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Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in November 2023

Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in November 2023

Dec 4, 20235 min read

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

El Torero
231 E. 26th St.

These little pillows of joy were a special at El Torero when we went. Custard on the bottom and a meringue on top. I still think about this Almendrado.

a person sitting at a table with a plate of food
Dessert at El Torero (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Cafe Sonoita
3280 AZ-82, Sonoita, AZ

The Chef’s Pairing at Cafe Sonoita! We tried the Sweet and Savory Flight at Cafe Sonoita. The Savory Flight included:

  • Firecracker Chicken Slider with Omphalos Eudaimonia
  • Buttery Mushroom Swiss Slider with Vino Stache The Boss
  • Grilled Lime Shrimp with Ancho Chile with Sonoita Vineyards Arizona Sunset
  • Thick Sweet Potato Fries with Spiced Fall Dip with Omphalos Malbec

20/10 recommend checking out this restaurant on your next trip to Sonoita.

a cat sitting in front of a brick building
Cafe Sonoita (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
PY Steakhouse
5655 W. Valencia Rd.

The experience, quality, and creativity of the food in the Chef’s Trust Me Menu at PY Steakhouse absolutely blew me away. Tucson is so lucky to have Chef Roderick.

Chrissy Mance

Bailey’s Artisan Pizza
Multiple Locations (Food Truck)

The Bianca Pizza from Bailey’s Artisan Pizza is so yummy and worth the wait. Whole roasted garlic and perfectly chewy crust. So darn good!

a close up of a slice of pizza
Bailey’s Artisan Pizza (Photo by Chrissy Mance)
Locale
60 N. Alvernon Way

The tomato sandwich at Locale is quite possibly my favorite thing stuffed between bread. I get it with the truffle fries and they’re just as delicious!

a plate of food on a table
Locale (Photo by Chrissy Mance)

Hannah Hernandez

Goodness
2502 N. Campbell Ave.

The Cucumber Salad at Goodness is a real treat: crunchy cucumbers, tangy white onion, semi-spicy peppers, and fragrant cilantro, with a miso soy dressing that combines all the flavors nicely. It’s the perfect snack! 

a bowl of food on a plate
Cucumber Salad at Goodness (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Matt Sterner

You Sly Dog
Multiple Locations (Food Truck)

You Sly Dog provided me with a Wiener Wednesday on a Tuesday! The Chicago Dog hit the spot and the peppers are actually pretty spicy!

a plate with a hot dog sitting on a table
Chicago Dog at You Sly Dog (Photo by Matt Sterner)
Baggin’s Gourmet Sandwiches
5420 E. Broadway Blvd. #260

The cream cheese brownie from Baggin’s sealed the deal and completed my evening which involved watching a cheesy ’80s slasher film.

a piece of cake sitting on top of a plastic container
Cream cheese brownie from Baggin’s (Photo by Matt Sterner)

Rita Connelly

Doughbird
2960 N. Campbell Ave. #160

I  love eating at the bar. It’s sexy, fun, and convivial. If you’ve got a great bartender the whole experience is enhanced. Here are the Cast iron Shishito Peppers at Doughbird with house umami sauce. Not sure what’s in the sauce, but it’s the perfect foil for the heat and char. Our bartender, Courtney, was an ace. The wine was fine. The salmon — sublime. We’ll be back.

a plate of food on a table
Shishito Peppers at Doughbird (Photo by Rita Connelly)

Sam Jump

Cafe Passe
415 N. Fourth Ave.

The Migas from Cafe Passe’s brand-spankin’ new menu did not disappoint. The textures found in the mix of scrambled eggs and sautéed corn tortillas were just what I didn’t know I needed when it came to breakfast options. The house-made refried beans and salsa made it easy and tasty to curate a different experience with each bite, and the subtle, natural sweetness of the dish was perfect between sips of espresso. Jenny’s culinary passion and experience were tasted in this dish. 

a plate of food and a cup of coffee
The Migas from Cafe Passe (Photo by Sam Jump)
Time Market
444 E. University Blvd.

The messiness and simplicity — on top of flavor and combination of textures stacked into each bite — make the breakfast sandwich at Time Market my favorite in town. I get mine with avocado and no cheese. A winner every…Time.

a close up of a sandwich on a plate
Breakfast sandwich at Time Market (Photo by Sam Jump)
Raging Sage
2458 N. Campbell Ave.

The pear & chai vegan scone at Decibel was on the level of Raging Sage’s scones, which means a heck of a lot in my scone-lovin’ book.

Espresso and scone at Raging Sage (Photo by Sam Jump)

Shane Reiser

Crisol Bar
196 W. Simpson St.

This bowl of food at Crisol Bar!

a bowl of food on a table
Crisol Bar (Photos by Shane Reiser)
Maru Japanese Noodle Shop
1370 N. Silverbell Rd. #180

This roll is off the menu at Maru Noodle Shop (on Silverbell). You can order it. It’s a really big veggie roll filled with avocado, tempura, tofu, bok choy, cucumber and some other stuff.

a box filled with sushi
Maru Japanese Noodle Shop (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Also, the Bakudan Onigiri from Maru!

The Curry Pot
Multiple Locations (Food Truck)

The vegan bowl at The Curry Pot.

Taqueria Pico de Gallo
2618 S. Sixth Ave.

I stopped by to check out their new dining room and was pleasantly reminded of just how delicious their housemade corn tortillas are.

a plate of food with a slice of pizza
Tacos at Taqueria Pico de Gallo (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Maya Tea Company
Online Orders

This Barbere Spice Vigrs savory tea is manufactured by Maya Tea with adaptogenic tulsi combined with Ethiopian-inspired spices.

Maya Tea (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Ate Kei’s

Multiple Locations (Pop-Up)

I put Ate Kei’s ube jam on Ate Kei’s ube cookies and called it a double ube slamma-jamma.

a plate of food on a table
Ate Kei’s (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Kung Foo Noodle
3122 N. Campbell Ave. # 100

Kung Fu Noodle is the best Chinese in Tucson. Get the Szechuan Cold Noodle, Fungi Salad, and the Spicy Salted Crispy Tofu.

a plate of food on a table
Kung Foo Noodle (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!