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Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in May 2024

Cannoli at Mama Louisa’s (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in May 2024

Jun 5, 20244 min read

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

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

La Frida Mexican Grill
7230 E. 22nd St.

The Carajillo at La Frida Mexican Grill was the perfect way to start a Sunday Funday. I love having such a high-quality, fun restaurant on the east side!

The Carajillo at La Frida Mexican Grill (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
BATA
35 E. Toole Ave.

The special collaboration dinner between Dr. Andrew Weil and Chef Tyler Fenton of BATA. I love it when after a meal I feel completely satisfied, but I don’t hate myself. I always get that feeling at BATA. Their wine pairings are primo!

Produce on Wheels
Multiple Locations

Shout out to Produce on Wheels because this was 1/3 of the veggies I got from them for $15.

Produce on Wheels (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Calle Tepa
6151 E. Broadway Blvd.

Calle Tepa has a margarita pitcher that’s perfect for Summer. Tacos and margs? What could be better?

Calle Tepa (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Hannah Hernandez

OBON
350 E. Congress St. #120

Death Free Ramen at Obon.

Death Free Ramen at Obon (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)
Edna’s Eatery by Charly’s Grill
2150 N. Alvernon Way

Avocado Toast at Edna’s Eatery by Charly’s Grill. Learn more about Charly’s.

Avocado Toast at Edna’s Eatery by Charly’s Grill (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)
Pure Love Juice
1980 E. River Rd.

Spring rolls at Pure Love Juice.

Spring rolls at Pure Love Juice(Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Matt Sterner

Tucson Hop Shop
3230 N. Dodge Blvd. H

Beer! Not just any beer, though. It’s Pueblo Vida Brewing’s annual 520 Day IPA. Try it while you can! I found a can of it at one of my favorite taprooms, Tucson Hop Shop. One of my favorite spots to sit is upstairs above the bar. I’m like a little pigeon up there minding my own business.

520 Day IPA by Pueblo Vida Brewing at Tucson Hop Shop (Photo by Matt Sterner)
La Chaiteria
1002 W. Congress St.

We met my mom at La Chaiteria. She somehow got lost and ended up across the street in the parking lot of the drive-thru liquor spot, but once we rounded her up I ordered the Barbacoa Burrito.

Burrito at La Chaiteria (Photo by Matt Sterner)
Ermanos Bar
220 N. Fourth Ave.

Croutons are cool. So is the Caesar Salad at Ermanos.

Caesar Salad at Ermanos (Photo by Matt Sterner)
Kingfisher
2564 E. Grant Rd.

Probably my favorite calamari in town is at Kingfisher! These crispy critters come with sweety drop peppers, a sweet chili sauce, and sweet, I mean, spicy jalapeños. Read all about their new menu items.

Calamari at Kingfisher (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Shane Reiser

Bollywood Pizza Company
Food Truck

Chicken Tikka Pizza at Bollywood Pizza Company.

Chicken Tikka Pizza at Bollywood Pizza Company (Photo by Shan Reiser)
Go Dim Sum
3504 E. Grant Rd.

Salt & Pepper Tofu at Go Dim Sum.

Salt & Pepper Tofu at Go Dim Sum (Photo by Shane Reiser)
5 Points Market & Restaurant
756 S. Stone Ave.

Dinner at 5 Points! I had the Whole Roasted Cauliflower, Smoked Olives, and Vermouth Service.

5 Points Market & Restaurant (Photos by Shane Reiser)
Alafia West African Cuisine
1070 N. Swan Rd.

Vegetarian Egusi Soup at Alafia West African Cuisine.

Vegetarian Egusi Soup at Alafia West African Cuisine (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Doughbird
2960 N. Campbell Ave.

Chicken Parmesan at Doughbird.

Chicken Parmesan at Doughbird (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Iron John’s Brewing Company
5350 E. Broadway Blvd. #128

Buff Chick Pizza at Iron John’s!

Iron John’s Brewing (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Mama Louisa’s Italian Restaurant
2041 S. Craycroft Rd.

Cannoli at Mama Louisa’s!

Cannoli at Mama Louisa’s (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Favorites From Foodie Club members

Hey, we’ve added a few favorites from Foodie Club members! Foodie Club members can upload some of the dishes they’ve ordered, allowing others to see what they enjoyed eating.

Mili Nader

Penelope Pizza
210 E. Broadway Blvd.

The Sgt. Pepper pizza: garlic oil base, smoked cheese blend, roasted Anaheim chiles, house sausage, Desert Provisions Hatch green chili salt, Mike’s Hot Honey drizzle (added half jalapeños).

Sgt. Peppers pizza at Penelope (Photo by Mili Nader)

Chris Koch

Dominick’s Real Italian
8330 N. Thornydale Rd.

Great Sandwich for lunch or dinner. The Italian Stallion Sub is a hoagie with pepperoni, salami, ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, pepperoncini, and a side of Italian dressing on a toasted bun.

Dominick’s Real Italian (Photo by Chris Koch)

Lauren Sparks

Bubbe’s Bagels
1101 N. Wilmot Rd.

The Closed-Faced Lox and Golden Beer Sandwich. Your choice of bagel, cream cheese, filled with lox, golden beets, sprigs of dill, cucumber, and red onion.

Bubbe’s Bagels (Photo by Lauren Sparks)

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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