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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
Article

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
Article

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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12 WEEKS. 12 THEMES. ONE DELICIOUS TUCSON SUMMER. 🌵🌞❤️

From May 18 through August 9, Tucsonans ate their way through the city one themed week at a time, and now the receipts are in. From coffee and tea to wine, vegan eats, Asian cuisine, Sonoran favorites, happy hour, and everything in between, 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer was all about eating local and supporting the businesses that make Tucson so special.

THANK YOU, TUCSON, for showing up and eating local with us all summer long. And a huge thank you to our presenting sponsor @visittucson, our partners @510south, @bbbsouthernarizona, and @azwinecollective, and every locally-owned business that made this campaign possible.🎉

More in @addiewankenobi’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com12 WEEKS. 12 THEMES. ONE DELICIOUS TUCSON SUMMER. 🌵🌞❤️ From May 18 through August 9, Tucsonans ate their way through the city one themed week at a time, and now the receipts are in. From coffee and tea to wine, vegan eats, Asian cuisine, Sonoran favorites, happy hour, and everything in between, 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer was all about eating local and supporting the businesses that make Tucson so special. THANK YOU, TUCSON, for showing up and eating local with us all summer long. And a huge thank you to our presenting sponsor @visittucson, our partners @510south, @bbbsouthernarizona, and @azwinecollective, and every locally-owned business that made this campaign possible.🎉 More in @addiewankenobi’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com
Located at 5526 E. Grant Rd., @Casapitatucson serves Mediterranean and Middle Eastern favorites alongside American breakfast and burritos.

Owner Amna Al-Qaisi, known as Mama Amna, has spent more than two decades feeding Tucson. Originally from Iraq, she lived across eight countries throughout the Middle East, bringing those culinary traditions with her to Tucson.

Her family has operated several beloved Tucson restaurants over the years, including Sinbad’s, Geronimo’s, Gyro King, Arabic Express, and Golden Falafel.

In this video: Hummus, bulgur dip, fattoush salad, vegan falafel samoon, chicken shawarma, mixed grill + Dubai drink.❤️

Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.comLocated at 5526 E. Grant Rd., @Casapitatucson serves Mediterranean and Middle Eastern favorites alongside American breakfast and burritos. Owner Amna Al-Qaisi, known as Mama Amna, has spent more than two decades feeding Tucson. Originally from Iraq, she lived across eight countries throughout the Middle East, bringing those culinary traditions with her to Tucson. Her family has operated several beloved Tucson restaurants over the years, including Sinbad’s, Geronimo’s, Gyro King, Arabic Express, and Golden Falafel. In this video: Hummus, bulgur dip, fattoush salad, vegan falafel samoon, chicken shawarma, mixed grill + Dubai drink.❤️ Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com
Join the Tucson Foodie team for a very special dinner at @sawmillrun. A culinary journey from the Sonoran Desert to the summit of Mount Lemmon. TOMORROW! Aug 15, 6-8pm.❤️ 

Tickets in bio.
MENU👇🌲

AMUSE:
Forest Floor
Hazelnut Soil • Whipped Goat Cheese • Black Garlic • Pickled Mushroom • Crispy Mushroom • Mountain Herbs

FIRST COURSE: 
Desert Oasis
Compressed Melon • Whipped Feta • Chiltepin Vinaigrette • Pickled Cucumber • Toasted Pepitas • Mint

SECOND COURSE: 
Campfire Embers
Roasted Bone Marrow • House Chorizo • Pickled Shallot • Cilantro • House-Made Blue Corn Tortilla

THIRD COURSE: 
Juniper Ridge
Juniper-Smoked Pork Belly • Charred Corn Succotash • Prickly Pear Gastrique • Dehydrated Jalapeños

PALATE CLEANSER:
Aspen Breeze
House-Made Lemon Sorbet • Candied Lemon • Fresh Mint

FOURTH COURSE: 
Granite Peak
Mesquite-Grilled Vera Earl Beef • Smoked Tomato Chimichurri • Charred Heirloom Tomato • Crispy Shallot

DESSERT: 
Summer on Mount Lemmon
Arizona Honeycomb Ice Cream • Roasted Willcox Peaches • Huckleberry Compote • Almond Streusel • Honey Tuile

#tucsonevents #tucsonfoodie #mtlemmonJoin the Tucson Foodie team for a very special dinner at @sawmillrun. A culinary journey from the Sonoran Desert to the summit of Mount Lemmon. TOMORROW! Aug 15, 6-8pm.❤️ Tickets in bio. MENU👇🌲 AMUSE: Forest Floor Hazelnut Soil • Whipped Goat Cheese • Black Garlic • Pickled Mushroom • Crispy Mushroom • Mountain Herbs FIRST COURSE: Desert Oasis Compressed Melon • Whipped Feta • Chiltepin Vinaigrette • Pickled Cucumber • Toasted Pepitas • Mint SECOND COURSE: Campfire Embers Roasted Bone Marrow • House Chorizo • Pickled Shallot • Cilantro • House-Made Blue Corn Tortilla THIRD COURSE: Juniper Ridge Juniper-Smoked Pork Belly • Charred Corn Succotash • Prickly Pear Gastrique • Dehydrated Jalapeños PALATE CLEANSER: Aspen Breeze House-Made Lemon Sorbet • Candied Lemon • Fresh Mint FOURTH COURSE: Granite Peak Mesquite-Grilled Vera Earl Beef • Smoked Tomato Chimichurri • Charred Heirloom Tomato • Crispy Shallot DESSERT: Summer on Mount Lemmon Arizona Honeycomb Ice Cream • Roasted Willcox Peaches • Huckleberry Compote • Almond Streusel • Honey Tuile #tucsonevents #tucsonfoodie #mtlemmon
LE BUZZ IS CELEBRATING 30 YEARS!🎉☕️

Tucson staple @lebuzzcaffeplaza celebrates 30 years of business on August 22, and we stopped by their Plaza Palomino location to try some of the August specials created just for this location.

🍒Tiki Cold Brew
Cherry-infused cold brew topped with cream of coconut cold foam

🥣Oatmeal Creme Pie Latte
Espresso, milk of choice, house-made oatmeal syrup and oatmeal creme pie cold foam

🎂Birthday Cake Latte
Espresso, milk of choice, house-made birthday cake syrup and birthday cake cold foam

And the food specials are just as tempting:

• Flan French Toast with flan caramel, house-made flan cream, whipped cream and fresh berries

• Croissant Croque Madame with Black Forest ham, Gruyère, mornay, chives and a sunny-side-up egg

Plus, we got to try some favorites from the main menu, including the quiche and soup, Summer Cobb Salad, LeVeggie Burger and Blueberry Brisket Burger.

2930 N. Swan Rd., Suite 130

Don’t wait too long to try the August specials!❤️

Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonfoodLE BUZZ IS CELEBRATING 30 YEARS!🎉☕️ Tucson staple @lebuzzcaffeplaza celebrates 30 years of business on August 22, and we stopped by their Plaza Palomino location to try some of the August specials created just for this location. 🍒Tiki Cold Brew Cherry-infused cold brew topped with cream of coconut cold foam 🥣Oatmeal Creme Pie Latte Espresso, milk of choice, house-made oatmeal syrup and oatmeal creme pie cold foam 🎂Birthday Cake Latte Espresso, milk of choice, house-made birthday cake syrup and birthday cake cold foam And the food specials are just as tempting: • Flan French Toast with flan caramel, house-made flan cream, whipped cream and fresh berries • Croissant Croque Madame with Black Forest ham, Gruyère, mornay, chives and a sunny-side-up egg Plus, we got to try some favorites from the main menu, including the quiche and soup, Summer Cobb Salad, LeVeggie Burger and Blueberry Brisket Burger. 2930 N. Swan Rd., Suite 130 Don’t wait too long to try the August specials!❤️ Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #tucsonfood