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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 cafĆ© that is big on flavor. With just three tables inside and a small takeout […]

Jan 25, 20183 min read
All-You-Can-Eat ā€œSushi Cortaro on Riverā€ Now Open at River & Stone
Article

All-You-Can-Eat ā€œSushi Cortaro on Riverā€ 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
ā€œHa Long Bayā€: 15 Years of Vietnamese Cuisine in Tucson
Article

ā€œHa Long Bayā€: 15 Years of Vietnamese Cuisine in Tucson

Ha Long Bay had us at ā€œsalty lemonade.ā€ 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
Article

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
CafĆ© Santa Rosa fries up chile popovers you’ll want again
Article

CafĆ© 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
Article

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 CafĆ© in Former Todd’s Restaurant at Ryan Airfield
Article

Happy Rooster Owner to Open Richie’s CafĆ© 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
ā€˜A Great Location Cafe’ now ā€˜Sarnoff Cafe,’ Still a Homey Diner
Article

ā€˜A Great Location Cafe’ now ā€˜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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@Sonoranrestaurantweek is almost here! September 4–13!🌵

This year, Flying V at @loewsventana is featuring a special K4 Ranch Prime Beef Tasting for $55.🄩

Dry-Aged Beef Tartare
Koji-Honey Vinaigrette, Fermented Tomato, Shallot, Pistachio, Fry Bread I *+18 add Flying V Special Reserve Caviar I *Casa Madero - Chardonnay — Valle de Parras, Mexico 

Tournedos of Filet Mignon
Desert Pearl Oyster Mushrooms, Del Bac Demi Glace, Our Beef Garum, Chives I Family Style: Hayden Mills Polenta, Farmer’s Market Featured Vegetables I *Merkin — Chupacabra Red - (Grenache, MourvĆ©dre, Syrah, Petite Sirah) - Willcox, Arizona 

Caramel Butter Cake
Exo Coffee-Toffee Sauce, Bread Syrup, Preserved Jujube Chutney, Bone Marrow Ice Cream I *Flying Leap — Sangiovese – Elgin, Arizona 

See menus and build your itinerary on Tucsonfoodie/srwšŸ‘ˆ
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents@Sonoranrestaurantweek is almost here! September 4–13!🌵 This year, Flying V at @loewsventana is featuring a special K4 Ranch Prime Beef Tasting for $55.🄩 Dry-Aged Beef Tartare Koji-Honey Vinaigrette, Fermented Tomato, Shallot, Pistachio, Fry Bread I *+18 add Flying V Special Reserve Caviar I *Casa Madero - Chardonnay — Valle de Parras, Mexico Tournedos of Filet Mignon Desert Pearl Oyster Mushrooms, Del Bac Demi Glace, Our Beef Garum, Chives I Family Style: Hayden Mills Polenta, Farmer’s Market Featured Vegetables I *Merkin — Chupacabra Red - (Grenache, MourvĆ©dre, Syrah, Petite Sirah) - Willcox, Arizona Caramel Butter Cake Exo Coffee-Toffee Sauce, Bread Syrup, Preserved Jujube Chutney, Bone Marrow Ice Cream I *Flying Leap — Sangiovese – Elgin, Arizona See menus and build your itinerary on Tucsonfoodie/srwšŸ‘ˆ #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents
TOMORROW! An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky.🌵✨

In partnership with @salus.healers, join us tomorrow, August 29, at @tohonochul for Desert Magic, a one-night celebration of the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and discover chef and wellness stations along the way. 

🌿WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 

šŸ”„FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate)

🄣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev

Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks.

Tap the link in bio to grab yours! šŸŽŸļøāœØ 

Video by @dalton.voss 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsoneventTOMORROW! An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky.🌵✨ In partnership with @salus.healers, join us tomorrow, August 29, at @tohonochul for Desert Magic, a one-night celebration of the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and discover chef and wellness stations along the way. 🌿WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound šŸ”„FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate) 🄣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks. Tap the link in bio to grab yours! šŸŽŸļøāœØ Video by @dalton.voss #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevent
SPECIAL DINNERS DURING SONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK🌵

@Sonoranrestaurantweek is ONE WEEK AWAY! In addition to prix-fixe menus around Tucson, @sonoranrestaurantweek features a lineup of special dinners and one very special brunch. Here’s the schedule:

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 • 6 PM
Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine Special Dinner
šŸ“ @incasperuviancuisine 
 
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 • 6 PM
Penca Special Dinner
šŸ“ @pencarestaurante 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 11 AM–2 PM
Sonoran Restaurant Week Brunch Takeover
šŸ“ Flying V @loewsventana 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 6:30 PM
Whole Hog BBQ Dinner
šŸ“ @bashfulbanditbbq 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 • 6 PM
Sunshine Wine Special Dinner
šŸ“ @sunshine_wine_tucson with @queenofcupswines 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 • 6 PM
BOCA by Chef Maria Mazon Special Dinner
šŸ“ @bocatucson 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 • 6 PM
Bacio Italiano Special Dinner with @vertigo.wines 
šŸ“ @bacio.italianoaz 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 • 6 PM
Cielos Special Dinner
šŸ“ @cielostucson 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 • 6 PM 
Nana’s Kitchen Special Dinner with @rombauervineyards 
šŸ“ @nanas_kitchen_2008 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 • 6 PM
Wild Garlic Grill Special Dinner
šŸ“ @wildgarlicgrillofficial 

Several events have limited seating and require tickets or reservations, so plan ahead!

Sonoran Restaurant Week runs September 4–13. Tap the link in our bio for menus, tickets, reservations, and more.ā¤ļø

#SRW2026 #sonoranrestaurantweek
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonfoodieeventsSPECIAL DINNERS DURING SONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK🌵 @Sonoranrestaurantweek is ONE WEEK AWAY! In addition to prix-fixe menus around Tucson, @sonoranrestaurantweek features a lineup of special dinners and one very special brunch. Here’s the schedule: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 • 6 PM Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine Special Dinner šŸ“ @incasperuviancuisine SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 • 6 PM Penca Special Dinner šŸ“ @pencarestaurante SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 11 AM–2 PM Sonoran Restaurant Week Brunch Takeover šŸ“ Flying V @loewsventana SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 6:30 PM Whole Hog BBQ Dinner šŸ“ @bashfulbanditbbq TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 • 6 PM Sunshine Wine Special Dinner šŸ“ @sunshine_wine_tucson with @queenofcupswines WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 • 6 PM BOCA by Chef Maria Mazon Special Dinner šŸ“ @bocatucson THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 • 6 PM Bacio Italiano Special Dinner with @vertigo.wines šŸ“ @bacio.italianoaz FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 • 6 PM Cielos Special Dinner šŸ“ @cielostucson SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 • 6 PM Nana’s Kitchen Special Dinner with @rombauervineyards šŸ“ @nanas_kitchen_2008 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 • 6 PM Wild Garlic Grill Special Dinner šŸ“ @wildgarlicgrillofficial Several events have limited seating and require tickets or reservations, so plan ahead! Sonoran Restaurant Week runs September 4–13. Tap the link in our bio for menus, tickets, reservations, and more.ā¤ļø #SRW2026 #sonoranrestaurantweek #tucsonfoodie #tucsonfoodieevents
Win 2 tickets to Oktober Foodie Fest! šŸŗšŸ„ØšŸŒ­

Oktober Foodie Fest returns to @corbettstucson on Saturday, September 26th. It’s Oktoberfest, but with a Tucson Foodie flavor all its own!

šŸŽ¶ Live Music šŸŗ Craft Beer Garden šŸ‹ļø Classic Contests 🄨 Authentic German Eats ✚ MORE! 

Here’s how to enter:
1ļøāƒ£ Follow @tucsonfoodie & @corbettstucson
2ļøāƒ£ Tag 1 friend (Your best brat-buddy🌭) and comment ā€œLet’s go to OktoberFoodieFest!ā€
3ļøāƒ£ We’ll draw our winner for the two passes Friday 8/28 at 9:45AM, just before tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM!

Tickets on sale Friday 8/28 @ 10AM PT
Tickets & more info āž”ļø oktoberfoodiefest.eventbrite.com

āš ļø Note for Foodie Insider Members: Check your email for your 50% event discount code!Win 2 tickets to Oktober Foodie Fest! šŸŗšŸ„ØšŸŒ­ Oktober Foodie Fest returns to @corbettstucson on Saturday, September 26th. It’s Oktoberfest, but with a Tucson Foodie flavor all its own! šŸŽ¶ Live Music šŸŗ Craft Beer Garden šŸ‹ļø Classic Contests 🄨 Authentic German Eats ✚ MORE! Here’s how to enter: 1ļøāƒ£ Follow @tucsonfoodie & @corbettstucson 2ļøāƒ£ Tag 1 friend (Your best brat-buddy🌭) and comment ā€œLet’s go to OktoberFoodieFest!ā€ 3ļøāƒ£ We’ll draw our winner for the two passes Friday 8/28 at 9:45AM, just before tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM! Tickets on sale Friday 8/28 @ 10AM PT Tickets & more info āž”ļø oktoberfoodiefest.eventbrite.com āš ļø Note for Foodie Insider Members: Check your email for your 50% event discount code!