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Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in December 2024

Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in December 2024

Jan 1, 20255 min read

Here’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed during December!

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

OBON Sushi Bar and Ramen

350 E. Congress St. #120

The new menu at Obon is fresh, it’s delicious, and it’s reasonably priced. Plus, they have a killer happy hour. My plan is to go more often in 2025.

OBON (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Charro Vida

7109 N. Oracle Rd.

I’m not a vegan, but the Cauli al Pastor tacos at Charro Vida were mind-blowing. I tasted the chicken tacos, and while they were good, they were no match for the elevated flavors in the vegan taco.

Cauli al Pastor tacos at Charro Vida (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Penelope Pizza

800 N. Kolb Rd.

Penelope Pizza is home to my favorite bartender (my husband), favorite secret dinner specials, and the best mortadella in town. Want mortadella grilled with mustard seeds as an app? They got ya. What about on a pizza? They got ya, too.

Penelope Pizza (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Casa Asada

2502 N. Campbell Ave.

The proteins at Casa Asada, like the Carne Asada, are seasoned and grilled to perfection. The tacos are fat, the quesadillas are fluffy and the salsa bar is well-stocked to customize your order.

Casa Asada (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Time Market

444 E. University Blvd.

The slice of pizza and kale salad combo at Time Market reigns supreme in my book. It’s not an actual combo on the menu, just in my heart.

Time Market (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Maynards

400 N. Toole Ave.

I wish I could swear on this thing because Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, the new menu at Maynards is so absolutely decadent. The oysters with apple granita are a refreshing way to start your meal. I followed mine up with some Brussels sprouts and scallops. My friend had a beet appetizer and duck. The entire experience felt luxurious.

Maynards (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Tito & Pep

4122 E. Speedway Blvd.

I got to try the new brunch at Tito & Pep and it’s safe to say that I’ll be back as often as I can. I had the Chicken Torta. I’ve never had a torta like this — the chicken had an excellent crunch, but without it feeling greasy and gross. It was like a chicharron, but better. And the bread? Wow, such a soft roll. The potatoes were crispy.

Tito & Pep (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Chrissy Mance

Mariscos Chihuahua

Multiple Locations

Chickpea Ceviche at Mariscos Chihuahua is a spicy, hearty, and satisfying dish — a great alternative to traditional ceviche!

Ceviche at Mariscos Chihuahua (Photo by Chrissy Mance)

Saffron Indian Bistro

7607 N. Oracle Rd.

Had such a great dinner at Saffron. Wonderful food and service. We got the vegetarian samosas, paneer tikka masala, paneer saag, and garlic naan. 10/10!

Saffron Indian Bistro (Photo by Chrissy Mance)

Edie Jarolim

Kneller’s Delicatessen & Appetizing

Pop-up

A taste of things to come when Jeremy Kneller-Hernandez opens up his brick-and-mortar deli (April is the aim).  Now he’s found at the weekends at St. Philips Plaza. Here’s a breakfast sandwich (kaiser roll, latke, eggs, and cheese) and a potato knish with mustard and a gherkin. The knish tastes like the ones I enjoyed in Brooklyn, growing up. There can be no higher praise.

Breakfast sandwich at Kneller’s Delicatessen & Appetizing (Photo by Edie Jarolim)
Potato knish at Kneller’s Delicatessen & Appetizing (Photo by Edie Jarolim)

Hannah Hernandez

Donut Blitz

Food Truck

Donut Blitz has vegan options! Their mini doughnuts remind me of the non-vegan ones I used to love at hockey games.

Donut Blitz (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Del Cielo Tamal

3073 N. Campbell Ave.

Tamal breakfast at Del Cielo.

Tamal breakfast at Del Cielo (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

El Torero

231 E. 26th St.

Vegan green corn tamales at El Torero. So perfect.

Vegan green corn tamales at El Torero (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Luckie’s Thai-Asian Cuisine

8110 S. Houghton Rd. #186

Green curry tofu + potatoes at Luckie’s. Ask for no fish sauce to make it vegan.

Green curry tofu + potatoes at Luckie’s (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Rita Connelly

La Baguette Bakery

1797 E. Prince Rd.

La Baguette Bakery’s morning buns sell out quickly and with good reason. They’re sweet, buttery and addictive. The dough is painted with orange marmalade and then rolled. The outside is crazy with cinnamon. Unroll them apart slowly for the best effect. A cup of black coffee is all you’ll need for a most heavenly breakfast. La Baguette is located inside Ghini’s French Caffe on the corner of Prince and Campbell.

La Baguette Bakery (Photo by Rita Connelly)

Shane Reiser

Ermanos Bar

220 N. Fourth Ave.

Roasted 1/4 Cabbage at Ermanos: herb butter, green tahini sauce, dill, chili crisp, tzatziki.

Roasted 1/4 Cabbage at Ermanos Bar (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Slow Body Beer Co.

831 E. 17th St.

Left: Feelings (Tropical Nelson Pale Ale)

Right: Strawberry and Pineapple Limonada Hard Shrub

(Photo by Shane Reiser)

Cheba Hut

446 N. Campbell Ave. #2

Kali Mist at Cheba Hut.

Cheba Hut (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Sexy Grilled Cheese

Food truck

Chef Ken Foy made this bahn mi hot dog from his food truck Sexy Grilled Cheese for a food truck competition. So, it’s not on the menu but maybe he can re-create it if you ask nicely cause it was the best hot dog I’ve ever had.

Sexy Grilled Cheese (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Bombole

100 N. Stone Ave.

The vegetable curry empanada from Bombole.

Bombole (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Charro Vida

7109 N. Oracle Rd.

Mushroom taco at Charro Vida.

Charro Vida (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Elysium Botanicals

Pop-up/Order Online

These tea blends are from Elysium botanicals. I particularly love the bedtime herbal sleep blend. It works just as good as cannabis, coming to put me into a deep sleep. It’s got catnip, passionflower, chamomile, valerian, lavender, lemongrass, kava, hops, spearmint, lemon balm, St. John’s wart, and holy basil.

Elysium Botanicals (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!