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The Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in August 2023

The Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in August 2023

Sep 1, 20235 min read

Here’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed the most in August. 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

Nossa Imports
Online Ordering

We broke open this orange wine courtesy of Nossa Imports. It’s literally made from the skin of oranges. It’s a beautiful blend between a dessert wine and an amaro. Anything you get from Nossa is high quality and 100/10 recommended.

a glass of wine
Wine from Nossa Imports (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Ermanos Bar
220 N. Fourth Ave.

The Cubano at Ermanos was all that and a bag of chips. Awesome portions, great flavor profiles — the Cubano was well balanced with the pickles, the cheese, and the protein. Oh, and their beer selection pairs nicely with just about anything on their menu.

Edie Jarolim

Dante’s Fire
2526 E. Grant Rd.

The Iron Chef dinner at Dante’s Fire, celebrating chef Ken Foy’s victory for the second year in a row, featured peanut butter as the secret ingredient. It is hard to know which dishes will turn up on the restaurant’s regular menu, but everyone at the dinner requested — nay, demanded! —  that all of them be incorporated, from the “eat dessert first” Peanut Butter Blueberry Semi Fredo with Churro Tortilla Chips to the Peanut Butter Mousse with Chantilly Cream (dessert #2), and the risotto with tempura shrimp and pan-seared pork loin in between.

a plate of food on a table
Dante’s Fire (Photos by Edie Jarolim)
a plate of food on a table
Dante’s Fire (Photos by Edie Jarolim)

Hannah Hernandez

Beaut Burger
267 S. Avenida del Convento

Beaut Burger’s latest special, The Banh V, just made it to the permanent menu, and I couldn’t be more excited.

a close up of a sandwich on a plate
The Banh V at Beaut Burger (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Mark Whittaker

Midtown Vegan Deli & Market
5071 E. Fifth St.

One stop that I always default to has to be Midtown Vegan Deli due to their always delicious delights that steer me away (get it?) from my usual meat-centric tendencies. As I placed my order for a sandwich one afternoon, I noticed a single cookie left sitting on the counter titled Campfire Cookie. It was big — as if a chocolate chip cookie ate another chocolate chip cookie before hitting the gym. It was the best decision I made that month. The Campfire Cookie is chunky, funky, glorious, and packed with ooey gooey marvels while at the same time being 100% vegan. When I get this thing, I tend to eat it in silence, alone, with one candle lit and my eyes closed. Not too sure how you do your cookie-eating rituals but now you know mine. Thank you, Midtown Deli, and thank you, Campfire Cookie. You are my new best friend.  

a close up of a hand holding a piece of bread
Campfire Cookie at Midtown Vegan Deli (Photo by Mark Whittaker)
Whiskey Del Bac
2106 Forbes Blvd. #103

Whenever Whiskey Del Bac announces a seasonal or special release, I set my notification alarm with the same impatient anticipation as most kids do with Christmas. In August, Del Bac offered up their Normandie single malt whiskey, named so as it was aged in French Calvados brandy barrels. When that email arrived saying my order was ready for pickup, I literally dropped everything that I was doing, raced down to their retail shop hitched right behind the distillery, and mirthfully grabbed my amber-hued comrade and brought it to its forever home. Now, I have been a huge fan of Del Bac’s whiskey for quite some time, and on account of their sommelier, it is advised to include one ice cube in the tumbler for the essence of the tipple to take effect. Normandie exploded on my tongue with a grand sweetness, most likely from those brandy barrels, with hints of pepper, citrus, and caramel. An absolute wonder to sip and savor. Much like the Campfire Cookie, which pairs very well with the Normandie release by the way, I tend to drink this in relative darkness with maybe an old Tom Waits album creaking in the distance as the cat stares up at me while I slip into a grinning boozy bliss.

a bottle of wine on a table
Whiskey Del Bac’s Normandie (Photo by Mark Whittaker)

Matt Sterner

Birrieria Las Chicas
Food Truck (Multiple Locations)

This birria burrito from the Birrieria Las Chicas food truck is now one of my favorite burritos in Tucson. They’re fairly new and park at Casa Video often.

a hand holding a piece of wood
Burrito from Birrieria Las Chicas (Photo by Matt Sterner)

Max Wingert

Doughbird
2960 N. Campbell Ave. #160

Doughbird has great pizza, wings, and drinks… but honestly, my favorites on the menu fell under the appetizer section of the menu. The Brussels sprouts are sweet, spicy, and crunchy all at the same time and there’s enough to share. The Truffle Cheese Bread, conversely, is gooey, rich, and savory, and gets even better when dipped into the housemade marinara with which it comes.

a plate of food
Brussels Sprouts & Truffle Cheese Bread at Doughbird (Photo by Max Wingert)

Rita Connelly

Dolce Vita Italian Bistro
1800 E. Fort Lowell Rd. #168

Linguini with white clam sauce from Dolce Vita to-go. The mussels are just there as an accent. Outstanding! Tucked in the corner are Irene’s Crispy Fried Zucchini. Her food is truly some of the best in town.

a plate of food on a table
Dolce Vita Italian Bistro (Photo by Rita Connelly)
Wildflower
7037 N. Oracle Rd.

With an anniversary, a birthday, and a new restaurant opening we’ve eaten well. For starters, we lunched at Wildflower and I had a tender steak and a sweet side of roasted corn (don’t forget those Bars of Sin dessert).

a plate of food
Steak & “Bars of Sin” for dessert at Wildflower (Photos by Rita Connelly)
CORBETT’S
340 N. Sixth Ave.

Then the soft opening at CORBETT’S (my money is on them being a huge success,) Hummus, Roasted Turkey Sandwich, Hi Corbett Burger, and the soft serve ice cream. 

a plate of food on a table
Hummus & a Roasted Turkey Sandwich at CORBETT’S (Photos by Rita Connelly)
a sandwich sitting on top of a plate of food on a table
Hi Corbett Burger & soft serve ice cream at CORBETT’S (Photos by Rita Connelly)

Shane Reiser

The Monica
40 E. Congress St.

The corn poblano soup at The Monica.

a plate of food and a spoon on a table
The corn poblano soup at The Monica (Photo by Shane Reiser)

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José Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57.

The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org.

Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉

Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonnewsJosé Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57. The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org. Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉 Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonnewsItalian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her.

Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her. Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝

Support 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.

🎉 Week 5 Winners
• Libby: $50 North Italia gift card
• Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets
• arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes
• Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card
• Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards

Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply.

🏆 This Week’s Prizes
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• $100 Visa gift card
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card
• @desertmuseum passes 

More details in bio!Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝 Support 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. 🎉 Week 5 Winners • Libby: $50 North Italia gift card • Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets • arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes • Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card • Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply. 🏆 This Week’s Prizes • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • $100 Visa gift card • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • @desertmuseum passes More details in bio!The Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️

Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. 

MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN:
@agustinkitchen 
@seiskitchen 
@prestacoffee 
@laestrella_tucson 
@dolcepastellocakes 
@zumitosjuicebar 
@santacruzriverfm 

MSA ANNEX:
@decibelcoffeeworks 
@kukai___ 
@bosburger__ 
@hidden_hearth 
@rolliestucson 
@westbound_tapandbottle 

THE MONIER:
@wholeslvcepizza 
@81barbersofficial 

Share your favorite stops with us!
More details on Tucsonfoodie.com 

#tucson #tucsonfoodieThe Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️ Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN: @agustinkitchen @seiskitchen @prestacoffee @laestrella_tucson @dolcepastellocakes @zumitosjuicebar @santacruzriverfm MSA ANNEX: @decibelcoffeeworks @kukai___ @bosburger__ @hidden_hearth @rolliestucson @westbound_tapandbottle THE MONIER: @wholeslvcepizza @81barbersofficial Share your favorite stops with us! More details on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucson #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. 

The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. 

Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. 

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛

From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. 

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. 

WEEK 6 WINNERS
Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week:
* Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia
* Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival
* arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
* donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe
* Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card
* Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card 

PRIZES
This week’s prize pool includes:
* Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets
* $100 Visa gift card
* @eljefecatcafe pass
* $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
* @desertmuseum passes

Presenting sponsor: @visittucson
Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollectiveHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛 From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. WEEK 6 WINNERS Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week: * Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia * Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival * arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum * donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe * Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card * Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card PRIZES This week’s prize pool includes: * Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets * $100 Visa gift card * @eljefecatcafe pass * $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe * @desertmuseum passes Presenting sponsor: @visittucson Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollective

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!