Author Profile

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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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