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Here Are The Best Things The Tucson Foodie Team Tasted In May 2023

Here Are The Best Things The Tucson Foodie Team Tasted In May 2023

Jun 1, 20236 min read

Oh, the flowers were surely blossoming throughout the month of May. We bet your allergies appreciated it. 

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

Beaut Burger

Beaut Burger was really all that and a bag of (vegan) chips. I’ve never gone to town so quickly on green beans and cauliflower bites, but both side dishes turned out to be stars of the show. The fooled pork was awesome! No wonder Beaut Burger’s been in business for five years.

Beaut Burger (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
La Crema Sweets

The weekend doesn’t start until La Crema’s Weekend Goodie Box is in my hands. From funfetti to olive oil, she’s mastered her cakes. Her cookies and Blondies immediately disappeared after the 1st bite.

La Crema Sweets (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Buendia Breakfast & Lunch Café

The Chilaquiles Divorciados at Buendia Breakfast & Lunch Café took me back to a simpler time. It was my first time and after eating there it makes sense why they had a wait. The Cafe de Olla was delightfully spiced and the service was attentive. The entire experience conveyed joy — Marie Kondo would approve.

Chilaquiles Divorciados at Buendia Breakfast & Lunch Café (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Velvet Elvis

After a morning of kayaking, I was really in the mood for something fast and refreshing so of course I ordered a margarita and a salad at the Velvet Elvis. This Elvis and Frida-themed restaurant in Patagonia had our salads out in less than 5 minutes and featured quirky decor and mezcal tastings. What more could you ask for?

Velvet Elvis (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Edie Jarolim

Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ

Takeaway order (thus the dish and placemat):  Pulled pork mac ‘n’ cheese, collard greens, and a housemade biscuit from Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ.  All the food groups covered, including greens. Yum!

Pulled pork mac ‘n’ cheese, collard greens, and a biscuit at Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ (Photo by Edie Jarolim)

Hannah Hernandez

Coronet Cafe

While waiting in line, planning to order a dirty chai at Coronet Cafe, I noticed a vegan quiche on the menu that I couldn’t pass up. This beautiful slice was crisp on top with a soft spongy egg-like texture inside and savory soyrizo. I wish I could have this in front of me every morning!

Vegan quiche at Coronet Cafe (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)
Noodies

Ever seen a cone this cute? Noodies has rotating sorbetto flavors, and there’s almost always a vegan option. Earlier this month, they had peach and strawberry sorbetto with fruity flowers. Don’t leave without an order of pasta fries.

Sorbetto at Noodies (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Mark Whittaker

Mark’s Food Truck Fiesta

This month’s favorite things I ate goes out to all of the food trucks that made my first Food Truck Fiesta a most tasty success. Just need to thank Red Captain Coffee, Duke’s Delicious Pizza, Taco Sabrozon, Morty’s Backyard, The Sweet Coqui, Banhdicted, and Samurai Sombrero for coming out and serving up some amazing food for amazing people. That night I was pretty busy so I only had a chance to take bites here and there but I invited you all because your food is exemplary and you all are really freakin’ cool.

And if you reading this came out that night, thank you for making our first Food Truck Fiesta a labor of love. Keep an eye out for the next one because I am sure it’ll make your best things I ate list. That is if you have one. Cheers!

Duke’s Delicious Pizza (Photo by Taylor Noel Photography)

Matt Sterner

Del Cielo Tamales

I’ve ordered the Beef Gordita plate at Del Cielo a couple of times now and I finally remembered to snap a photo before I devoured it. The tortillas are handmade (you get three gorditas) and then dipped in enchilada sauce before being topped with shredded beef, beans, pickled onions, radishes, and lettuce.

Gorditas at Del Cielo (Photo by Matt Sterner)

Rita Connelly

Rocco’s Little Chicago

Anyone who knows, knows what real Chicago pizza is. Thin crust, lots of cheese, and cut in squares. Hot out of the oven at Rocco’s. Add a dozen of Rocco’s award-winning wings.

Pizza & wings at Rocco’s Little Chicago (Photos by Rita Connelly)
Casa Molina Del Norte

Old time Sonoran cooking at Casa Molina del Norte. Three Beef Tacos Dorado with the works.

Sam Jump

Snooze A.M. Eatery

The new Adobo Roasted Veggie Breakfast Tacos from Snooze’s spring/summer menu still have me pumped to go back for more nearly a week later. I subbed goat cheese for cotija, which complimented the already flavor-packed creation, and I would’ve walked away with a vat of their chipotle aioli if I could. Such a solid, non-traditional veg-forward breakfast option.

Adobo Roasted Veggie Breakfast Tacos at Snooze (Photo by Sam Jump)

Sariya Jarasviroj

Haus of Brats

A huge highlight of the month was having Vanessa and Brandon from Haus of Brats park in my driveway to cater a milestone celebration party. Finding the right caterer can be a big challenge and I’m here to tell you that almost nothing wows guests more than having a food truck roll up to your house. I’ve included the menu that Haus of Brats helped us put together because the dishes disappeared so quickly that I couldn’t snap a single shot! Everyone raved about the würstel and went on and on about the cheesy spätzle with the crispy onions on top.  Surprisingly, we almost sold out of their housemade sauerkraut. My personal comfort food favorite was the apple strudel which took me right back to spending summer afternoons in Austria. Haus of Brats was the best (Not the ‘würst)!

Haus of Brats (Photo by Sariya Jarasviroj)
Guadalajara Original Grill

To celebrate some new beginnings, I recently met a friend at the original Guadalajara Original Grill on Prince Road.  We made it our mission to experience the bespoke (as in choose your own spice level), tableside salsa and guacamole, which neither of us had enjoyed since pre-pandemic times.  A feast for the eyes and palate, it absolutely did not disappoint! Our bowl of chips was dematerialized before we could order our entrees due to the sheer freshness and deliciousness of the fare. Great for sharing on a leisurely midday lunch break, grab some friends and enjoy! Don’t forget to tip your table side chef!

Tableside salsa at Guadalajara Original Grill (Photo by Sariya Jarasviroj)

Shane Reiser

Yoshimatsu

The Matsu Salad from Yoshimatsu.

The Matsu Salad from Yoshimatsu (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Cookin’ Wit Cort

Hands down, the best thing I had all month was a plate from Cookin’ Wit Cort.

Molly Reiser (Shane’s daughter)

North Italia

There are two things you can count on when you go to North Italia. The first is that you’ll hear at least one Michael Bublé song. The other is that they’ll have the best strawberry lemonade in the city. Extra sweet and, as you can see, quite beautiful. I love it so much. It’s the best lemonade I’ve ever had. And it’s so pretty. Pairs well with this adorable mountain lion stuffed animal that I got from Creative Kind for my friend Evelyn’s birthday party.

North Italia (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!