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Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in October 2024

Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in October 2024

Nov 4, 20246 min read

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

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

Copal

5340 E. Broadway Blvd. #100

The margarita flight at Copal is the only foreseeable flight in my future and I’m okay with that. You can mix and match the flavors like I did. The classic OG margarita is a favorite. Learn more.

The margarita flight at Copal (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Tirrito Farm

6150 S. Kansas Settlement Rd.

The Barbera Rose from Tirrito Farm is easily crushable. Learn more.

The Barbera Rose from Tirrito Farm (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Penelope Pizza

416 E. Ninth St.

The Panna Cotta at Penelope Pizza is the best way to end a meal there. The pizzas are excellent but the Panna Cotta really stole the show for me. Perfectly airy and flavorful. Great, now I’m hungry for pizza and Panna Cotta. Learn more.

The Panna Cotta at Penelope Pizza (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

La Frida Mexican Grill & Seafood

7230 E. 22nd St.

The salmon with molé at La Frida Mexican Grill & Seafood blew me out of the water. I like both things separately and I like both things together. It was quite tasty! Learn more.

The salmon with molé at La Frida Mexican Grill & Seafood (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Postino

2500 E. Grant Rd. #112

The new Chicken Paillard with almonds and lemon caper butter at Postino was really good and a nice change of pace from the typical breadboards. I actually enjoyed all their new dinner menu items. Learn more.

Postino (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Slow Body Beer Co.

831 E. 17th St.

I LOVE Slowbody. I can’t get over how dreamy the space is. There’s usually a food truck in the evenings and on the nights you don’t want a beer, you can order a shrub. These are available in NA as well. This prickly pear shrub is my favorite thing and I could drink it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Learn more.

Shrub beverage at Slow Body Beer Co. (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Chrissy Mance

Falora

3000 E. Broadway Blvd.

The Piastra with cold zucchini noodles and house-made pesto from Falora — one of my favorite salads in Tucson. Learn more.

The Piastra at Falora (Photo by Chrissy Mance)

Elian Macias Parada

Los Plebes Taqueria

4762 S. 12th Ave.

Dipping each slice into the birria broth is what made Los Plebes’ Pizza Birria shine. It was also incredibly cheesy — seeing it stretch as I pulled away a slice is one of my favorite experiences. Learn more.

Pizza Birria at Los Plebes Taqueria (Photo by Elian Macias Parada)

Hannah Hernandez

National

98 E. Congress St.

The dirty chai at National was beautiful and so nicely balanced. Learn more.

The dirty chai at National (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails

10000 N. Oracle Rd. (El Conquistador)

Maple Chai Torte at Epazote. Learn more.

Maple Chai Torte at Epazote (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Fatboy Sandos

5870 E. Broadway Blvd.

Negi Miso Onigiri at Fatboy Sando’s. Learn more.

Negi Miso Onigiri at Fatboy Sandos (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Maynards

400 N. Toole Ave.

Pomegranate Granita at Maynards! Learn more.

Pomegranate Granita at Maynards (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Matt Sterner

Transplant Pizza

4603 E. Speedway Blvd.

I usually go for the deep-dish Detroit-style pizza at Transplant but I was feelin’ saucy and ordered a “Bar” pizza instead, which is not as deep, not rectangular, and round like common pizzas. The Chicken Bacon Pesto was awesome — easily some of my favorite pizza dough in town, too. Learn more.

Chicken Bacon Pesto at Transplant Pizza (Photo by Matt Sterner)

Ciao Down & Tucson Hop Shop

3230 N. Dodge Blvd.

Pizza again! This time, I piled in the Mother Clucker from Ciao Down while drinking a beer I can’t remember from Tucson Hop Shop (things got a little fuzzy). Learn more.

Mother Clucker at Ciao Down (Photo by Matt Sterner)

Copal

5340 E. Broadway Blvd. #100

The Cheesecake de Flor is something I’d order alone — no other nutritional meal needed to inhale this dessert. Plus, it’s partially made with goat cheese (it’s easier on the ol’ tummy), and make sure you mop up the hibiscus reduction. Learn more.

Cheesecake de Flor at Copal (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Rita Connelly

Perche’ No

46 W. Congress St.

Perche’ No has been on my radar for ages. Thanks to a birthday celebration for Edie Jarolim, I finally got there. The food did not disappoint. Starters were bruschetta and polenta in a Gorgonzola sauce was perfect. The gnocchi alla Zafferano was so packed with lobster that I had enough left over for breakfast the next day (and a bite for lunch.) I will definitely return. Learn more.

Perche’ No (Photo by Rita Connelly)

Monsoon Chocolate Cafe + Market

3630 E. Ft. Lowell Rd.

Monsoon Chocolate’s chocolate phosphate and a Parmesan fennel scone. Perfection. Learn more.

Monsoon Chocolate (Photo by Rita Connelly)

Sariya Jarasviroj

Casa Madre

119 E. 18th St.

Bananas Foster Sundae Special. I was so lucky to swipe the last sundae to share with a dear friend during our mutual birthday celebration at Casa Madre. The banana ice cream was excellently balanced by the caramelized praline. Gold leaf adorning the top made it extra special! We swashbuckled with our forks over the last bite. Chef Doma was so excited about this dessert that she peeked through the kitchen window to see how we enjoyed it. Learn more.

Casa Madre (Photo by P. Akmajian)

Shane Reiser

National

98 E. Congress St.

The Ricotta at National. Learn more.

The Ricotta at National (Photo by Shane Reiser)

El Torero

231 E. 26th St.

The wings at El Torero. Learn more.

The wings at El Torero (Photo by Shane Reiser)

CowPig

Food Truck

Buff Fries at CowPig. Learn more.

Buff Fries at CowPig (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Coronet Cafe

353 S. Meyer Ave.

Bún Chay at Coronet Cafe. Learn more.

Bún Chay at Coronet Cafe (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Nook

1 E. Congress St.

The Nourish Bowl at Nook. Learn more.

The Nourish Bowl at Nook (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Sausage Deli

754 E. Grant Rd.

The tuna salad sandwich at Sausage Deli! It was my first time visiting Sausage Deli, even though I’ve driven past it 100 times. I went in thinking I’d get a full-on Italian grinder or a spicy sausage sandwich, but the thought occurred to me that if they could nail their tuna salad sandwich and nailed it they did. This isn’t anything fancy, but it’s exactly like mama made it. Quite the perfect tuna salad sandwich. Fresh wheat bread. Cold tuna salad. Fresh, crispy lettuce, but not too much of it. If you’re like me and you like pickles, maybe don’t buy the giant dill pickle on the side because they give you four dill pickle slices with the sandwich on the side already. But definitely spring for some barbecue chips and definitely shove them in your face as you’re eating the tuna salad sandwich and thinking about your childhood. Learn more.

Sausage Deli (Photo by Taylor Noel Photography)

Ghini’s French Caffe

1803 E. Prince Rd.

The Salade Niçoise at Ghini’s French Caffe. Learn more.

The Salade Niçoise at Ghini’s French Caffe (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!