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Eat, drink & be tacky this week with sweaters that are good, bad & UGLY

Eat, drink & be tacky this week with sweaters that are good, bad & UGLY

Dec 17, 20183 min read

Things are about to get ugly — in terms of sweaters that is.

Although we have a quieter week — with a dinner and drinks option lit up by festive cocktails available all season — the weekend packs a punch, an Ugly Sweater Punch, and promises laughs at the Culinary Dropout Ugly Sweater Contest or a jolly breakfast shared with Santa.

Give Up Reaction GIF by Brett Eldredge - Find & Share on GIPHY

The article will update throughout the week as events pop up — as well as the addition of a Christmas event round-up — so keep checking. For more information regarding event details, click the links below each event.

Tuesday, Dec. 18

“Seat at the Table” Wine Dinner at The Coronet (MENU)

Frisée Salad at the Coronet (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Frisée Salad at the Coronet (Credit: Jackie Tran)

“Grab your seat quickly because these tables fill up fast.

The five-course dinner will be similar to the prior engagements, featuring a more intimate environment at the restaurant, and includes creations from the mind of chef Moody Elbarasi and wines hand-picked from Sand-Reckoner Vineyards.” More…

Thursday, Dec. 20

Winter Wonderland at Series 19

Old Fashioned cocktails in the works at Series 19 (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Old Fashioned cocktails in the works at Series 19 (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Music, munchies, and specialty drinks will be featured once a week for the month of December.

“Beginning on Thursday, December 6, Santa Claus, his elves, and anyone else craving a drink that tastes like a winter wonderland in a glass can purchase the exclusive cocktails.

Each cocktail — like the Sonoran Hot Chocolate or their spin on the classic Hot Toddie — is Santa approved.” More…

Saturday, Dec. 22

Join a Jolly Breakfast with Santa at The Dutch Eatery & Refuge

French Toast at the Dutch Eatery & Refuge (Credit: Jackie Tran)
French Toast at the Dutch Eatery & Refuge (Credit: Jackie Tran)

“Spend the morning with the big guy in the fuzzy red suit.

The jolly guy is busy around this time of year but he’s set aside some time to enjoy a meal with everyone. There are two seating times and the 9:45 a.m. slot is filling up quickly.” More…

Sleigh Culinary Dropout’s Ugly Sweater Contest & Sip on Holiday Cocktails

Ugly Sweater Punch at Culinary Dropout (Credit: Culinary Dropout)
Ugly Sweater Punch at Culinary Dropout (Credit: Culinary Dropout)

“Ugly sweaters, festive cocktails, and plenty of holiday cheer [light up the three-day contest].

Well, here’s an opportunity to be recognized at Culinary Dropout when it hosts its all-day Ugly Sweater Contest from Saturday, December 22 – Monday, December 24.

You’ll have a chance to enter the contest any time during their normal business hours, and also try their seasonal Ugly Sweater Punch. The cocktail —at $8 — is packed with Eagle Rare whiskey, Becharovka, pear liqueur, Luxardo cherry, and smashed orange.” More…

Happening all season
The Gift That Keeps on Giving: “Miracle at Elvira’s” Christmas Bar Returns

(Credit: Randy Schmidt)
(Credit: Randy Schmidt)

“Traveling bar returns to Tucson with new Christmas-inspired cocktails.

The launch happened the day after Thanksgiving. Miracle isn’t wasting any time setting up its pop-up — now expanding to more than 80 locations around the world.

The pop-up is offering 10 cocktails and two shots (some nice and others naughty), and they’ll be poured in themed mugs and glassware to match the wintry, traditional Christmas concept at the bar.” More…

10-Year Celebration Specials at Vero Amore, Dove Mountain

Margherita Pizza (Credit: Vero Amore)
Margherita Pizza (Credit: Vero Amore)

“10 years of feeding the city calls for $10 food specials.

In order to give thanks, Vero Amore is celebrating ten years at it’s original Dove Mountain location with food specials throughout the month of December.” More…

If you haven’t tried Yellow Brick Coffee’s S’moretado, you should. Just look at that delightful drink. Oh, and embrace the post-drink ‘mallowy mustache.

Bourbon barrel-aged coffee, pain au chocolate, and S'moretado at Yellow Brick Coffee (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Bourbon barrel-aged coffee, pain au chocolate, and S’moretado at Yellow Brick Coffee (Credit: Jackie Tran)

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Article written by:

Kate Severino

Kate Severino

More about Kate
Kate hails from South Africa. Yes, you read correctly. After wrestling lions and riding elephant-back, she finds herself in the desert. Feel free to charm her with mimosas anytime.

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Now open in downtown Tucson: @gibsonmarkettucson🙌

Coming soon: @pearlloungetucson 

11 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonNow open in downtown Tucson: @gibsonmarkettucson🙌 Coming soon: @pearlloungetucson 11 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonFoodie Dinner at @Sonoranhouse_samhughes! 

Executive Chef @Culinarycowboy86d showcased delicious new dishes while guests enjoyed tastings and shared feedback. Thank you to Chef Gabby, @sonoranhouse_samhughes, and everyone who joined us!🥂

Want in on more foodie experiences? 
Here’s what Tucson Foodie Members get:

• $6,000+ in gift cards & perks
• Free monthly Foodie Hours
• Exclusive R&D dinners
• Festival discounts
• Help keep Tucson Foodie free

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieFoodie Dinner at @Sonoranhouse_samhughes! Executive Chef @Culinarycowboy86d showcased delicious new dishes while guests enjoyed tastings and shared feedback. Thank you to Chef Gabby, @sonoranhouse_samhughes, and everyone who joined us!🥂 Want in on more foodie experiences? Here’s what Tucson Foodie Members get: • $6,000+ in gift cards & perks • Free monthly Foodie Hours • Exclusive R&D dinners • Festival discounts • Help keep Tucson Foodie free #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieItalian Week runs now 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 bioItalian Week runs now 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@Theironcheftucson returns to Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita this Saturday, July 18!

Two-time reigning champion @chef_antbanks of @obonsushi is back to defend his title against AJ Mortazavi of @barnyard_az, winner of the 2026 Meet the Chefs competition. Once the secret ingredient is revealed, both chefs will race against the clock to create dishes judged on taste, creativity, and presentation. 

The event begins with the Culinary Experience from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring three hours of food and drink sampling, cooking demos, and classes, followed by the live Iron Chef Competition from 5 to 8 p.m. This is a 21+ event. 

More details and tickets at Tucsonfoodie.com🏆🎉@Theironcheftucson returns to Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita this Saturday, July 18! Two-time reigning champion @chef_antbanks of @obonsushi is back to defend his title against AJ Mortazavi of @barnyard_az, winner of the 2026 Meet the Chefs competition. Once the secret ingredient is revealed, both chefs will race against the clock to create dishes judged on taste, creativity, and presentation. The event begins with the Culinary Experience from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring three hours of food and drink sampling, cooking demos, and classes, followed by the live Iron Chef Competition from 5 to 8 p.m. This is a 21+ event. More details and tickets at Tucsonfoodie.com🏆🎉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.❤️‍🩹🐶

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!