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Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in September 2024

Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in September 2024

Oct 2, 20245 min read

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

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

REVEL
416 E. Ninth St.

Just a shout-out to my favorite wine bar in town. I love being able to walk into a wine bar and know I’m going to be served a funk-a-licious glass of wine.

Wine at REVEL (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Chez Peachy
501 N. Sixth Ave. (Grand Opening is Saturday, October 5)

The strawberry matcha bliss from Chez Peachy was refreshing and cute. Can’t wait until the brick-and-mortar space opens!

Chez Peachy (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Desert Shark (formerly LemonShark)
2501 E. Grant Rd.

I forget how much I enjoy a good poke bowl. Lemon Shark has some great options for everyone. The kiddo and I split a signature bowl, spicy tuna crispy rice, and spring rolls. They are rebranding to Desert Shark this month. Read all about it.

Desert Shark (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Casa Del Rio
1060 S. Pantano Rd.

Casa Del Rio owner, Kevin Templin, has been working hard to revamp their cocktail program, and news flash: it’s awesome. I haven’t made my way through their entire menu quite yet, but boy, I’m trying.

Tiki cocktail at Casa Del Rio (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Beaut Burger & Westbound
267 S. Avenida del Convento (MSA Annex)
Sweet potato fries from Beaut Burger, cocktail from Westbound (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

The sweet potato fries at Beaut Burger are perfectly complimentary to anything from Beaut’s menu. I ordered the B6 with caramelized green peppers, onions, chipotle mayo, and tomato. And then I enjoyed a $6 drink at Westbound because it was a Monday and they have cool specials.

Chris Koch

Sawmill Run Restaurant
12976 N. Sabino Canyon Park

The wing presentation was incredible. I ordered a seasonal watermelon barbecue sauce. On the plate: microgreens, homemade pickles, pickled watermelon slices, and the meaty wings glistening in that mountain sun. These smoked-then-fried wings had a great crisp, while still being juicy and tender. The watermelon barbecue sauce was one of the best and most unique sauces I have ever had. 

Check out more of Chris’ favorites in his latest “Wing Wednesday.”

Chrissy Mance

El Rey Raspado
Food Truck

Mango Raspado by El Rey Raspado hits the mark! Creamy, refreshing, spicy goodness with a kick. The strawberry is delicious, too!

Mango Raspado by El Rey Raspado (Photo by Chrissy Mance)

Elian Macias Parada

3 Margaritas Kitchen
1540 E. Broadway Blvd.

The taco plate is a favorite, with options like carne asada, birria, adobada, and more. I went with the adobada and added pineapple — giving it an extra kick! With avocado sauce, salsa, and a squeeze of lime juice, the tacos were a work of art.

3 Margaritas Kitchen (Photo by Elian Macias Parada)

Hannah Hernandez

Lovin’ Spoonfuls
2990 N. Campbell Ave. #120

The DFF special at Lovin’ Spoonfuls: soft biscuits with mushroom gravy, crispy tenders, tofu scramble, and seasoned home fries.

1220 Bakery
Online Orders

Vegan Chocolate Snickers Cake from 1220 Bakery — 100% tastes like a Snickers bar.

Vegan Chocolate Snickers Cake from 1220 Bakery (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)
Sawmill Run Restaurant
12976 N. Sabino Canyon Park

Lion’s Mane steak with a coconut pumpkin purée and a chipotle maple vinaigrette sauce. Sawmill Run’s vegan dishes are always impressive.

Sawmill Run (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Matt Sterner

Anello
222 E. Sixth St.

Bianca pizza (fresh mozzarella, ricotta, garlic, olive oil, basil, chiltepin) with the addition of pepperoni! I paired it with the new mushroom beer at Crooked Tooth.

Bianca pizza with pepperoni by Anello (Photo by Matt Sterner)
You Sly Dog
Food Truck

I usually order the Chicago Dog as-is from You Sly Dog but that would be a no-no at the Vegan Night Market! I ordered it full-on vegan and I actually liked it even more.

You Sly Dog (Photo by Matt Sterner)
Penca
50 E. Broadway Blvd.

Tacos at Penca! We took my mom to eat there before the “Experience Jimi Hendrix” show at the Fox Theatre. These are some of my favorite corn tortillas in town.

Tacos at Penca (Photo by Matt Sterner)

Rita Connelly

Hammbone’s
2027 S. Craycroft Rd.

The meat and three at Hammbone’s, in this case — pot roast, mac and cheese, collard greens, squash casserole, and cornbread. Can’t wait to go back and mix it up.

Hammbone’s (Photo by Rita Connelly)

Shane Reiser

Flora’s Market Run
2513 E. Sixth St.

The Woodfire Tofu Bowl at Flora’s Market Run (brown rice, quinoa, cucumber, roasted cauliflower and shitake, broccolini, dates, arugula, tofu).

Woodfire Tofu Bowl at Flora’s Market Run (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Locale Neighborhood Italian
60 N. Alvernon Way

The Agnolotti at Locale.

JoJo’s
76 W. Washington St.

This salad from JoJo’s with a freshly made local prickly pear vinaigrette.

JoJo’s (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Dream Dinners
3682 W. Orange Grove Rd. #132

Sirloin and Sausage Tortellini from Dream Dinners.

Sirloin and Sausage Tortellini from Dream Dinners (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Bellissimo Ristorante Italiano at Casino Del Sol
5655 W. Valencia Rd. #9714

Chicken Piccata from Bellissimo.

Chicken Piccata from Bellissimo (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Hacienda del Sol
5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Rd.

The peach melba semifreddo from Hacienda del Sol.

Peach melba semifreddo from Hacienda del Sol (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Chill Wine
Coming soon…

A bottle of Chill Wine.

Chill Wine (Photo by Shane Reiser)
The Cup Café
311 E. Congress St.

Huevos Rancheros from The Cup Café.

Huevos Rancheros at The Cup Cafe (Photo by Shane Reiser)
The Coronet
2456 N. Silver Mosaic Dr.

The Sonora Restaurant Week dinner at The Coronet was the best prix fixe vegan dinner I’ve ever had.

Sonoran Restaurant Week dish at The Coronet (Photo by Shane Reiser)
PARMA
Food Truck

The Parmesan meatball sub from PARMA at the Vegan Night Market.

PARMA at Vegan Night Market (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!