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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
Article

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
Article

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
Article

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 18, 20174 min read
Tucson’s Grimaldi’s Pizzeria to Close After Thanksgiving
Article

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
Article

“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
Article

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
Article

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
Article

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
Article

‘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
Article

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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Chilaquiles bring together crispy tortilla chips, salsa, eggs, and cheese in one skillet. Tucson cooks have made the dish their own, and each restaurant adds a different twist. Some go heavy on red or green sauce, others split the two, and many top the plate with a fried or poached egg. From a downtown café to a Marana staple, here are the best spots in town to order chilaquiles.

More on Tucsonfoodie.com🔥Chilaquiles bring together crispy tortilla chips, salsa, eggs, and cheese in one skillet. Tucson cooks have made the dish their own, and each restaurant adds a different twist. Some go heavy on red or green sauce, others split the two, and many top the plate with a fried or poached egg. From a downtown café to a Marana staple, here are the best spots in town to order chilaquiles. More on Tucsonfoodie.com🔥
Weekend brunch at @losmilicsvineyards🌞

Los Milics Vineyards Tucson is now serving brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-4pm at its downtown Tucson tasting room, with dinner continuing from 4-9pm. 

The brunch menu is built to pair with Los Milics’ estate-grown Sonoita wines, plus curated flights, cocktails, and local beer. Expect house-made focaccia, charcuterie, fried halloumi, salads, eggs in purgatory, breakfast burritos, a K4 Ranch burger, a Bourdain sandwich, a confit BLT, and plenty of sweet options.

There are also vegan choices, including avocado toast and focaccia French toast, plus dairy-free oat milk gelato.

📍 98 E. Congress St.
🍳 Brunch: Sat. & Sun., 11am-4pm 
🍷 Dinner: 4-9pm

Weekend reservations are recommended!
More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 
Video clips by @addiewankenobi 
#tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonWeekend brunch at @losmilicsvineyards🌞 Los Milics Vineyards Tucson is now serving brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-4pm at its downtown Tucson tasting room, with dinner continuing from 4-9pm. The brunch menu is built to pair with Los Milics’ estate-grown Sonoita wines, plus curated flights, cocktails, and local beer. Expect house-made focaccia, charcuterie, fried halloumi, salads, eggs in purgatory, breakfast burritos, a K4 Ranch burger, a Bourdain sandwich, a confit BLT, and plenty of sweet options. There are also vegan choices, including avocado toast and focaccia French toast, plus dairy-free oat milk gelato. 📍 98 E. Congress St. 🍳 Brunch: Sat. & Sun., 11am-4pm 🍷 Dinner: 4-9pm Weekend reservations are recommended! More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Video clips by @addiewankenobi #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucson
JUST 2 DAYS AWAY!🎉

@hubdowntown and @pueblovida are bringing together four thoughtfully crafted courses and four perfectly paired beers for an evening in HUB’s Library Lounge.

The four-course dinner includes an 8 oz pour of Pueblo Vida with each dish:

→ Wildcat (Sonoran Amber Lager) + Beef Carpaccio
→ Watermelon Lime Shortcut (Fruited Kettle Sour) + Ahi Tuna Crisp
→ Hef (Wheat Ale) + Roasted Chicken Thigh
→ Cereus (Hazy IPA) + Baja Fish & Chips

• Wednesday, August 12
• 6 PM
• HUB’s Library Lounge
• $55++ per person

Seats are limited! Get your tickets through the link in @hubdowntown’s bio🍻

Photos courtesy of @hubdowntown @pueblovida 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsoneventsJUST 2 DAYS AWAY!🎉 @hubdowntown and @pueblovida are bringing together four thoughtfully crafted courses and four perfectly paired beers for an evening in HUB’s Library Lounge. The four-course dinner includes an 8 oz pour of Pueblo Vida with each dish: → Wildcat (Sonoran Amber Lager) + Beef Carpaccio → Watermelon Lime Shortcut (Fruited Kettle Sour) + Ahi Tuna Crisp → Hef (Wheat Ale) + Roasted Chicken Thigh → Cereus (Hazy IPA) + Baja Fish & Chips • Wednesday, August 12 • 6 PM • HUB’s Library Lounge • $55++ per person Seats are limited! Get your tickets through the link in @hubdowntown’s bio🍻 Photos courtesy of @hubdowntown @pueblovida #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents
SONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK KICKOFF PARTY🍸

Tucson’s biggest culinary week of the year starts with a celebration at @Thetreasury1929! Join Tucson Foodie on Monday, August 31, from 5–8 pm for the official @Sonoranrestaurantweek Kickoff Party.

Enjoy tasting stations from participating Sonoran Restaurant Week restaurants, plus a dedicated station from The Treasury’s culinary team. Sip on two signature cocktails featuring @donjuliotequila and @rombauervineyards, with beverage service by @breakthrubevaz. 

The night also includes live music from a DJ, photo booths, and access to all three floors of one of downtown Tucson’s most historic venues.

The Treasury 1929
Monday, August 31, 5–8 p.m.
$46 • 21+ with valid ID

Tickets are extremely limited to keep the tasting experience intimate. Grab yours while they last!

🎟️ LINK IN BIO 

Photos courtesy of @thetreasury1929 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnewsSONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK KICKOFF PARTY🍸 Tucson’s biggest culinary week of the year starts with a celebration at @Thetreasury1929! Join Tucson Foodie on Monday, August 31, from 5–8 pm for the official @Sonoranrestaurantweek Kickoff Party. Enjoy tasting stations from participating Sonoran Restaurant Week restaurants, plus a dedicated station from The Treasury’s culinary team. Sip on two signature cocktails featuring @donjuliotequila and @rombauervineyards, with beverage service by @breakthrubevaz. The night also includes live music from a DJ, photo booths, and access to all three floors of one of downtown Tucson’s most historic venues. The Treasury 1929 Monday, August 31, 5–8 p.m. $46 • 21+ with valid ID Tickets are extremely limited to keep the tasting experience intimate. Grab yours while they last! 🎟️ LINK IN BIO Photos courtesy of @thetreasury1929 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews