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Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in March 2024

The Chicken Parmesan sandwich at Guissepe’s (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in March 2024

Apr 1, 20245 min read

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

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
76 W. Washington St.

The ceviche at JoJo’s. Really, anything at JoJo’s is excellent.

Ceviche at JoJo’s (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Sweet Tomatoes
6202 E. Broadway Blvd.

Hello, darkness, my old friend — me to Sweet Tomatoes. They picked up right where they left off. I’m here for it.

Sweet Tomatoes (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Nossa Imports
Found online & at taprooms

This canned Rosadito from Nossa Imports. It’s perfect for the warmer months looming ahead.

Nossa Imports (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Queen of Cups
320 Smelter Ave., Patagonia, AZ

Queen of Cups makes my now-favorite Barbera!

Queen of Cups in Patagonia (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Maru Plus
2741 N. Campbell Ave.

Literally everything at Maru Plus.

Several dishes at Maru Plus (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Chrissy Mance

The Dough Girl
Cottage Kitchen

I’m a sucker for a German-style soft pretzel and these did not disappoint! I ordered a dozen from cottage baker Ashley of The Dough Girl.  Crusty exterior and chewy inside, my family finished ’em all in one day. Order through her Facebook or call Ashley directly at 520-820-5620.

The Dough Girl (Photo by Chrissy Mance)
Flora’s Market Run
2513 E. Sixth St.

The spinach artichoke dip with house-baked baguette is one of my favorite dishes at Flora’s Market Run. The truffle oil brings a classic dip to the next level!

Flora’s Market Run (Photo by Chrissy Mance)

Hannah Hernandez

Del Cielo Tamales
3073 N. Campbell Ave.

Vegan Gansitos at Del Cielo!

Vegan Gansitos at Del Cielo (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Kevin Thomas

Beyond Bread
421 W. Ina Rd. • 3024 N. Campbell Ave. • 6260 E. Speedway Blvd. • 12833 N. Sabino Canyon

Frida’s Flight from Beyond Bread is amazing.

Frida’s Flight sandwich at Beyond Bread (Photo courtesy of Beyond Bread)

Matt Sterner

Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen
5851 N. Oracle Rd. • 5553 E. Grant Rd. 

After living in New Mexico for a few years, I ended up eating a lot — I mean, a lot — of chile rellenos. With Hatch, New Mexico maybe an hour away from where I lived, green chile was everywhere and the streets were filled with the aroma of them being roasted in front of grocery stores. The only problem was that I got roasted/burned out on them because I ate them so often.

Once I took that first bite of the chile rellenos at Amelia’s, I was reminded how much I’d missed the taste. I’m glad I went with my gut, so to speak, on ordering them.

Chile Rellenos at Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)
Sonora Moonshine Co.
124 E. Broadway Blvd.

The Carne Seca & Guacamole can easily be shared but can also greedily eat it all on your own like I did. The stone bowl the dish comes in is impressive (and super heavy) and carries a heaping amount of housemade guacamole. The strips of carne seca surround the guacamole, which were then used for dipping and loading into my mouth.

Carne Seca & Guacamole at Sonora Moonshine Co. (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)
Toto’s Tacos
1118 W. St Marys Rd.

If you’re looking for a quick bite, Toto’s Tacos is a fun little spot in Barrio Hollywood.

Toto’s Tacos (Photo by Matt Sterner)

Rita Connelly

Rocco’s Little Chicago
2707 E. Broadway Blvd.

These just came out of the oven. Don’t get the wrong impression. I didn’t bake from scratch. These are from the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough from Rocco’s Little Chicago. Rumor has it the recipe is from Chicago Public Schools. Lots of peanuts. Creamy. Not too sweet. They also have chocolate chip cookie dough. Depending on the size you make, you’ll get two to four dozen.

Peanut Butter Cookie Dough from Rocco’s (Photo by Rita Connelly)

Sam Jump

La Chaiteria
1002 W. Congress St.

The chicken tamale plate from La Chaiteria instantly became my most pleasurable tamale experiences to date. The crunch of the tamales made a lasting impression and added a crispy touch of care and completeness. The amount of chicken (and veggies!) in each tamale was unbelievable. And I will now settle for no less than one Spanish olive in the middle of my tamales so long as I live. Add-on: a drizzle of cashew cream. This dish was fueling in more ways than one.

Appetizer, also pictured: the Pick Me Up fresh juice. They use organic produce, which was really valuable for me, especially on the root vegetables front.

Care, intention, and flavor out the wazoo, they’re serving up. 

La Chaiteria (Photo by Sam Jump)

Shane Reiser

Gorditas Las Lupitas
4609 S. 12th Ave.

The Rajas Gordita from Gorditas Las Lupitas.

The Rajas Gordita from Gorditas Las Lupitas (Photo by Shane Reiser)
TT’s Treats 
Online Ordering/ Pop-Up

Sweet Potato Pound Cake from TT’s Treats.

Sweet Potato Pound Cake from TT’s Treats (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Adventure Coffee Roasting
Heirloom Farmers Markets

Adventure Coffee Roasting’s Espresso blend. I picked this one up at the Heirloom Farmers Market.

Adventure Coffee Roasting’s Espresso blend (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Pizza Sonora
1015 S. Park Ave.

The vegan pizza from Pizza Sonora (located at MotoSonora Brewing).

Pizza Sonora (Photo by Shane Reiser)
La Chaiteria
1002 W. Congress St.

The Cuban Tacos at La Chaiteria.

The Cuban Tacos at La Chaiteria (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Guissepe’s Ristorante Italiano
6060 N. Oracle Rd. • 9431 E. 22nd St. #157

The Chicken Parmesan sandwich at Guissepe’s.

The Chicken Parmesan sandwich at Guissepe’s (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Yamato Japanese Restaurant
857 E. Grant Rd.

Oshinko (pickled vegetables) at Yamato!

Oshinko (pickled vegetables) at Yamato (Photo by Shane Reiser)

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IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. 

Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.
THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 

@Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. 

Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. 

The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. 

WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave.
TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free
 
SPECIAL ADMISSION: 
• Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID 
• Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups
• Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID

ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 @Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave. TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free SPECIAL ADMISSION: • Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID • Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups • Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.
Anne Rysdale built @sheltercocktaillounge in 1961 with concrete walls, lava rock, and Cold War nerves. Today, owners Pam Santangelo and Kevin Breutzmann keep the Tucson bar exactly as regulars remember it. Inside, martinis share space with JFK memorabilia, a vintage atomic chandelier, and a suit of armor named Charlie. “Tucson is changing so much, but this has stayed the same. It’s a time capsule,” Santangelo said. 

Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 
Photos by @sea_lyonAnne Rysdale built @sheltercocktaillounge in 1961 with concrete walls, lava rock, and Cold War nerves. Today, owners Pam Santangelo and Kevin Breutzmann keep the Tucson bar exactly as regulars remember it. Inside, martinis share space with JFK memorabilia, a vintage atomic chandelier, and a suit of armor named Charlie. “Tucson is changing so much, but this has stayed the same. It’s a time capsule,” Santangelo said. Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photos by @sea_lyon
Scratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜

@ikkyu.tucson 
@jaramencurry 
@kiwamiramenbar 
@kukai___ 
@marujapanesenoodle 
@maruplusaz 
@obonsushi 
@raijinramen 
@theramenbartucson 
@tossfriedchickennramen 

More guides on Tucsonfoodie.comScratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜 @ikkyu.tucson @jaramencurry @kiwamiramenbar @kukai___ @marujapanesenoodle @maruplusaz @obonsushi @raijinramen @theramenbartucson @tossfriedchickennramen More guides on Tucsonfoodie.com