Here’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed during March!
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
Gatz Deli
330 S. Toole Ave. (Food Truck at Voltron Brewing)
The Bourdain from Gatz Deli is one of the best sandwiches I’m probably going to have this year. The tater tots are crispy perfection, and the Kaiser roll was crusty on the outside and fluffy on the inside so that when you bit into it, the fried mortadella, mustard, and provolone still shone through.
Cultivaro Amaro
The Suncliffe Amaro, now served at Locale’s outdoor Bocce Bar on Sundays, is what Sunday Funday is all about. It’s bittersweet, with hints of Fernet. It’s made with local dates and nopales. It’s so good you can drink it straight or mix it in as a spritzer.
Casa del Rio
1060 S. Pantano Rd.
I’ll never be able to express how happy I am that Tucson’s best-kept bar secret is a hop, skip, and jump away from my house at Casa del Rio. I had the BEST espresso martini there recently, it was made with rum and Cynar 70.
Maynards
400 N. Toole Ave.
The new blue crab spaghetti at Maynards is my second favorite spaghetti in town (aside from my dog, Spaghetti).
Forbes Meat Co.
747 S. Sixth Ave.
The picanha, bavette, and porterhouse from Forbes, masterfully cooked and paired with Queen of Cups Wine. It was the best meal to end my birthday month with.
Chris Koch
TABU
128 E. Congress St.
This swanky place in downtown Tucson has some of the most photogenic wings. TABU is a classy cocktail lounge, but they also offer a full scratch kitchen. Their fried Buffalo wings are now some of my favorites in town — they pair well with any of their fantastic cocktails. They’re a great addition to their already delicious menu, and I can’t wait to visit again to try something new.
Check out the Tucson Wing Expert’s other top wings in February here.
Elian Macias Parada
El Sushi de Papá La Carreta
4762 S. 12th Ave.
During a recent visit, I sampled the Sonora Roll and the Spicy Roll. The Sonora Roll featured a blend of beef, bacon, and chicken with cream cheese. This combination created a balance of sweetness and slight saltiness. Meanwhile, the cucumber and avocado added refreshing, creamy textures. The jalapeño provided an extra kick.
Hannah Hernandez
Sa-Ing Thai Cuisine
9136 E. Valencia Rd.
Green Curry at Sa-Ing Thai.
Jackie Tran
Juice N Fruit Raspados
3502 S. Sixth Ave. #100
As we approach triple-digit weather, few things slap as hard as a mangoñada (also known as a mangonada or mangoyada) with chunks of fresh mango, tangy chamoy, salty tamarind candies and Japanese peanuts, and crushed ice to nibble on. While my dearest Oasis Fruit Cones closed, Juice N Fruit Raspados is still kicking it with delectably ripe sweet mango.
Gatz Deli
330 S. Toole Ave. (Food Truck at Voltron Brewing)
I didn’t have the highest expectations for a sandwich from a TikToker, but Sean Gatz seemed passionate about Gatz Deli. I’m glad I gave it a try. The humble menu features an Anthony Bourdain-inspired mortadella sandwich, which was toasted and sauced just right to give me guttural satisfaction.
5 Points
756 S. Stone Ave.
The 5 Points and Tucson Foodie R&D dinner showcased the caraflex entree that will appear in their updated menu in a few weeks. Braised and charred, one component had me scraping my plate for more: anchovy butter.
Cultivaro Amaro
The folks at Suncliffe hosted a launch party for their new Cultivaro Amaro. The complex bitterness sipped well neat and also with prosecco for a spritz.
Senae Thai
228 E. Sixth St. (Food Truck at Crooked Tooth Brewing)
So glad to have Senae Thai back open and at Crooked Tooth. The spicy khao soi curry towered with crunchy noodles, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs.
Agave Pantry
2418 N. Craycroft Rd.
I attended a party with Agave Pantry’s Persian love cake on display. How fragrant, but not too floral or sweet, with a delicate texture. I regret not being selfish and taking only one piece.
Matt Sterner
Rosebud Bakery
844 S. Sixth Ave.
The quiche at Rosebud is so smooth and filling — a breakfast of champs.
Rita Connelly
Shooter’s Steakhouse and Saloon
3115 E. Prince Rd.
I haven’t been to Shooter’s Steakhouse and Saloon in ages. It was great to see very little has changed, including the classic burger — served with tasty sweet potato fries (their tots are pretty good, too). Plenty of other items on the menu, and they have karaoke on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 8 p.m. Don’t worry; I won’t be singing.
Buendia Breakfast & Lunch Cafe
2530 N. First Ave.
Buendias was packed when we got there. The chilaquiles were worth the short wait.
Shane Reiser
Locale Neighborhood Italian
60 N. Alvernon Way
The Polenta appetizer at Locale is delicious, but fair warning, the serving size is enormous.
Taquería Juanitos
708 W. Grant Rd.
The chicken torta from Taquería Juanitos.
