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(UPDATE: TEMP. CLOSED) Sneak peek at the DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails summer menu (PHOTOS)

(UPDATE: TEMP. CLOSED) Sneak peek at the DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails summer menu (PHOTOS)

Jun 5, 20204 min read

[06/23/2020 11:20 p.m. update: temporarily closing in response to COVID-19]

To our wonderful guests,

When we reopened DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails two weeks ago, we hoped it would be for a long time.

Unfortunately, the continued volatility created by the pandemic and rising case numbers in our community makes the difficult decision to close our doors again, the right one.

We hope each of and your families are healthy and safe and find moments of joy and delicious food in the coming weeks. All of us look forward to reopening at a time when we will have less concerns about safety and will once again be able to enjoy more carefree evenings out.

We will keep you posted.

DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails is back open, months after closing in response to COVID-19.

To help accommodate with social distancing, the restaurant has removed more than half of the dining tables inside the restaurant. Additionally, the outdoor dining area has doubled with the parking lot north of the building converted into additional patio space.

“Safety is our primary concern as we reopen,” said Janos Wilder, chef at DTKC. “Our best practices go way beyond providing lots of room between tables. Our service protocols have been entirely adjusted to protect all of us.”

The new menu features some returning classic dishes, such as the calamari, along with new dishes inspired by Tucson’s fellow Cities of Gastronomy.

“Our goal is to make every meal at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails a delicious fun getaway where our guests can leave everyday concerns behind and enjoy themselves”.

Operating hours are 5 – 9 p.m. Sunday – Thursday, 5 – 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails Summer 2020 Menu Highlights

Chilled Andalusian Mango Gaspacho – strawberries, mint syrup, candied kumquats

Chilled Andalusian Mango Gaspacho at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Chilled Andalusian Mango Gaspacho at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Pork Meatballs With Porcini + Prosciutto – pomodoro, pesto aioli crostini

Pork Meatballs With Porcini + Prosciutto at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Pork Meatballs With Porcini + Prosciutto at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Indonesian Style Fried Hamachi Collar – pickled cucumber + carrot slaw, nuoc cham

Indonesian Style Fried Hamachi Collar at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Indonesian Style Fried Hamachi Collar at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Crispy Salmon Belly Toast Points (4) – salmon belly blended with scallions, ginger, sesame oil aioli, fried; kabayaki sauce, toasted sesame seeds, scallions

Crispy Salmon Belly Toast Points at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Crispy Salmon Belly Toast Points at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Borderland Meyer Lemon Chive Crab Causa (2) – Yukon gold whipped potatoes, street vendors corn, green chili vinaigrette, avocado, salsa fresca, spicy black bean puree

Borderland Meyer Lemon Chive Crab Causa at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Borderland Meyer Lemon Chive Crab Causa at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Landlocked Fresh Water Shrimp Mojo De Ajo + Chile Colorado – creamy green chile masa, salsa fresca, crunchy tortilla shards

Landlocked Fresh Water Shrimp Mojo De Ajo + Chile Colorado at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Landlocked Fresh Water Shrimp Mojo De Ajo + Chile Colorado at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Oyster Po-boy – bacon, tomato, shredded lettuce, Cajun remoulade, garlic baguette

Oyster Po-boy at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Oyster Po-boy at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Ma Po Tofu – tofu, shiitakes, bok choy, greens, scallions, rice noodles

Ma Po Tofu at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Ma Po Tofu at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Three Mushroom Pasta – shell pasta, portobello, shiitake + crimini mushrooms, peas, mushroom broth, basil oil, mushroom chips Grana Padano foam

Three Mushroom Pasta at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Three Mushroom Pasta at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Grilled Marinated Flank Steak + Braised Carrots, Preserved Lemon, Chickpea Croutons – frisee salad, roasted beets, dark cherry balsamico

Grilled Marinated Flank Steak + Braised Carrots, Preserved Lemon, Chickpea Croutons at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Grilled Marinated Flank Steak + Braised Carrots, Preserved Lemon, Chickpea Croutons at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Braised Lamb Tostada – spicy black beans, jicama salad, queso fresca, pickled cholla buds, sweet ‘n’ sour, cherry bombs, jalapeno orange vinaigrette, grilled green onions

Braised Lamb Tostada at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Braised Lamb Tostada at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Yucatan Plantain Encrusted Chicken – pineapple rice, green coconut milk curry, slaw

Yucatan Plantain Encrusted Chicken at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Yucatan Plantain Encrusted Chicken at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Chewy Thai Honey + Spiced Baby Back Ribs – honey, ginger, cinnamon, pepper, soy marinade; crisp, creamy coconut milk, rice cake, pounded mango salad

Chewy Thai Honey + Spiced Baby Back Ribs at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Chewy Thai Honey + Spiced Baby Back Ribs at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails (Credit: Jackie Tran)

DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails is located at 135 S. Sixth Ave. For more information and to make reservations, call (520) 623-7700 or visit downtownkitchen.com.

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Article written by:

Jackie Tran

Jackie 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.

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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!