Kingfisher Bar & Grill continues its seasonal culinary journey with a stop in the U.S. South. From Tuesday, August 5 through Saturday, August 23, the menu spotlights Southern, Creole, and Cajun-style dishes, along with a special five-course wine dinner at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 20.
The Summer Road Trip series runs annually from May to October, showcasing seven regionally inspired menus, five domestic and two international. The U.S. South edition blends guest favorites from past years, Mardi Gras staples, and new creations from the kitchen.
Southern-Inspired Small Plates
- Crabby Fried Green Tomatoes — Deep-fried green tomato slices, cornmeal-flour-Old Bay dredge, Southern-style deep sea red crab salad
- Blackened Shrimp & Grits — Cheesy grits, bourbon-blackened shrimp and mushrooms, Carolina Reaper Millionaire Bacon, pan sauce, preserved tomato
- Pickled Shrimp Deviled Eggs — Three halves with mayonnaise, dijon and whole-grain mustard, garlic, capers, house-pickled bay shrimp, dill
Entrées with Deep Roots
- Kingfisher Gumbo — Scallops, shrimp, oysters, cod, okra, Cajun mirepoix, roux, tasso ham, andouille pork sausage, KF rice, scallions
- Crawfish Étouffée — Crawfish tails, Cajun mirepoix, roux, KF rice, scallions
- Seafood Jambalaya — Shrimp, andouille pork sausage, tasso ham, mushrooms, Cajun mirepoix, sauce piquant, KF rice, scallions
Sweet Bites
- Beignets — Powdered sugar, praline dipping sauce, chocolate dipping sauce
- Bananas & Caviar — Roasted banana and golden osetra caviar ice cream, pecan brittle
Southern-Inspired Beverages
- Creature Comforts Brewing Co., “Calimatic” Hoppy Pilsner — Athens, Georgia
- Westminster Rosé — Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, 2022, Westminster, Maryland
- Dungeon Family Tea — Four Roses Bourbon, Giffard Crème De Pêche Vigne, Xyla liqueur, peaches, iced tea, on the rocks
- Baron Baltimore’s Sangria — Rosé, brandy, watermelon, mint, Starry, soda water, on the rocks
August 20 Wine Dinner Menu and Pairings
- Amuse Bouche: Pickled Shrimp Deviled Egg paired with Creature Comforts Brewing Co., “Calimatic” Hoppy Pilsner
- First Course: Crabby Fried Green Tomatoes paired with Creature Comforts Brewing Co., “Calimatic” Hoppy Pilsner
- Second Course: Blackened Shrimp & Grits paired with Dungeon Family Tea
- Third Course: Kingfisher Gumbo paired with Baron Baltimore’s Sangria
- Fourth Course: Seafood Jambalaya paired with Westminster Rosé
- Fifth Course: Bananas & Caviar paired with W.L. Old Weller “Antique 107” Wheated Bourbon
A Culinary Journey Across America
Kingfisher’s Road Trip menus give Tucson diners a taste of regional traditions and ingredients. Following the U.S. South, the series heads to the East Coast on August 26 before two international stops in Jamaica and Senegal.
Reservations for general dining can be made at kingfishertucson.com or by calling 520-323-7739. Space for the August 20 wine dinner is limited.
Kingfisher is located at 2564 E. Grant Rd.
Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
