The Best Places to Find Latkes in Tucson during Hanukkah

Ah, Hanukkah! ‘Tis the season when menorahs are lit in Jewish homes, and the sounds and smells of frying oil waft from the kitchen. After a victorious rebellion and the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, so the Hanukkah story goes, only a single day's worth of consecrated oil remained to keep the holy site’s eternal flame burning. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, until a new supply arrived. The lighting of candles alludes to the flames of the sacred lamp, while the consumption of fried food commemorates the miracle of the oil. The potato pancakes known as latkes are the most commonly served of the traditionally — if not medically — sanctioned fried treats among American Jews, with sufganiyot (jelly donuts) coming in second. The culinary history of latkes is long and complex, involving cheese and the biblical tale of Judith beheading Holofernes, but we’re talking here about the version popularized in Eastern Europe in the 19th century. Typically consisting of grated potatoes, onions, eggs, matzo meal or flour, and salt, made into a patty and fried in vegetable oil, today’s latkes are generally eaten with applesauce and/or sour cream. Some home cooks use food processors to create the latke mix, but many hand grate the potatoes and onions — and accidentally scrape their knuckles. Don’t even ask about the numerous splattering-of-hot-oil incidents. Our Hanukkah gift to you? A list of places where you can enjoy potato pancakes without potential injury or lingering frying odor. Want to make them at home without the muss or fuss? I can recommend two frozen supermarket brands: Trader Joe's Classic Potato Latkes (you know where to find those) and Golden Potato Pancakes, which I located at the Fry's on Grant and First. Both brands of latkes are small but tasty and they crisp up nicely in an oven.