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.
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.
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.
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?
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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)!
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!
Shane Reiser
Yoshimatsu
The Matsu Salad from Yoshimatsu.
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.
