Here’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed during the shortest month of the year! Also, not only are these reminders of the dishes we ate, but they can also be a guide for your own decisions on what to eat here in Tucson.
Addie Ibarra
Tito & Pep
4122 E. Speedway Blvd.
The crudo dish from Tito & Pep turns any day around for me. Actually, every/any dish at Tito & Pep does that for me.
Kingfisher Bar & Grill
2564 E. Grant Rd.
I started my meal at Kingfisher with a poke stack and it set the tone for the rest of my dinner. I paired it with a delightful gin martini, followed by a lobster roll. I had a $40 voucher because I’m an Insider so this meal was basically free.
OBON Sushi Bar Ramen
350 E. Congress St., #120.
The crispy fried rice dishes at OBON were beyond reproach. Perfectly crispy on the outside, soft center, and the various toppings i.e. spicy tuna and scallops, will ensure that I come back again.
P.S. I also saved $15 by being an Insider.
La Botana
3200 N. 1st Ave.
The taco platter at La Botana is the BEST bang for your buck: 12 tacos + all the fixins.
Chrissy Mance
Penelope Pizza and Cartel Roasting Co.
210 E. Broadway Blvd., Suite 3
Bread and Friends from Penelope Pizza was greatly enjoyed with a matcha latte from Cartel. The Sgt. Pepper pizza has a fluffy yet thin crust, mild green chiles, and the hot honey was an added treat.
Bison Witches
326 N. 4th Ave.
This yummy pile of nachos from Bison Witches really hit the spot. Their queso sauce is so good and they add extra on the side to ensure each chip has plenty of cheese. Remember the portion is huge — bring a friend!
Doug Marcoux
Playground Bar and Lounge
278 E. Congress St.
The Sonoran Sushi Dog at Playground. It’s full of tuna and spicy lump crab in a deep-fried sushi rice “bun.”
Edie Jarolim
Zio Peppe
6502 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
Call me morbid. I often contemplate what I would eat for a last meal and the Figgy Stardust pizza with a steak salad at Zio Peppe is among my rotating favorites. As you can see, I couldn’t wait to grab a slice before I remembered to take a picture. In my defense, it is ideal to eat the pie in the height of its warm cheesy glory, with the pomegranate drizzle still a bit drizzly (see the red glob on the plate). Also, it should be noted that the steak salad pictured is only half a portion. Both pizza and salad are best shared with friends but if it were truly a last meal, you bet I’d eat it all.
Hannah Hernandez
Pure Poke and Prep
7315 N. Oracle Rd., #105
I love customizing sweet and spicy vegan bowls at Pure Poke and Prep.
Matt Sterner
Oralia Coffee & Kitchen
501 N. 6th Ave., Suite 101
The Machaca Nachos at Oralia.
El Chinito Gordo
2920 N. Oracle Rd.
The crispy taco plate at El Chinito Gordo.
Rita Connelly
Tavolino Ristorante Italiano
2890 E. Skyline Dr.
After 40 plus Valentine’s Days together, it’s not about the day as much as it is the company. A belated but romantic lunch the following Friday at Tavolino’s started with their wonderful bread and olive oil (not pictured) followed by the fried calamari, a plate of Tagliatelle a Pollo Marsala, and the grilled seafood salad accompanied by a pinot grigio from the Dolomites. We had the Bonet with gelato and espresso for dessert (also not pictured).
Sam Jump
Time Market
444 E. University Blvd.
Who needs chili when you’ve got Time Market’s lentil soup on the menu? “Not I,” said Sam Jump. Served with a crusty hunk of baguette on the side, it was the perfect warm-me-up on a cool, cloudy Tucson afternoon.
Shane Reiser
La Chingada Cocina Mexicana
110 E. Pennington St.
Trio de Enchiladas at La Chingada.
Elliott’s on Congress
135 E. Congress St.
Banana Tots at Elliott’s: Captain Crunch breaded banana bites deep-fried golden and served with vanilla ice cream then drizzled with Nutella.
Restaurante Mex-Sal
1201-1229 W. St. Marys Rd.
Quesebirria from Mex-Sal.
Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers
7315 N. Oracle Rd., Suite 141
The Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich at Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers.
El Cisne Restaurant
4717 E. Sunrise Dr.
The spinach enchiladas at El Cisne (not pictured).
