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Chefs Read Bad Reviews: Matt & Nikki Thompson, CJ Hamm & Mateo Otero

Chefs Read Bad Reviews: Matt & Nikki Thompson, CJ Hamm & Mateo Otero

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Responding professionally would usually be ideal for maintaining customer relations, but in Chefs Read Bad Reviews, anything is fair game.

In the fourth episode of the series, chef-owners Nikki and Matt Thompson, Mateo Otero, and executive chef CJ Hamm read and respond to their bad online reviews.

Nook chef-owners Matt and Nikki knew that they wouldn’t be able to serve all customers with their limited dining hours, but thank everyone that brave the wait. One reviewer’s meal was solid but they ‘got old’ waiting for it. If the meal is solid, guess Nook is worth the wait indeed.

Some Saguaro Corners’ reviewers comment on the extremely slow, clumsy, and unapologetic wait staff. Executive chef Hamm hopes these customers come back to give Saguaro Corners another chance, as he ‘enjoys’ spilling mac ‘n’ cheese on patrons and ‘yelling obscenities’.

Rollies Mexican Patio‘s negative reviews span from “a waste” to “don’t ever go there.” But one ended on a lighter note, insisting they would be back to try something else because chef-owner Otero’s menu looks promising with a delicious selection of sauces.

Article written by:

Shana Rose Gegantoca

Shana Rose Gegantoca

More about Shana
Shana Rose is a Tucson-based food writer and videographer.

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@Proofbread is staying in Tucson!

After an October pop-up, the Phoenix-based sourdough bakery and stone flour mill has decided to keep both former @Cafefrancaistucson locations open.

The decision follows a warm response from the Tucson community, with new customers discovering the bakery and returning week after week.

Both locations are open Wednesday through Sunday, 7 am to 2 pm. 

📍 7831 E. Wrightstown Road, Suite 113
📍 3855 E. Broadway Blvd.

More details on Tucsonfoodie.com@Proofbread is staying in Tucson! After an October pop-up, the Phoenix-based sourdough bakery and stone flour mill has decided to keep both former @Cafefrancaistucson locations open. The decision follows a warm response from the Tucson community, with new customers discovering the bakery and returning week after week. Both locations are open Wednesday through Sunday, 7 am to 2 pm. 📍 7831 E. Wrightstown Road, Suite 113 📍 3855 E. Broadway Blvd. More details on Tucsonfoodie.com
Stephen and Toby are BACK

Both former @penelope.woodfired bartenders are making their return for a special tiki pop-up next Tuesday from 7–10 pm. 

Here’s what’s on the menu:

DRINKS
- Longboi Island
- Tai’d Up
- Sfumungle Bird
- Mammoth Tusk
- Banana Bastard
- The Witch of November
- Miami Vice Jello Shots
- Rusted Root Bombs

FOOD
- Seared mortadella and pineapple skewers brushed with Japanese BBQ sauce
- Hawaiian mac salad with house-made pasta and charred scallion cream sauce

Penelope is typically closed on Tuesdays, so come out for this special one-night pop-up🏖️

Photo by @addiewankenobiStephen and Toby are BACK Both former @penelope.woodfired bartenders are making their return for a special tiki pop-up next Tuesday from 7–10 pm. Here’s what’s on the menu: DRINKS - Longboi Island - Tai’d Up - Sfumungle Bird - Mammoth Tusk - Banana Bastard - The Witch of November - Miami Vice Jello Shots - Rusted Root Bombs FOOD - Seared mortadella and pineapple skewers brushed with Japanese BBQ sauce - Hawaiian mac salad with house-made pasta and charred scallion cream sauce Penelope is typically closed on Tuesdays, so come out for this special one-night pop-up🏖️ Photo by @addiewankenobi
Tucson’s Greek dining scene offers spanakopita, slow-roasted lamb, and fresh-baked baklava across the city. This guide focuses on kitchens that cook Greek food as their core identity rather than Mediterranean restaurants with Greek dishes.

Whether you want a quick lunch near campus or a long dinner with friends, this guide points you to Greek cooking. 

Make sure to stop by the @Tucsongreekfestival at Jácome Plaza this Friday, Nov. 6 – Saturday, Nov. 7! 

More details on Tucsonfoodie.comTucson’s Greek dining scene offers spanakopita, slow-roasted lamb, and fresh-baked baklava across the city. This guide focuses on kitchens that cook Greek food as their core identity rather than Mediterranean restaurants with Greek dishes. Whether you want a quick lunch near campus or a long dinner with friends, this guide points you to Greek cooking. Make sure to stop by the @Tucsongreekfestival at Jácome Plaza this Friday, Nov. 6 – Saturday, Nov. 7! More details on Tucsonfoodie.com
Join the Tucson Foodie team for our November Foodie Dinner at @Wildgarlicgrillofficial on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 6–8:30 pm!🔥

Enjoy a three-course menu featuring:

FIRST COURSE 
Lemon Sole Paupiettes filled with shrimp and crab mousse, with basil-red pepper beurre blanc

MAIN COURSE
Mesquite-Grilled Gold Canyon Ranch Filet Mignon with blue oyster mushrooms, roasted heirloom potatoes, asparagus, and morel mushroom-truffle cream sauce

DESSERT
Raspberry-Vanilla Crème Brûlée

Optional wine pairings and drink specials will also be available!🍷

Tickets are $105 per person, plus tax. Foodie Club members receive a discount with a promo code at checkout!

Seats are limited! Ticket ink in bio.🎟️Join the Tucson Foodie team for our November Foodie Dinner at @Wildgarlicgrillofficial on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 6–8:30 pm!🔥 Enjoy a three-course menu featuring: FIRST COURSE Lemon Sole Paupiettes filled with shrimp and crab mousse, with basil-red pepper beurre blanc MAIN COURSE Mesquite-Grilled Gold Canyon Ranch Filet Mignon with blue oyster mushrooms, roasted heirloom potatoes, asparagus, and morel mushroom-truffle cream sauce DESSERT Raspberry-Vanilla Crème Brûlée Optional wine pairings and drink specials will also be available!🍷 Tickets are $105 per person, plus tax. Foodie Club members receive a discount with a promo code at checkout! Seats are limited! Ticket ink in bio.🎟️