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Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in February 2024

Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in February 2024

Mar 2, 20245 min read

Here’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed during the shortest month of the year! 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

Tito & Pep
4122 E. Speedway Blvd.

The crudo dish from Tito & Pep turns any day around for me. Actually, every/any dish at Tito & Pep does that for me.

a person sitting at a table with a plate of food
Kingfisher Bar & Grill
2564 E. Grant Rd.

I started my meal at Kingfisher with a poke stack and it set the tone for the rest of my dinner. I paired it with a delightful gin martini, followed by a lobster roll. I had a $40 voucher because I’m an Insider so this meal was basically free.

OBON Sushi Bar Ramen
350 E. Congress St., #120.

The crispy fried rice dishes at OBON were beyond reproach. Perfectly crispy on the outside, soft center, and the various toppings i.e. spicy tuna and scallops, will ensure that I come back again.


P.S. I also saved $15 by being an Insider.

a plate of food on a table
Crispy Rice Trio Sampler at OBON Sushi Bar Ramen (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
La Botana
3200 N. 1st Ave.

The taco platter at La Botana is the BEST bang for your buck: 12 tacos + all the fixins.

a bowl of food on a table
Taco Platter at La Botana (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Chrissy Mance

Penelope Pizza and Cartel Roasting Co.
210 E. Broadway Blvd., Suite 3

Bread and Friends from Penelope Pizza was greatly enjoyed with a matcha latte from Cartel. The Sgt. Pepper pizza has a fluffy yet thin crust, mild green chiles, and the hot honey was an added treat.

Bison Witches
326 N. 4th Ave.

This yummy pile of nachos from Bison Witches really hit the spot. Their queso sauce is so good and they add extra on the side to ensure each chip has plenty of cheese. Remember the portion is huge — bring a friend!

a close up of food
Nachos at Bison Witches (Photo by Chrissy Mance)

Doug Marcoux

Playground Bar and Lounge
278 E. Congress St.

The Sonoran Sushi Dog at Playground. It’s full of tuna and spicy lump crab in a deep-fried sushi rice “bun.”

Sonoran Sushi Dog at Playground Bar and Lounge (Photo by Doug Marcoux)

Edie Jarolim

Zio Peppe
6502 E. Tanque Verde Rd.

Call me morbid. I often contemplate what I would eat for a last meal and the Figgy Stardust pizza with a steak salad at Zio Peppe is among my rotating favorites. As you can see, I couldn’t wait to grab a slice before I remembered to take a picture. In my defense, it is ideal to eat the pie in the height of its warm cheesy glory, with the pomegranate drizzle still a bit drizzly (see the red glob on the plate). Also, it should be noted that the steak salad pictured is only half a portion. Both pizza and salad are best shared with friends but if it were truly a last meal, you bet I’d eat it all.

Hannah Hernandez

Pure Poke and Prep
7315 N. Oracle Rd., #105

I love customizing sweet and spicy vegan bowls at Pure Poke and Prep.

a close up of a bowl of food
Sweet & Spicy Vegan Bowl and Pure Poke and Prep (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Matt Sterner

Oralia Coffee & Kitchen
501 N. 6th Ave., Suite 101

The Machaca Nachos at Oralia.

a plate of food on a table
The Machaca Nachos at Oralia (Photo by Matthew Sterner)
El Chinito Gordo
2920 N. Oracle Rd.

The crispy taco plate at El Chinito Gordo.

a close up of a plate of food on a table
Crispy Chicken Taco Plate at El Chinito Gordo (Photo by Matthew Sterner)

Rita Connelly

Tavolino Ristorante Italiano
2890 E. Skyline Dr.

After 40 plus Valentine’s Days together, it’s not about the day as much as it is the company. A belated but romantic lunch the following Friday at Tavolino’s started with their wonderful bread and olive oil (not pictured) followed by the fried calamari, a plate of Tagliatelle a Pollo Marsala, and the grilled seafood salad accompanied by a pinot grigio from the Dolomites. We had the Bonet with gelato and espresso for dessert (also not pictured).

Sam Jump

Time Market
444 E. University Blvd.

Who needs chili when you’ve got Time Market’s lentil soup on the menu? “Not I,” said Sam Jump. Served with a crusty hunk of baguette on the side, it was the perfect warm-me-up on a cool, cloudy Tucson afternoon.

a bowl of soup and a sandwich on a plate
Lentil Soup at Time Market (Photo by Sam Jump)

Shane Reiser

La Chingada Cocina Mexicana
110 E. Pennington St.

Trio de Enchiladas at La Chingada.

a plate of food on a table
Trio de Enchiladas at La Chingada Concina Mexicana (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Elliott’s on Congress
135 E. Congress St.

Banana Tots at Elliott’s: Captain Crunch breaded banana bites deep-fried golden and served with vanilla ice cream then drizzled with Nutella.

Banana Tots at Elliott’s on Congress (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Restaurante Mex-Sal
1201-1229 W. St. Marys Rd.

Quesebirria from Mex-Sal.

Quesebirria at Restaurante Mex-Sal (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers
7315 N. Oracle Rd., Suite 141

The Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich at Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers.

a close up of a sandwich and fries on a plate
The Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich at Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers (Photo by Shane Reiser)
El Cisne Restaurant
4717 E. Sunrise Dr.

The spinach enchiladas at El Cisne (not pictured).

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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!