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Valerie Vinyard

Valerie Vinyard has written for newspapers and magazines for over 20 years, including a stint as a food writer and critic for the Arizona Daily Star. The Cleveland native has lived in Tucson more than 15 years, and still dines out daily.

Work by Valerie

Los Olivos Pizzeria is a charming hidden gem on Tucson’s west side
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Los Olivos Pizzeria is a charming hidden gem on Tucson’s west side

Tucked away in a tiny building at 937 W. Congress St. is a quaint Italian café that is big on flavor. With just three tables inside and a small takeout […]

Jan 25, 20183 min read
All-You-Can-Eat “Sushi Cortaro on River” Now Open at River & Stone
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All-You-Can-Eat “Sushi Cortaro on River” Now Open at River & Stone

[10/20/2025 update: this restaurant has permanently closed] An increasing number of all-you-can-eat sushi places around Tucson have many fish lovers rejoicing. Some people harbor skepticism of how an endless supply […]

Jan 3, 20183 min read
IOU Sushi IV: Polynesian Flavors, All-You-Can-Eat Indulgence
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IOU Sushi IV: Polynesian Flavors, All-You-Can-Eat Indulgence

In the sea of all-you-can-eat sushi, IOU Sushi IV is a tasty island. Situated in a shopping center on Oracle Road near Limberlost Drive, IOU Sushi IV will never be […]

Oct 17, 20174 min read
Tucson’s Grimaldi’s Pizzeria to Close After Thanksgiving
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Tucson’s Grimaldi’s Pizzeria to Close After Thanksgiving

After 10 years, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria will be bidding adieu to Tucsonans – for now. Come November 25, the iconic pizza restaurant will shutter its doors at 446 N. Campbell Ave. […]

Oct 9, 20172 min read
“Ha Long Bay”: 15 Years of Vietnamese Cuisine in Tucson
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“Ha Long Bay”: 15 Years of Vietnamese Cuisine in Tucson

Ha Long Bay had us at “salty lemonade.” The $3 icy drink was full of pulp and was reminiscent of a sweeter, but just as refreshing, Gatorade. Helpful server, Ninh, […]

Sep 13, 20173 min read
Curry Leaf Indian Restaurant Offers a Taste of Southern India
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Curry Leaf Indian Restaurant Offers a Taste of Southern India

Tucked away in an East Grant Road shopping plaza near Tucson Boulevard, Curry Leaf Indian Restaurant has finally come into its own. Prasad Kakarala first opened Bombay Grill in 2005, […]

Aug 2, 20172 min read
Café Santa Rosa fries up chile popovers you’ll want again
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Café Santa Rosa fries up chile popovers you’ll want again

In the sea of Mexican food restaurants in South Tucson, finding an eatery with another focus is refreshing — and delicious. As a child, Sylvia Gonzales learned how to make fry […]

Jul 12, 20173 min read
Amigos Burgers and Beer: South Side’s Hidden Burger Bar
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Amigos Burgers and Beer: South Side’s Hidden Burger Bar

Juicy burgers at Amigos Burgers and Beer are a dozen-napkin undertaking for the average diner, making the paper towel roll at each table a necessity. The five-year-old restaurant and bar […]

Jul 5, 20172 min read
Fast-Casual Japanese Rice Bowls, Sushi & More at Samurai
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Fast-Casual Japanese Rice Bowls, Sushi & More at Samurai

Joe Matsuyama was hanging outside of Samurai, inhaling the last puffs of a Marlboro Light before meeting a friend inside for lunch. The 20-year-old student said he likes eating Samurai’s […]

Jun 7, 20173 min read
Happy Rooster Owner to Open Richie’s Café in Former Todd’s Restaurant at Ryan Airfield
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Happy Rooster Owner to Open Richie’s Café in Former Todd’s Restaurant at Ryan Airfield

In less than a month, another restaurant is slated to be part of Richard Flory’s coop. The 48-year-old owner of the Happy Rooster on South Sarnoff Road plans to open […]

May 23, 20174 min read
‘A Great Location Cafe’ now ‘Sarnoff Cafe,’ Still a Homey Diner
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‘A Great Location Cafe’ now ‘Sarnoff Cafe,’ Still a Homey Diner

Sarnoff Cafe is everything a family-style diner should be. From the homespun menu to the friendly, no-nonsense waitresses, the restaurant delivers a true diner experience. The cozy cafe has a […]

May 22, 20173 min read
Kung Fu Noodle: Delectable Blow to the Taste Buds
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Kung Fu Noodle: Delectable Blow to the Taste Buds

After experiencing the house lo mein at Kung Fu Noodle, you’ll be ruined. Once you take the first bite, you’ll regret all of those unremarkable times you ordered a noodle […]

May 10, 20173 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