What
SAVOR Carnival
When
6 – 9 p.m Thursday, February 1
Where
Rialto Theatre
318 E. Congress St.
More Info
saaca.org
The Gastronomic Union of Tucson (GUT) and the Rialto Theatre are hosting the SAVOR Carnival from 6 – 9 p.m. on Thursday, February 1.
GUT is a team of chefs from different local restaurants that work to educate and display just how dynamic the food scene is in Tucson.
The Mardi Gras themed event will feature creative Cajun, Creole, and Brazilian carnival cuisine prepared by local GUT chefs, beer sampling, live music, and loads of entertainment.
The carnival will also benefit the Rialto Theatre and Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance‘s programming and future events.
Tickets to the 21 and older event are $45 per person.
The event is just one of a few events happening before the 2018 SAVOR Southern Arizona Food & Wine Festival, which begins on Saturday, February 3.
Participating Gastronomic Union of Tucson Chefs & Menus
Chef Marcus Van Winden (The Dutch Eatery & Refuge) collaborating with Max Provost (Private Chef), Nohemi Montoya (HUB Restaurant and Ice Creamery), Travis Gary Peters (The Parish)
- Dirty South Mudbug Rolls n’ Gutzz
- Smoked ‘gator boudin sausage with creole mustard
- Green gumbo & grilled kale garlic rice
Chef Tanner Fleming (Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails) accompanied by Devon Sanner (The Carriage House), Tim Moore (Pastiche), and Matt Kraiss (Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails)
- Brazilian feijoada
- Pao de queijo
- Yucca fries
- Molho rose
Chef Rocco DiGrazia (Rocco’s Little Chicago) accompanied by Obadiah Hindman (Mountain Oyster Club) and Mat Cable (Fresco Pizzeria and Pastaria)
- Smokey duck boudin balls with kumquat remoulade
- BBQ shrimp & pork belly poboys with charred pickle slaw
- Chicory, celery & chicken heart salad with crispy onions and buttermilk vinaigrette
Chef Chuck Scott (Highlands Bar & Grill) accompanied by Sam Krajnak (Red’s Smokehouse + Tap Room), Buddy Hopkins (Ermanos Craft Beer and Wine Bar), Rica Rances (The Parish)
- Stuffed freshwater shrimp head with a shrimp mousse
- Corn flour tempura with smoked chimichurri
- Beef roulade with charred green onion, pickled carrots, bacon, avocado and serrano cream
- Coconut flan, filo crisp and sous vide candied plantain topped with a coconut lace garnish.
Chef Jim Murphy (Kingfisher) accompanied by Michael Elefante (Mama Louisa’s) and Ken Foy (Dante’s Fire) serving
- Heritage red beans and Carolina gold rice with pickled pork
- Alligator gumbo, Cajun trinity, and tasso ham
- Fresh beignet “fosters” au foie
Chef Gina Skelton (Casino del Sol Resort)
- King Cake
Featured Breweries
- Four Peaks Brewing Company
- Goose Island Beer Company
- Elysian Brewing Company
- Golden Road Brewing Company
Lyft will be there to help you get home safely with free rides and discounts, too.
First time users can redeem up to $20 in free Lyft credits by using the code: SAACA, and existing users can get home with 20 percent off by using the code: SAVORFEST.
The RialtoTheatre is located at 318 E. Congress St. Visit saaca.org for more information and to purchase your tickets.
Stay in the Tucson Foodie Loop
Weekly digest of new openings, events, and guides. No spam.
Article written by:

Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.















