Tucson FoodieCelebrating local food, drink, and community.
Author Profile

Wren Awry

Wren Awry is a journalist, essayist, and poet who--when they aren't writing about, making or eating food--studies folklore and fairy tales.

Work by Wren

Chef Alisah’s Restaurant closed after 17 years in business
Article

Chef Alisah’s Restaurant closed after 17 years in business

[Editor’s note June 18, 2026: Chef Alisah’s Restaurant opened on Nov. 1, 2008 and permanently closed May 15, 2026, due to the namesake chef retiring. This article was originally published […]

Jun 18, 20264 min read
Nations Creations: Mindful, Healthful Indigenous Cuisine
Article

Nations Creations: Mindful, Healthful Indigenous Cuisine

Nations Creations isn’t just a food truck — it’s also a teaching tool. The mobile restaurant is a project of The Amity Foundation, a substance abuse treatment agency founded in […]

Nov 8, 20175 min read
The Little One, Formerly Little Café Poca Cosa: Big on Heart & Flavor
Article

The Little One, Formerly Little Café Poca Cosa: Big on Heart & Flavor

“I live in a fishing village outside of San Carlos, Sonora every other week,” said Sandra Davila, co-owner of downtown’s The Little One. On her way down, Davila delivers supplies […]

Jul 19, 20177 min read
La Indita: Mexican Favorites, Tarascan Tacos & Indian Fry Bread
Article

La Indita: Mexican Favorites, Tarascan Tacos & Indian Fry Bread

Just up the street from Fourth Avenue’s cluster of trendy restaurants is La Indita, a Tucson classic specializing in Mexican, Tarascan, and Tohono O’odham food. Since 1985, Maria Garcia and […]

Jun 14, 20174 min read
Veg Box’s Wow-Worthy Wings, Beet Burger & Plan to Popularize Plant-Based Eating
Article

Veg Box’s Wow-Worthy Wings, Beet Burger & Plan to Popularize Plant-Based Eating

Veg Box owner and chef Erik Korchmaros started cooking vegetarian food after working as a chef on a yacht while living in Florida. He had been eating food like Kobe beef […]

May 17, 20174 min read
Shish Kebab House: Mediterranean Cuisine with Jordanian Roots
Article

Shish Kebab House: Mediterranean Cuisine with Jordanian Roots

Shish Kebab House chef Reina Wer moved to the United States during the Salvadoran civil war. Wer originally opened the restaurant with her Jordanian husband (now ex-husband) and prepares fragrant […]

Apr 12, 20173 min read
Rustic Charm, Bold Flavors & Authentic Dishes at Alafia West African Cuisine
Article

Rustic Charm, Bold Flavors & Authentic Dishes at Alafia West African Cuisine

Alafia West African Cuisine brings a little corner of West Africa to the heart of Tucson. The restaurant, which sits in an unassuming strip mall just south of Speedway, offers […]

Mar 15, 20173 min read
The Tasteful Kitchen: Globally-Influenced Modern Vegetarian Cuisine
Article

The Tasteful Kitchen: Globally-Influenced Modern Vegetarian Cuisine

The Tasteful Kitchen’s menu may be meat-free, but it’s not just for vegetarians. “I want to bring vegetarian cuisine into the mainstream and make it not so exclusive,” said Sigret […]

Mar 2, 20175 min read
Yogi’s Indian Cafe & Market: Splendid Samosas, South Asian Groceries & More
Article

Yogi’s Indian Cafe & Market: Splendid Samosas, South Asian Groceries & More

[12/18/2018 Editor’s Note: Yogi’s is permanently closed] Yogi’s Indian Cafe & Market, located at 2537 N. Stone Ave., is a hidden gem where you can chow down on versions of familiar Indian […]

Feb 20, 20173 min read

Get our free Tucson Foodie weekly newsletter

25,000+ locals get it every week

New openings, events, dish recommendations, and guides — every Wednesday. No spam.

Follow @TucsonFoodie136.1K followers
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