Tucson FoodieCelebrating local food, drink, and community.
Imbibe Magazine & the 2023 Agave Heritage Festival Celebrate Gary Nabhan

Imbibe Magazine & the 2023 Agave Heritage Festival Celebrate Gary Nabhan

Apr 24, 20231 min read

You’d be hard-pressed to find an author who has done more to drive awareness of Tucson’s rich agricultural history than Gary Nabhan. He was instrumental in getting the city designated the country’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy, playing a key role in turning his knowledge of the organization’s Creative Cities network into a successful grant application.

Nabhan has devoted a lot of his research to desert plants, and the current issue of Imbibe magazine celebrates his latest book about the intersection of agaves and human culture as being “one of our favorite things.” 

(Photo courtesy of GaryNabhan.com)

The blurb reads: “A collaborative work between acclaimed ethnobotanist Gary Nabhan and pioneering restaurateur (and founder of the Tequila Interchange Project) David Suro Piñera, Agave Spirits: The Past Present and Future of Mezcals, is the result of the authors’ extensive fieldwork and on the ground interviews across eight Mexican states. The book (W.W. Norton, May 2023) offers a deep look at traditional mezcal production and insight into the new generation of makers finding ways to adapt and preserve the historic spirit.”

It’s no surprise, then, that Nabhan has been integral to popularizing Tucson’s Agave Heritage Festival (read our article Education with a Kick: The 2023 Agave Heritage Festival Goes Big).

This year he and David Suro will be participating by hosting a book signing and presentation at the Historic Train Depot on Sunday, April 30. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet the authors and buy copies of Agave Spirits, hot off the press. 

For more on Gary Nabhan, see garynabhan.com. For more information about the Agave Heritage Festival, visit agaveheritagefestival.com.

Stay in the Tucson Foodie Loop

Weekly digest of new openings, events, and guides. No spam.

Advertisement

Article written by:

Edie Jarolim

Edie Jarolim

More about Edie
Tucson Foodie is Tucson's premier food and dining publication, covering the best restaurants, events, and culinary experiences in Southern Arizona.

Advertisement

Get the Tucson Foodie app

Explore everything, build your foodie profile — and unlock the Insiders Club with perks at 100+ local spots.

Follow @TucsonFoodie on Instagram

Follow along for daily food inspiration, event updates, and behind-the-scenes looks at Tucson's culinary scene.

4.5K

posts

133.3K

followers

See More On Instagram
Locally owned groceries around Tucson carry an assortment of packaged foods, but how many carry fresh produce? As it turns out, not nearly as many as there are restaurants. Farmers markets, such as @heirloomfm, and other programs, such as @pivotproduce and @tucsoncsa provide access to local produce. However, they are only available certain times of the week. If you need something the same day and just want a small, locally owned groceries near you for some essentials, this guide will come in handy.

• Caravan Mideastern Foods
• @wildwestmeatmarket 
• @foodconspiracy 
• G & L Imports
• @gallery.of.food 
• @nicksarisaristore 
• @rancheroscarniceriagrant 
• Rocking K Market Bar & Restaurant
• Sandyi Oriental Market 
• @timemarket 

More on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonazLocally owned groceries around Tucson carry an assortment of packaged foods, but how many carry fresh produce? As it turns out, not nearly as many as there are restaurants. Farmers markets, such as @heirloomfm, and other programs, such as @pivotproduce and @tucsoncsa provide access to local produce. However, they are only available certain times of the week. If you need something the same day and just want a small, locally owned groceries near you for some essentials, this guide will come in handy. • Caravan Mideastern Foods • @wildwestmeatmarket • @foodconspiracy • G & L Imports • @gallery.of.food • @nicksarisaristore • @rancheroscarniceriagrant • Rocking K Market Bar & Restaurant • Sandyi Oriental Market • @timemarket More on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #tucsonazThree-peat!🏆🏆🏆

@Chef_antbanks of @obonsushi defended his Iron Chef Tucson title against AJ Mortazavi of The Barnyard Crafthouse & Eatery, with tomatoes from Wholesum Family Farms revealed as this year’s secret ingredient.

Dromgoole’s winning menu included pork with minced olives over a diced tomato salad, a tomato-forward ratatouille with mozzarella, charred corn and whipped ricotta served with tableside tomato soup, and a standout dessert of fried tomato topped with goat cheese ice cream and balsamic glaze.

With the victory, Dromgoole joins Ryan Clark as the only chefs to win @theironcheftucson three years in a row. Here’s hoping OBON brings these dishes back for a special dinner. 🍅

Photos by @jackie_tran_ 

#tucsonnewsThree-peat!🏆🏆🏆 @Chef_antbanks of @obonsushi defended his Iron Chef Tucson title against AJ Mortazavi of The Barnyard Crafthouse & Eatery, with tomatoes from Wholesum Family Farms revealed as this year’s secret ingredient. Dromgoole’s winning menu included pork with minced olives over a diced tomato salad, a tomato-forward ratatouille with mozzarella, charred corn and whipped ricotta served with tableside tomato soup, and a standout dessert of fried tomato topped with goat cheese ice cream and balsamic glaze. With the victory, Dromgoole joins Ryan Clark as the only chefs to win @theironcheftucson three years in a row. Here’s hoping OBON brings these dishes back for a special dinner. 🍅 Photos by @jackie_tran_ #tucsonnewsBreakfast & Brunch Week starts today and runs through July 26 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer! 

🏆🍳☀️❤️🥞THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: 
• Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival 
• (2) $100 Visa gift cards 
• $20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
• 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum 
• $25 gift card to @beyondbreadbakerycafe 

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Some suggested places to visit this week: @lovinspoonfulstucson, @delcielotamal, @hotelcongress, @prepandpastry, @cafealacarttucson, @tooleys_cafe, @localetucson, @teaspoontucson, @theofficialbreadandbutter, @losmilicsvineyards, @cafepassetucson… More suggestions on the website. Link in bio. 

Let’s support local 💝

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonazBreakfast & Brunch Week starts today and runs through July 26 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer! 🏆🍳☀️❤️🥞THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: • Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival • (2) $100 Visa gift cards • $20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe • 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum • $25 gift card to @beyondbreadbakerycafe ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Some suggested places to visit this week: @lovinspoonfulstucson, @delcielotamal, @hotelcongress, @prepandpastry, @cafealacarttucson, @tooleys_cafe, @localetucson, @teaspoontucson, @theofficialbreadandbutter, @losmilicsvineyards, @cafepassetucson… More suggestions on the website. Link in bio. Let’s support local 💝 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonaz“I scream, you scream...oh, hush! In this warm weather town, there’s no need to scream for ice cream. This year-round favorite treat and its cool cousins, gelato, and sorbet are widely available in a variety of distinctive styles and flavors. You’ll also find more unusual fare such as Indian golas, a version of shaved ice.” — @ediebjarolim 

@bellasgelatoshoppetucson 
@bisouburger 
@blueicegelato 
@brooklynpizzaco 
@azbrucha 
@cerestucson 
@chillonsunrise 
@decibelcoffeeworks 
@frostgelato 
@frozendelight520 
@hubdowntown 
@lickscatalina 
@littleanthonysdiner 
@noodiestucson 
@okashi_ice_cream_confections 
@thescreamery 
@treat_byciaodown 
@varietyh2o_icecream 
@zio_peppe_az 

See @ediebjarolim’s complete guide on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie“I scream, you scream...oh, hush! In this warm weather town, there’s no need to scream for ice cream. This year-round favorite treat and its cool cousins, gelato, and sorbet are widely available in a variety of distinctive styles and flavors. You’ll also find more unusual fare such as Indian golas, a version of shaved ice.” — @ediebjarolim @bellasgelatoshoppetucson @bisouburger @blueicegelato @brooklynpizzaco @azbrucha @cerestucson @chillonsunrise @decibelcoffeeworks @frostgelato @frozendelight520 @hubdowntown @lickscatalina @littleanthonysdiner @noodiestucson @okashi_ice_cream_confections @thescreamery @treat_byciaodown @varietyh2o_icecream @zio_peppe_az See @ediebjarolim’s complete guide on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieIT’S ITALIAN WEEK! Now through July 19, explore Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.🍝

THIS WEEK’S PRIZES👇❤️🏆🎉
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• (2) $100 Visa gift cards
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 gift card to @eatnorthitalia 
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card 
• 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum 
• Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival

Let’s support local this summer💞

@anello_pizzeria 
@brooklynpizzaco 
@charredpie 
@ciaodownpizza 
@embersmobilewoodfiredpizza 
@empirepizzatucson 
@falorapizza 
@fentonellispizzeria 
@fiammepizza 
@frescotucson 
@tucsonjaimes 
@localetucson 
@penelope.woodfired 
@reillypizza 
@reneestucson 
@roccoslittlechicago 
@serial_grillers_az 
@timemarket 
@uglybuthonestpizzeria 
@veroamoretucson 
@wholeslvcepizza 
@zio_peppe_az 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieIT’S ITALIAN WEEK! Now through July 19, explore Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.🍝 THIS WEEK’S PRIZES👇❤️🏆🎉 • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • (2) $100 Visa gift cards • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 gift card to @eatnorthitalia • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum • Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival Let’s support local this summer💞 @anello_pizzeria @brooklynpizzaco @charredpie @ciaodownpizza @embersmobilewoodfiredpizza @empirepizzatucson @falorapizza @fentonellispizzeria @fiammepizza @frescotucson @tucsonjaimes @localetucson @penelope.woodfired @reillypizza @reneestucson @roccoslittlechicago @serial_grillers_az @timemarket @uglybuthonestpizzeria @veroamoretucson @wholeslvcepizza @zio_peppe_az #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieNow open in downtown Tucson: @gibsonmarkettucson🙌

Coming soon: @pearlloungetucson 

11 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonNow open in downtown Tucson: @gibsonmarkettucson🙌 Coming soon: @pearlloungetucson 11 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucson

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!