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Contrary to popular belief, the summers here in Tucson aren’t so bad. Sure, the heat causes a lot of people to avoid the area, and then some skip town to cooler regions, but there’s a lot of food to be eaten here in the city.
From pizza to tofu and loads of Mediterranean bites, there were a lot of memorable moments for the Foodie team. It’s been a while since we’ve done one of these, so here are a few of our favorite food experiences during the month of June.
I spent some time in Sonoita this month. Rune Wines is now serving food. They have a small kitchen in their tasting room where they serve up charcuterie boards and some damn good sandwiches. I tried the Tuna Sandwich and it was fire.
The Brava Pizza at Pronghorn Pizza was the perfect way to end the day. Tomato, smoked paprika, Spanish chorizo, cheese, and potato.
I also tried the Mussels at Flora’s Market Run. They’re in an elote broth with roasted corn, chive oil, and served with a generous helping of malt vinegar-dusted fries and garlic aioli to soak up the elote deliciousness.
Read our June 2022 article “Flora’s Market Run is serving up new pasta, pizza, sandwiches & more.”
Finding vegan breakfast options around town is not always the easiest. My good day turned into a great day when Tooley’s served me the thickest breakfast burrito and a table full of other unexpected vegan dishes. I need the corn cakes with jalapeño syrup and Cholula butter to be a regular part of my life. The best part is that you don’t have to rush and wake up early to enjoy their morning menu. Breakfast and lunch are available all day.
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When I have a big burrito in my hand, nothing else matters. The Vegan Feliz successfully started their new vegan pop-up business, and everything they’re making is full of love and protein. Their stuffed “pollo asado” and “carne asada” burritos will have you falling in love with soy curls.
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Nostalgia hit when I took my first bite of Midtown Vegan Deli’s Western Bacon Cheeseburger. Barbecue sauce and onion rings are a combination that I’ll forever appreciate. The Beyond Burger patty sandwiched between the monster house-made onion rings created perfectly balanced bites.
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I ate this bag of brittle from Monsoon Chocolate by myself in two days while actively trying to not eat it all.
The Cauliflower Sandwich at Zayna is everything. At first glance, it looks like a pretty standard falafel pita sandwich, but with each bite, you remember that it’s cauliflower, beautifully fried to a rich caramel color. Wrapped in fluffy pita with hummus, tahini sauce, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and the most wonderfully surprising chunks of a briny pickle. Absolute heaven with minty dressed greens on the side. Only $9 as the weekday lunch special.
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Be prepared to do a little chimi shimmy when you try Charro Vida’s mini chimichangas. Each one is stuffed with a flavorful vegan queso and chile verde filling before being wrapped in their signature Hola Hemp tortilla. The perfect bite-sized treat to share with friends, or if you’re like me, keep to yourself and gulp down in a matter of five minutes.
My favorite things this month were The Omar from Sausage Deli, Caramelos from Los Compas, and Butter Chicken from Indian Twist. Keeping it in my hood.
Read our June 2022 article “Jimmy Aujla’s culinary experience, care & style shine at Indian Twist.”
Whenever I’m craving a sort of hefty breakfast, I take a stroll down to 5 Points Market & Restaurant for their Huevos Rancheros. Geesh, there’s all kinds of layers to this dish, including corn tortillas, pinto beans, a couple of local eggs, cheddar, ranchero sauce, pico de gallo, avocado slices, and a cilantro-serrano pesto. Oh, and there’s an option to add local pulled pork, too.
The Pepperoni Pizza with hot honey from Pronghorn Pizza in Sonoita, Arizona.
Be sure to give the Ahi Tuna Nigiri a shot at Yoshimatsu located on Campbell Avenue.
Read our February 2020 article “The journey & evolution of Yoshimatus Japanese Eatery.”
While brunching at Nook, my focus was stolen by an a la carte plate of masa being carried by my table. I couldn’t pass up copycatting the order, and boy, am I glad I did. With a delicate and obviously perfected flavor blend of sweet yet savory and a mouth-feel similar to that of my favorite ever, not-too-moist bread pudding, I might never go back to cornbread.
I’m always on the hunt for a solidly seasoned, crunchy crusted yet still moist falafel. When it comes to Tucson, Istanbul Mediterranean Cuisine & Bar checks all of the boxes. Perfectly parched and served with a side of hummus, this pita will keep me coming back time and again. Try it topped with a drizzle of their buffalo sauce if you’re in the mood for a little heat.
I dined at PY Steakhouse and enjoyed this amazing little amuse-bouche fermented pickle mushroom and bamboo shoot fritter dusted with porcini powder and tamari soy powder. When it first hit my pallet I thought of warm fluffy pancakes with maple syrup, but then towards the end, it tasted like mashed potatoes with bits of perfectly peppered fried chicken skins sprinkled on top. It was a Willy Wonka experience. Note: It’s only available on the chef’s tasting menu.
Kung Pao Tofu from Jun Dynasty was delicious!
Have a favorite bite this month? Let us know in the comments.
