charmed locals for decades
Article

Frank’s by day & Francisco’s by night, the restaurant has charmed locals for decades

The allure of Tucson staple, Frank’s/Francisco’s De Noche, carries the same charm you’ll find from a peanut butter and jelly sandwich—two wonderful things, unique in nature yet seamlessly interwoven together. […]

Feb 27, 20205 min read
The Neighborhood: Ornate Mexican-inspired beverages & house made eats delight
Article

The Neighborhood: Ornate Mexican-inspired beverages & house made eats delight

Danny Cordova is not exactly what you’d consider a restaurateur. His experience is primarily in real estate, and when he acquired the closed-down midtown bar in 2015, his initial goal […]

Feb 14, 20205 min read
If it’s fry bread you’re after, Cafe Santa Rosa’s location on Sixth is where it’s at
Article

If it’s fry bread you’re after, Cafe Santa Rosa’s location on Sixth is where it’s at

If you’ve ever found yourself at a local swap meet, county fair or downtown event, you’ve likely been met by a certain heavenly aroma. The sweet scent of thin circles […]

Dec 26, 20194 min read
K Japanese cranks out an extensive menu, from sushi to satisfying noodles
Article

K Japanese cranks out an extensive menu, from sushi to satisfying noodles

Variety can be a double-edged sword. While customers are often happy with a menu that can satisfy a wide span of tastes and preferences, many restaurants struggle to provide consistent […]

Nov 19, 20194 min read
Korean favorite Kimchi Time bold and flavorful, expansion in the works
Article

Korean favorite Kimchi Time bold and flavorful, expansion in the works

Looking to add to your Asian food knowledge or to sample excellent versions of the classic Korean dishes you crave? Head over to Kimchi Time, a casual dining spot in […]

Nov 6, 20194 min read
Mi Nidito’s longstanding legacy surpasses White House-inspired fame
Article

Mi Nidito’s longstanding legacy surpasses White House-inspired fame

For native Tucsonans, it’s a story nearly as old as time itself. Or, at least as old as the year 1999, when on an average sleepy Thursday afternoon, a local […]

Sep 26, 20194 min read
Weekends are for devouring slow-grilled beef ribs at El Taco Rustico
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Weekends are for devouring slow-grilled beef ribs at El Taco Rustico

To the naked eye, the Tohono O’odham Swap Meet is nothing more than your average street market. And don’t get us wrong, the endless sea of vendors and wide selection […]

Sep 5, 20194 min read
Take a peek inside Ciao Down, an “open-kitchen” food truck
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Take a peek inside Ciao Down, an “open-kitchen” food truck

As food trucks have grown in popularity, cities known for their food scene have experienced a swath of mobile food vendors. Tucson is no exception. Showcasing everything from unlikely cuisine […]

Aug 26, 20194 min read
Mr. K’s Original BBQ: No frills ‘cue since 1997
Article

Mr. K’s Original BBQ: No frills ‘cue since 1997

Barbecue is a cuisine that scores no points for bells and whistles. It cares not for pomp, frill, nor advanced plating techniques. Master sommeliers need not apply. On top of […]

Jul 26, 20194 min read
Rita Ranch newcomer Wings on Fire serves must-try Buffalo shrimp
Article

Rita Ranch newcomer Wings on Fire serves must-try Buffalo shrimp

Wings on Fire isn’t exactly your stereotypical wing spot. You won’t find half a dozen 60-inch flat screens or vintage sports memorabilia plastered over the wallpaper. The usual thick wall […]

Jun 11, 20194 min read

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Foodie mixer at @kindeethaiaz!🌸 Thank you to Kin Dee Thai and everyone who came out to enjoy the evening with us!

Want to explore Tucson’s restaurant scene, eat at exclusive dinners with local chefs, and get $7,500+ in perks at 130 local spots? Tap the Tucson Foodie membership link in bio.Foodie mixer at @kindeethaiaz!🌸 Thank you to Kin Dee Thai and everyone who came out to enjoy the evening with us! Want to explore Tucson’s restaurant scene, eat at exclusive dinners with local chefs, and get $7,500+ in perks at 130 local spots? Tap the Tucson Foodie membership link in bio.
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