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Here’s what to eat at the restaurants Guy Fieri visited

Here’s what to eat at the restaurants Guy Fieri visited

Jan 20, 20184 min read

While we’re happy for the restaurants that Guy Fieri recently visited, we fear the lines will be crazy once the show airs. Here’s what we recommend eating at each restaurant ASAP before you have to deal with crowds.

Chef Alisah’s Restaurant

5931 N. Oracle Rd. # 117
Cevapi and Cockta at Chef Alisah's Restaurant (Credit: Taylor Noel Photography)
Cevapi and Cockta at Chef Alisah’s Restaurant (Credit: Taylor Noel Photography)

Know much about Bosnian food? Considering there are only a handful in all of the U.S., probably not. Chef Alisah can work magic with meats, transforming beef into little sausages called cevapi. Order the cevapi on their own or get them in a massive mixed grill feast, the Mješano Meso, which also includes steak, chicken breast, pljeskavica (a ground beef patty), rice, veggies, avjar sauce, tzatziki, cabbage salad, and fresh homemade bread. Although the plates aren’t elaborate with garnishes and spices, Chef Alisah’s decades of experience are immediately apparent within the first bite. Also, the portions are gargantuan — you won’t leave hungry.

For more information, call (520) 887-5305 or visit alisahrestaurant.com.

Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine

6878 E. Sunrise Dr.
Tiraditos Clasicos at Inca's Peruvian Cuisine (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Tiraditos Clasicos at Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine (Credit: Jackie Tran)

With such a wide range of cultures and biodiversity, Peru puts out world-class food. Their cuisine hasn’t caught fire in Tucson yet, but Guy Fieri knows what’s up. To start, order the Tiraditos Clasicos, which features red snapper marinated in a sauce of lime and ají amarillo, a fruity Peruvian yellow pepper. For a signature dish, get the Lomo Saltado, beef tenderloin stir-fried with tomatoes, onions, fries, and a peppery sauce. Wash it all down with a cocktail that features Peru’s brandy, the pisco sour.

For more information, visit incasperuviancuisine.com.

Renee’s Organic Oven

7065 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
Papas con Queso Pizza at Renee's Organic Oven (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Papas con Queso Pizza at Renee’s Organic Oven (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Renee’s features simple, wholesome, fun food for both picky eaters and discerning gourmands to appreciate. For an addictive starter, try the Meatballs in jalapeño cream sauce. The signature Thai Curry pizza features red curry sauce, spicy Mary’s chicken, mozzarella, red pepper, zucchini, onion, basil, and parmesan. If you have any leftovers from the Papas Con Queso pizza — which features organic potatoes, Sonoran cream, house roasted green chilies, broccoli, and chives — eat it for breakfast with an over-easy egg on top. Bonus: they have a great happy hour.

For more information, call (520) 886-0484 or visit reneesorganicoven.com.

Rocco’s Little Chicago Pizzeria

2707 E. Broadway Blvd.
Deep Dish Slice at Rocco's Little Chicago (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Deep Dish Slice at Rocco’s Little Chicago (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Naturally, a Chicago-style stuffed pizza or deep-dish pizza is a must at Rocco’s. But people also make a trip for their crispy wings and fresh-baked cookies. Even the simple Caesar Salad is outstanding. Rocco’s recipes make these simple dishes one of a kind. Also, don’t forget to order a side of the Spicy Hot Sticks, which are twirls of bread intertwined with hot sauce. And some Savory Fried Ravioli while you’re at it.

For more information, call (520) 321-1860 or visit roccoslittlechicago.com.

Tumerico

2526 E. 6th St.
Spinach Salad at Tumerico (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Spinach Salad at Tumerico (Credit: Jackie Tran)

With no permanent menu and only a chalkboard menu that changes daily, we can’t recommend a specific dish at Tumerico. And even though the menu is vegetarian and mostly vegan, you will leave extremely full and satisfied. The soup and cup of coffee included with each meal certainly helps. Favorite meal from the past include the Coconut Curry, Mushroom Enchiladas, Crispy Nopalitos TacosSweet Potato Pancakes, and Mole French Toast with Mexican Hot Chocolate Syrup.

For more information, call (520) 270-2055 or visit tumerico.com.

Zemam’s

2731 E. Broadway Blvd.
Doro Wat with Hard Boiled Egg at Zemam's (Credit: Mark Navarro)
Doro Wat with Hard Boiled Egg at Zemam’s (Credit: Mark Navarro)

Ethiopian cuisine is rich with spices, making it a popular favorite for both vegetarians and carnivores. With so many choices on the menu, we recommend the Mixed Veggie and Meat Sampler. While most of the vegetable dishes are stewed or simmered, the Cauliflower is roasted with a blend of peppers and garbanzo flour for a nutty, slightly sweet flavor. The original Zemam’s also has a BYOB policy, so bring a bottle of wine, beer, or tej, an Ethiopian honey wine.

For more information, call (520) 323-9928 or visit zemams.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!