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Here are the best things the Tucson Foodie team tasted in November 2022

Here are the best things the Tucson Foodie team tasted in November 2022

Nov 30, 20225 min read

Thanks to Thanksgiving, the month of November sometimes ends up being an all-you-can-eat food fest. Here’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed the most in November.

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

Obon

The Bird buns, Street noodles, and Obon ramen. I brought a friend from out of town and this was easily one of the highlights of her visit. We sidled up to the sushi bar and tried a bit of everything. Steamed buns are a must!

Zemam’s Too!

A friend and I checked out Zemam’s before a concert and it was an excellent idea. We split a bottle of wine since it’s BYOB and ordered two Mixed Meat and Veggie samplers. Our favorites? Yetakelt Wat, a deliciously seasoned medley of fresh vegetables and potatoes, and the Gored-Gored, slices of beef, spiced with chili peppers and tomatoes

Mixed Meat and Veggie sampler at Zemam's Too (Photo by Addie Ibarra
Mixed Meat and Veggie sampler at Zemam’s Too (Photo by Addie Ibarra

Loews Ventana Canyon Resort

The brunch buffet at Loews Ventana Canyon is a work of art. We went to the Thanksgiving buffet this time around and felt like a million bucks. There were multiple carving stations with prime rib, turkey, lamb, and ham. On the grills, you could find other proteins such as salmon, pulled pork, hot dogs, vegetables, and more. The dessert bar is fit for royalty! I recommend checking out their weekend brunch.

Brunch at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Brunch at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Hannah Hernandez

El Torero

Run to El Torero and get a big hot bowl of Shroom Pozole Noods. Find it on the plant-based specials menu. Get it while you can!

Shroom Pozole Noods at El Torero (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)
Shroom Pozole Noods at El Torero (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Houlden’s Rise Above

The Houlden’s Rise Above storefront is open, and I can’t visit enough. I love seeing the long line of people excited to get their hands on Houlden’s gorgeous pastries. Pictured below is one of their wildly good Strawberry Lemon Curd Cruffins.

Strawberry Lemon Curd Cruffins at Houlden's Rise Above (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)
Strawberry Lemon Curd Cruffins at Houlden’s Rise Above (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Kim Johnston

Beyond Bread

A chocolate chip cookie the size of a small child’s head? Sign me up!

Chocolate Chip Cookie from Beyond Bread
Chocolate Chip Cookie from Beyond Bread, photo courtesy of Kim Johnston

Mark Whittaker

Tucson Coffee Cricket

When I wrote about Tucson Coffee Cricket a while back I immediately became obsessed with their juice and coffee concoctions. Hearing that they were doing a Hannukah Hot Chocolate made with real Gelt chocolate (the kind you find in the coins traditionally handed out during those eight crazy nights) I had to get one… with a double shot which made it a Kosher mocha. Unreal. Rich, silky, chock full of chocolatey beauty, and with the added addition of espresso my day was off to a very delicious day spiked with a well-needed boost. So good. But then I found myself famished.

Hannukah Hot Chocolate at Tucson Coffee Cricket (Photo by Mark Whittaker)
Hannukah Hot Chocolate at Tucson Coffee Cricket (Photo by Mark Whittaker)

Midtown Vegan Deli and Market

A good portion of my job is being online. This particular Saturday there was a good portion of friends, especially my vegan friends, posting about this Bacon Western Cheeseburger at Midtown Vegan Deli. So I ordered one to go as I needed some time in a local park. Finding solace at Rio Vista Park, I sat on a bench overlooking a child’s birthday party and the occasional jogger and ate what should be a full-on meat-gouged sandwich entity of “cheese” “beef” and “bacon.” There was a red tail hawk that circled and screeched as I divulged. It was all too glorious. The flavor and texture were there. The sun was warm but the air was cool. Afterward, I took a post-vegan western bacon cheeseburger nap.

Bacon Western Cheeseburger at Midtown Vegan Deli (Photo by Mark Whittaker)
Bacon Western Cheeseburger at Midtown Vegan Deli (Photo by Mark Whittaker)

Holy Focaccia

Again, one of the spectacular bonuses of being a writer for Tucson Foodie is making connections and friends with such amazing people. Recently, Rachel and Zak of Holy Focaccia have been doing kinda, sorta secret breakfast sammies made with their insanely fantastic bread that I had the honor of writing about. Wait, should I be telling you about these sandwiches? Do you follow Holy Focaccia on social media? Okay. Now things have gotten a little bit weird. Well, just to let you all know that my Sunday was filled with an omelet with jam and cream cheese and cheese and herbs.

Breakfast Sandwich from Holy Focaccia (Photo by Mark Whittaker)
Breakfast Sandwich from Holy Focaccia (Photo by Mark Whittaker)

Matt Sterner

Cup Cafe

“Well, would you look at all of that food!” I’m pretty sure that’s what I said before digging into the Cast Iron Baked Eggs breakfast at Cup Cafe.

Cast Iron Baked Eggs at Cup Cafe (Photo by Matt Sterner)
Cast Iron Baked Eggs at Cup Cafe (Photo by Matt Sterner)

A Pueblo Vida beer at Tucson Hop Shop

Yeah, beer is a meal for me. According to Beer Advocate, beer can be considered food because “it’s made with cereal grains, hops, and yeast, all of this combined goodness is oftentimes a meal in itself.” Pueblo Vida Brewing Company recently released their Vida Bunch hazy IPA, which is a collaborative brew made by the staff there at the brewery (they’re all featured on the can like the opening scene of The Brady Bunch). I thoroughly enjoyed the beer in a cozy corner of Tucson Hop Shop.

Pueblo Vida Brewing's Vida Bunch hazy IPA at Tucson Hop Shop (Photo by Matt Sterner)
Pueblo Vida Brewing’s Vida Bunch hazy IPA at Tucson Hop Shop (Photo by Matt Sterner)

Rita Connelly

Tucson Racquet Club

The traditional Eggs Benedict from Tucson Racquet Club. They’re made with Canadian bacon as god intended them to be. FYI the downstairs dining room at TRC is open to the public for breakfast and lunch daily.

Eggs Benedict from Tucson Racquet Club
Eggs Benedict from Tucson Racquet Club, photo courtesy of Rita Connelly

Shane Reiser

Meyer Avenue Cafe & Mercantile

The Buttery Biscuits and Gravy at Meyer Ave Café. Housemade sausage and bacon gravy — biscuit is housemade, too. Definitely add the poached egg.

Buttery Biscuits and Gravy from Meyer Avenue Cafe and Mercantile
Buttery Biscuits and Gravy from Meyer Avenue Cafe and Mercantile, photo courtesy of Anna Smirnova

Xochitl Gracia

Yoshimatsu

The vegan onigiraz from Yoshimatsu.

Vegan Onigiraz from Yoshimatsu
Vegan Onigiraz from Yoshimatsu, photo courtesy of Xochitl Gracia

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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!