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Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in November 2024

Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in November 2024

Dec 4, 20246 min read

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

Tinajas Wine & Beer

6960 E. Sunrise Dr.

NEW WINE BAR alert. Be still my heart. Tinajas has a fabulous selection of wine and beer. Oh, and the space is gorgeous!

Tinajas Wine & Beer (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Time Market

444 E. University Blvd.

Something about a HUGE slice of ‘za and a bottle of wine from Time Market checks all the boxes for a nice night out.

Time Market (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Penelope Pizza

800 N. Kolb Rd.

This 10-layer lasagna at Penelope is my favorite lasagna. The lemon ricotta is so dreamy and I could eat a tub of it

10-layer lasagna at Penelope Pizza (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Chris Koch

Pacaws Wings and Things

Food Truck

Imagine your favorite seafood boil with all those spices, butter, seasoning, potatoes, corn on the cob, and andouille sausage, but instead of seafood, you add chicken wings. Voila! You have a new twist on chicken wings. Jeremiah (owner of Pacaws) came up with the idea, for people who have shellfish allergies but wanted to partake in all the flavors of a boil. He makes a traditional boil then when it’s time for the chicken he fries up the wings fresh so that they are still crispy — making this the best thing I ate in November.

Chrissy Mance

Istanbul Mediterranean Cuisine & Bar

2945 E. Speedway Blvd.

The falafel pita sandwich from Instanbul.

Falafel Pita Sandwich at Instanbul (Photo by Chrissy Mance)

Elian Macias Parada

Toy’ Comiendo Tacos de Cabeza

Food Truck – Corner of South 12th Avenue and West Drexel Road

After scanning the menu, though, I had to try the Torta de El Chavo, which is inspired by the beloved character from the 1970s Mexican sitcom “El Chavo del Ocho.” El Chavo loves ham tortas. Surrounded by bolillo bread, the sandwich is buttered and then toasted for a smooth, crispy texture. Inside, this masterpiece is layered with mayo, lettuce, tomato, avocado, ham, and cheese.

Torta de el Chavo at Toy’ Comiendo Tacos de Cabeza (Photo by Elian Macias Parada)

Hannah Hernandez

Viva Tokyo

1439 S. Fourth Ave.

Spicy Tofu at Viva Tokyo! Read all about the new restaurant here.

Spicy Tofu at Viva Tokyo (Photos by Hannah Hernandez)

Hannah Hernandez

Sawmill Run Restaurant

12976 N. Sabino Canyon Park

Gingerbread loaf at Sawmill Run! Chef Shea is always coming up with beautiful new vegan options.

Vegan Gingerbread Loaf at Sawmill Run (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Hannah Hernandez

Rocco’s Little Chicago

2555 E. Broadway Blvd.

Rocco’s Spicy Hot Sticks are absolute perfection.

Matt Sterner

Odd Dogs

Food Truck

The Walker Texas Wiener from Odd Dogs! This thing is a meaty double-whammy because it’s loaded with pulled pork as well. I enjoyed this hot dog at Casa Video & Film Bar.

The Walker Texas Wiener from Odd Dogs (Photo by Matt Sterner)

Just Breakfast

8581 N. Silverbell Rd.

I’m a sucker for Country Fried Steak and I found this beauty at Just Breakfast — a neat little diner in Marana.

Country Fried Steak at Just Breakfast (Photo by Matt Sterner)

Charro Vida

7109 N. Oracle Rd.

The new burger was pretty good at Charro Vida! The patty is a beef and mushroom combo and I opted for a vegan cheese (dairy makes my tummy toss and turn). Oh, and the yuca fries are perfect as a side.

Burger at Charro Vida (Photo by Matt Sterner)

Crooked Tooth Brewing Company

228 E. Sixth St.

Crooked Tooth’s new Punk Rock Landlord English mild beer! It’s only 3.5% so you can drink about 20 of them in one sitting without falling into a fire pit.

Punk Rock Landlord beer from Crooked Tooth Brewing (Photo by Matt Sterner)

Rita Connelly

Wildflower

7037 N. Oracle Rd.

This dessert was first served decades ago and served at Bistro Zin (where Zin Burger is located now.) It is truly zinfully good, Different flavors and textures of chocolate come together all in one bite. There is nothing like it in Tucson, maybe not anywhere in the world!

Wildflower (Photo by Rita Connelly)

Sariya Jarasviroj

Ermanos Bar

220 N. Fourth Ave.

I love nachos and have been known to devour both ballpark-style versions and tricked-out homestyle versions with extra fine ingredients like short ribs, roasted chiles, and homemade nacho cheese sauce. So, I was ecstatic to find the crispy, zingy, Happy Hour nachos at Ermanos. My happy hour buddy was also a nacho enthusiast and there was enough on the plate that we both had plenty of toppings with each bite. It was the perfect size for two or three people to enjoy as a first course. The chips are a standout — very crunchy and airy yet held up to the sauces and toppings without wilting. The poblano cream sauce was delish. I ordered a hard cider to accompany the dish and it was a refreshing match.

Nachos at Ermanos Bar (Photo by P.Akmajian)

Casa Desta

758 S. Stone Ave.

It’s not the first time that someone from the Tucson Foodie team has posted about Cafe Desta and it definitely won’t be the last. If Vegan is your game, lunch on a Wednesday at Cafe Desta is where you should play. A particular favorite of mine is Kik (yellow split peas cooked with onion, turmeric, herbs, and ginger). It’s warming and balanced on the palate. I recommend the Teff Injera, which is a substitute that you have to request. Injera is the pancake-style bread that is served with your dishes. You use it with your hands to scoop up the deliciousness before you. Teff Injera has a nutty flavor similar to buckwheat and is more typical of the Injera served in Ethiopia and Eritrea. Don’t forget to indulge in one of the many coffee drinks available. Ethiopian coffee beans are the top! I recommend the mocha.

Cafe Desta (Photo by Sariya Jarasviroj)

Shane Reiser

Scordato’s Pizzeria

4911 N. Stone Ave.

Shane’s Specialty Cocktail at Scordato’s Pizzeria.

Shane’s Specialty Cocktail at Scordato’s Pizzeria (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Lilly Valley Farm

Family-run Farm in Vail, Arizona

Getting into the season with a roasted chicken from Lilly Valley Farm covered with the Sonoran Desert Spice Rub from Gary Nabhan — stuffed with onion, carrot, garlic, and peppers delivered to my house from Pivot Produce. Everything is local!

Lilly Valley Farm (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!