Ghini’s French Caffe at 1803 E. Prince Rd. will celebrate 33 years of serving French-inspired cuisine on Wednesday, July 16. Chef-owner Coralie Satta is planning a celebratory thank-you for the community with festive specials that day, such as BOGO mimosas and Bleu, Blanc, and Rouge shortcakes. They will also run a special for 2-for-$15 French Lavender Lemondrops for the rest of the week.
In the past, Ghini’s has marked Bastille Day (France’s national holiday on July 14) with special events. Since the date falls onto Monday this year, when the restaurant is closed, they are extending the fête into a month-long “Bastille Month.”
Each week in July, Ghini’s will host a giveaway for its customers as part of the French festivities; enter to win in person. Drawings will be held weekly for a $25 e-gift card, then a $100 e-gift card prize at the end of the month with all the entries. They will also host two giveaways via their Instagram page.
July Specials
Red White and Bleu Burger – Angus burger topped with tomatoes confit, balsamic grilled onions and a garlicky blue cheese sauce with cracked pepper aioli on grilled La Baguette rolls
Red White Blue Crepes (also available for French Toast) – filled with strawberries, mixed berries, and whipped cream
Green Goddess Chicken Sandwich (served with baby greens) – herbed grilled chicken, baby spinach, fresh roasted beets and shredded green cabbage layered with green goddess dressing on grilled baguette with a side of baby organic greens
Strawberry, Goat Cheese, & Toasted Walnut Salad with Lemon Balsamic Dressing – fresh strawberries, French goat cheese, and toasted walnuts atop organic baby greens with fresh lemon balsamic vinaigrette
All-American and Super-Delicious Caramel Apple Pie Mimosa ($1 off all month) – apple juice, champagne, whipped cream and house-made salted caramel
Berry Iced Matcha – organic iced matcha with milk, fresh berry sauce, and whipped cream
Diners can expect the regular menu of French classics and new seasonal dishes to complement the Bastille cheer. They also have still have their Summer in Provence Culinary Tour going on: each week, they’re serving a new dish inspired by the sunny flavors of Southern France, paired with a signature Provençal cocktail to match. And they are also featuring a $6 glass of rosé with any entrée all summer long.
A 33-Year Legacy of French Flavor and Resilience
Satta opened Ghini’s French Caffe in 1992 when she was just 21 years old. Satta, often called “Chef Ghini,” built the menu on her grandmother’s recipes, bringing a genuine taste of France to Tucson. Additionally, her father operates the adjoining La Baguette Bakery, ensuring a daily supply of fresh baguettes and pastries for the cafe.
For instance, the cafe’s signature Eggs Provençal (a simple sauté of local tomatoes, fresh garlic, thyme, and farm eggs) is frequently praised as one of Tucson’s best breakfast dishes. Moreover, Ghini’s French Caffe earned certification from the Tucson City of Gastronomy, a nonprofit that recognizes local restaurants for supporting the community. In 33 years, Satta estimates her cafe has fed more than one million guests and employed thousands of Tucsonans.
Still, after weathering economic downturns and other challenges, Satta remains grateful to reach this milestone.
“I definitely didn’t think I would still be standing through so many adversities,” Satta said. She alluded to crises ranging from 9/11 to the COVID-19 pandemic. “But we’re still standing, thanks to our loyal guests,” she said in 2020.
Ghini’s French Caffe is located at 1803 E Prince Rd. For more information, including hours and the full menu, visit ghiniscafe.com.
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Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
