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Samantha Colaianni

Samantha Colaianni has family roots in Tucson that go back before the Gadsden Purchase. When she's not cooking Mexican food, she's baking Mexican pastries.

Work by Samantha

Guide to 10+ iconic Tucson neighborhood & dive bars
Article

Guide to 10+ iconic Tucson neighborhood & dive bars

When the thought of shouting your drink order over the crowds at some of the more popular night spots in Tucson makes you want to stay home, it’s time to […]

Nov 29, 20194 min read
Eegee’s to Lucky Wishbone: Local chains that have stood the test of time
Article

Eegee’s to Lucky Wishbone: Local chains that have stood the test of time

For many foodies, the term “chain restaurant” evokes visions of cookie-cutter blandness, but there’s good news for fans of originality in Tucson. Several local chains embody everything locals love about […]

Nov 21, 20195 min read
Barista del Barrio: Mexican mochas & breakfast burritos by the Briones’ family
Article

Barista del Barrio: Mexican mochas & breakfast burritos by the Briones’ family

Barista del Barrio is run by Sergio Torres, his sister Ariana, and their mother Flavia Briones. Consequently, everything on the menu has been chosen because it meets the Briones’ high […]

Sep 25, 20193 min read
8 Tucson hot sauces & salsas that bring the heat and flavor
Article

8 Tucson hot sauces & salsas that bring the heat and flavor

Tucson’s summer months are notoriously sweat-inducing, and the sun shines brightly nearly every day of the year. This isn’t the type of heat we’re fanning into flame today, however. Tucson […]

Jul 30, 20194 min read
Meet Crema Coffee, Marana’s new craft coffee shop
Article

Meet Crema Coffee, Marana’s new craft coffee shop

When Aaron Wilson decided to pursue his dream of opening a coffee shop, he knew he wanted it to be in his hometown of Marana. After a three year search […]

Jul 29, 20192 min read
With formal dining & a bistro, Le Rendez-vous makes French classics available to everyone
Article

With formal dining & a bistro, Le Rendez-vous makes French classics available to everyone

When planning a special occasion, Le Rendez-vous should be at the top of your fine-dining list. Chef Jean-Claude Berger opened the restaurant in 1980, bringing a formal atmosphere and classically […]

Jul 3, 20193 min read
Tay’s BBQ brings people together with family-style barbecue & outdoor fun
Article

Tay’s BBQ brings people together with family-style barbecue & outdoor fun

When Natasha Herzig opened Tay’s Brew House in Corona De Tucson, her goal was to create a hub for the community to gather. Tay’s BBQ, the new restaurant occupying the […]

Jun 28, 20192 min read
Guide to 16 Restaurants in Vail & Rita Ranch
Article

Guide to 16 Restaurants in Vail & Rita Ranch

There was a time in Vail when residents were ecstatic that a Dairy Queen opened near the local church and post office. Within the last ten years, however, Vail and […]

May 14, 20197 min read
Over 30 Years of Quality Food & Drinks Served at Bentley’s House of Coffee & Tea
Article

Over 30 Years of Quality Food & Drinks Served at Bentley’s House of Coffee & Tea

Thirty-five years ago, Jo Schneider and Willow Bentley decided to open a restaurant. They soon discovered that banks were reluctant to give business loans to such a high-risk venture and […]

Apr 17, 20193 min read
Poco & Mom’s Cantina: Hearty New Mexican Dishes with Hatch Green Chile
Article

Poco & Mom’s Cantina: Hearty New Mexican Dishes with Hatch Green Chile

When a craving for Mexican food hits, it’s easy to find a delicious restaurant wherever you may be; this is Tucson, after all. If you’re looking for New […]

Mar 20, 20193 min read
Tay’s Brew House in Vail Expands: Tay’s BBQ to Open This Month
Article

Tay’s Brew House in Vail Expands: Tay’s BBQ to Open This Month

Pulling into the parking lot of Tay’s Brew House, the first thing you’ll notice is a piece of art: tires stacked and painted red, white, and blue, with a large, […]

Mar 20, 20193 min read
India Oven: Serving Northern Indian & Punjabi Cuisine for 25 Years
Article

India Oven: Serving Northern Indian & Punjabi Cuisine for 25 Years

When asked what must-have dishes there are on India Oven’s menu, owner Raksha Bhatti answered with a wide smile. “All of them,” she said. Tucked into a strip of businesses […]

Jan 31, 20192 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