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Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in December 2023

Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in December 2023

Jan 1, 20244 min read

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

JoJo’s Restaurant
76 W. Washington St.

I had a very tasty brunch at JoJo’s. Steve-o and I ended up swapping our dishes halfway through and then swapped back and still couldn’t decide who ordered the best dish because they were both that good. Can’t wait for this month’s R&D dinner there!

a plate of food
Bagel & Lox at JoJo’s Restaurant (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
a person holding a plate of food
Huevos Rancheros at JoJo’s Restaurant (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Taegukgi Korean BBQ
6118 E. Speedway Blvd.

I went to Taegukgi Korean BBQ for the 1st time and it’s always funny how awesome it is to cook your dinner when you’re not at home. I really appreciate all the banchan that came with the meal. I for one could not stop picking at the kimchi and Korean potato salad. This just made for a really great experience and then we sauntered over to the Korean Rose for dessert Boba drinks. 

a bunch of different types of food on a table
Kimchi at Taegukgi Korean BBQ (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Samurai
3912 N. Oracle Rd. #100

You know that feeling after you’ve come back from vacation and you’ve stuffed your gullet so much that you crave something “light”? That was me and I needed a spicy volcano tuna don from Samurai. It was refreshing, the crispy tempura bits were good, and it was just what the doctor ordered. I’m the doctor, btw.

a tray of food on a plate
Spicy Volcano Tuna Don at Samurai (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Hacienda del Sol
5501 N. Hacienda Del Sol Rd.

This submission is from my dog Spaghetti: I liked the Tuna Chicken of the Sea and Chicken Protein from Hacienda del Sol’s Pet Menu. My mom always tries to feed me vegetables so this was a good compromise.

a bowl of food on a plate
Tuna Chicken of the Sea and Chicken Protein from Hacienda del Sol (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Tran’s Fats Truck
720 W. Silverlake Rd. #302

I ended the year precisely how I wanted to: fat, in love and full of Tran’s Fats. I even snuck in some caviar to top off my mochi with.

a hand holding a chocolate donut
Mochi at Tran’s Fats Truck (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Chrissy Mance

Charro Chico
3699 N. Campbell Ave.

El Charro has the best chimi in town and now you can get them at their fast casual spot, Charro Chico. I ordered this vegetarian option which included calabacitas and chickpea chorizo. I added a side of queso and tried every salsa at the salsa bar! So good!

a close up of a sandwich on a plate
Vegetarian Chimichanga at Charro Chico (Photo by Chrissy Mance)
Go Dim Sum
3504 E. Grant Rd.

The Salt and Pepper Tofu from Go Dim Sum is perfectly fried and seasoned. It’s a delicious snack or meal with the vegan potstickers.

a box of food sitting on top of a wooden table
Salt and Pepper Tofu at Go Dim Sum (Photo by Chrissy Mance)

Hannah Hernandez

CERES Pasta
77 W. Washington St.

Raspberry sorbetto topped with pink sprinkles and pistachio crumble. This cone made my day.

a hand holding a pink flower
Raspberry Sorbetto at CERES Pasta (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Matt Sterner

Eggroll Masters
Multiple Locations (Food Truck)

I had a traditional, a jalapeno cheeseburger, and a Philly cheesesteak eggroll at Casa Video. Dang, they were great!

a close up of a slice of pizza
Eggrolls from Eggroll Masters (Photo courtesy of Eggroll Masters)

Sam Jump

Tavolino Ristorante Italiano
2890 E. Skyline Dr.

The Ravioli al Caprino from Tavolino’s lunch menu blew my mind. The layers of flavors — from the goat cheese and mascarpone filling in the house-made beet-infused ravioli to the sage butter it swam in — made it impossible not to sit my fork down between bites while I saved each of them. Yowza.

a plate of food with stew
Ravioli al Caprino at Tavolino (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Shane Reiser

Borderlands Brewing Company
119 E. Toole Ave.
a sandwich sitting on top of a paper plate
Salmon Burger at Borderlands Brewing Company (Photo by Shane Reiser)
The Monica
40 E. Congress St.

The hot chocolate at The Monica was perfect.

SydShakes

Got one of these at the Vegan Night Market and they are so delicious. She really got the recipe right.

Green Latifah Protein Shake from SydShakes (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!