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!
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.
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
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.
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.
Hannah Hernandez
Viva Tokyo
1439 S. Fourth Ave.
Spicy Tofu at Viva Tokyo! Read all about the new restaurant here.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Shane Reiser
Scordato’s Pizzeria
4911 N. Stone Ave.
Shane’s Specialty Cocktail at Scordato’s Pizzeria.
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!
