Tucson FoodieCelebrating local food, drink, and community.
Author Profile

Rita Connelly

Contributor at Tucson Foodie.

Work by Rita

Where to get your fill of Tucson’s iconic chimichanga (& a word on the origin)
Article

Where to get your fill of Tucson’s iconic chimichanga (& a word on the origin)

If you’re a local, you’ve likely had your fair share of chimichangas. If not, let’s change that! The chimichanga, or chimi, is a deep-fried burrito that begins life as a […]

Jun 29, 20268 min read
The magic of Malta Joe’s Baked Goods
Article

The magic of Malta Joe’s Baked Goods

Chef Malta Joe Gauci, owner of Malta Joe’s Baked Goods, is a food writer’s dream interview. He’s passionate about his product, has lots of stories to tell, is knowledgeable about […]

Mar 25, 202611 min read
Guide to Dang Good Hot Sandwiches in Tucson
Guide

Guide to Dang Good Hot Sandwiches in Tucson

This is NOT a list of the Best Hot Sandwiches in Tucson. Rather, the sandwiches included here are simply ‘ Damn Good Hot Sandwiches’ (and, to be clear, temperature hot and not spicy hot). They’re the kind of sandwiches y

Mar 20, 20261 min read
My First Time: Dishes That Impacted Our Lives (Part Two)
Article

My First Time: Dishes That Impacted Our Lives (Part Two)

We asked local chefs, food writers, restaurant owners, food photographers, and friends to share that experience.

Dec 27, 20245 min read
My First Time: Dishes That Impacted Our Lives (Part One)
Article

My First Time: Dishes That Impacted Our Lives (Part One)

We asked local chefs, food writers, restaurant owners, food photographers, and friends to share that experience.

Nov 20, 202414 min read
Liam McCarthy: The Culinary Magician Behind the Scenes at Renee’s
Article

Liam McCarthy: The Culinary Magician Behind the Scenes at Renee’s

Explore Liam McCarthy’s culinary innovation at Renee’s Tucson, from his unique dough-making process to exquisite, savory masterpieces.

Nov 2, 20235 min read
Monsoon Chocolate Café + Market is a Chocolate Lover’s Paradise
Article

Monsoon Chocolate Café + Market is a Chocolate Lover’s Paradise

Monsoon Chocolate may have just relocated in June, but from the looks of things, the new kid on the block is fitting right in.

Sep 27, 20235 min read
Guide to Old School Italian Restaurants in Tucson
Guide

Guide to Old School Italian Restaurants in Tucson

Red Sauce Lasagna, ravioli, manicotti; it’s the kind of food that satisfies both body and soul. Tucson has no shortage of Old School Red Sauce Joints and thankfully, they’re located all over town. You’ll find enormous po

Jun 19, 20231 min read
Guide to Modern Italian Restaurants in Tucson
Guide

Guide to Modern Italian Restaurants in Tucson

Modern Italian food means lighter sauces, freshly made pastas and creative takes on seafood, steaks, and poultry. The wine lists may be from smaller, craft wineries — Tavolino’s is curated from Massimo’s brother’s winery

Jun 19, 20231 min read
Desert Pearl Mushrooms: Local Fungi in Tucson’s Urban Farm Scene
Article

Desert Pearl Mushrooms: Local Fungi in Tucson’s Urban Farm Scene

When Kris Savage and John De Lorenzo first began their agroponics business in their backyard, growing mushrooms wasn’t part of the plan.

Jun 14, 20236 min read
India Dukaan: One-Stop Shop for Fresh Produce, Spices & More
Article

India Dukaan: One-Stop Shop for Fresh Produce, Spices & More

No glitzy, brightly-lit, or fake rain shower displays here. Instead, everything is simply displayed in the boxes they come in and set on the floor in the second room.

Jun 1, 20236 min read
Café 54: Supporting mental health & comfort food for nearly 20 years
Article

Café 54: Supporting mental health & comfort food for nearly 20 years

As part of the Coyote Task Force, the restaurant is a training ground for people with barriers to employment, specifically mental health and substance abuse.

Apr 26, 20236 min read

Get our free Tucson Foodie weekly newsletter

25,000+ locals get it every week

New openings, events, dish recommendations, and guides — every Wednesday. No spam.

Follow @TucsonFoodie136.1K followers
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