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Max Wingert

“Alright, alright, alright.”

Born in Texas, raised in Tokyo, and sharpened somewhere between a stage in New York and a story too strange to fully explain, Max Wingert writes like he’s lived a few extra lives—and honestly, he probably has.

Before Tucson, before food writing, there was acting. Then somewhere along the way, things got… complicated. Fencing, fighting, revenge, miracles—you know, the usual career pivots.

Now, Max brings that same unpredictable energy to the Tucson food scene, chasing down bold flavors, hidden gems, and stories worth telling. His writing doesn’t just describe food—it pulls you into the moment, like you were there when it happened.

And somehow, you wish you were.

Work by Max

Best Burritos in Tucson
Guide

Best Burritos in Tucson

Tucson is not short on options when it comes to burrito joints. One simple "Burritos Near Me" search will reveal more possibilities than you'll know what to do with. So we decided to help you narrow down your quest. Beho

Nov 1, 20231 min read
Foodie 15: Best Healthy Lunch Spots in Tucson
Guide

Foodie 15: Best Healthy Lunch Spots in Tucson

It can be tough to eat healthy on the go. Not everyone has time to meal prep or pack a lunch to ensure all of the proper recommended dietary boxes are checked, and not every restaurant provides choices that are adequatel

Oct 26, 20231 min read
Where to Eat During Tucson Meet Yourself 2023
Guide

Where to Eat During Tucson Meet Yourself 2023

Map Legend The CIRCLE ICONS on the map will show you where to find most vendors when the festival is over. Those without a permanent home will simply return you to the festival grounds. The STAR ICONS on the map indicate

Oct 11, 20232 min read
Where To Eat & Drink During Film Fest Tucson 2024
Guide

Where To Eat & Drink During Film Fest Tucson 2024

Film Fest Tucson 2024 is not simply where moviegoers can meet filmmakers and experience their works of art — it's also an opportunity for the local food scene to shine. From Thursday, October 10 - Saturday, October 12 ,

Oct 9, 20231 min read
The Best Pancakes in Tucson
Guide

The Best Pancakes in Tucson

Are you a pancake aficionado looking for the fluffiest, most mouth-watering pancakes in Tucson? Look no further! We've scoured the city's breakfast spots and diners, from down home to upscale, to bring you a curated list

Sep 23, 20231 min read
The Best Fries in Tucson
Guide

The Best Fries in Tucson

Thin or thick, soft or crispy, plain or loaded, there's all kinds of ways to enjoy your French fries. These are our picks for the best fries in Tucson, from shoestring to poutine. Learn how we create our guides here.

Sep 6, 20231 min read
Best Breakfast Burritos in Tucson
Guide

Best Breakfast Burritos in Tucson

Breakfast burritos are a hearty way to power you through the day. They're also great as a hangover cure. Whatever you need a breakfast burrito for, Tucson is there for you. Local tortillas? Housemade chorizo? A variety o

Aug 18, 20231 min read
The Best Places for Wi-Fi & Work in Tucson
Guide

The Best Places for Wi-Fi & Work in Tucson

Sometimes, just sometimes, working from home isn't all it's cracked up to be. Sometimes a change of scenery provides as much of a jolt to your productivity as that cup of green tea or extra-large nitro cold brew. Sometim

Aug 10, 20231 min read
Tucson Restaurants To Find (and Buy) Local Art
Guide

Tucson Restaurants To Find (and Buy) Local Art

I like my art like I like my coffee -- fresh, handmade, and available for purchase at my favorite cafe. Museums never let me take anything home. "It's not for sale," they say. "Please don't touch that," they tell me. "ST

Jul 31, 20231 min read
The Best Burgers in Tucson
Guide

The Best Burgers in Tucson

Tucson has a long history with cattle ranching, and that heritage shows up on menus across the city. From no-frills neighborhood spots to full-service restaurants sourcing local beef, the burger scene here covers a wide

Jul 26, 20231 min read
The Best Restaurants and Bars with Live Music In Tucson
Guide

The Best Restaurants and Bars with Live Music In Tucson

You're looking for dinner AND a show? In THIS economy?? Fortunately, so were we. And so were quite a few Tucsonans, turns out. That's why we made this Guide -- an interactive, up-to-date record of where you can grab a bi

Jul 13, 20231 min read
Guide to Sushi In Tucson
Guide

Guide to Sushi In Tucson

Tucson may sit hundreds of miles from the nearest ocean, but that point is moot thanks to modern refrigerated transport. The city’s sushi scene still brings plenty of freshness, skill, and personality to the table. From

Jul 10, 20231 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