Just shy of seven years ago, Ari Shapiro opened Falora in midtown Tucson with a minimalist menu showcasing Neapolitan pizza. The restaurant has maintained its New York-neighborhood vibe with hardly any menu changes over the years. However, it quietly announced the addition of house-made pasta and a new partner in the business—baker Travis Evans.
After baking for nationally acclaimed bakeries and restaurants such as Sullivan Street Bakery, Eleven Madison Park, and Bouchon, Evans moved back to Tucson. Here, he sold his own baked goods at farmers markets and also baked for local restaurants such as Union Public House and Proof Artisanal Pizza & Pasta.
For now, the menu features two new pasta dishes: Hazelnut Gnocchi ($17) and Caputo Raviolo ($17).
The pillowy vegan gnocchi features an almost Japanese flavor profile with shiitake mushrooms, vegetable broth, and a ginger glaze. The raviolo tastes more distinctly Italian with toasted pine nuts and aged balsamic in addition to the Taleggio-esque creamy, mild Grand Chimay cheese.
While Falora plans on keeping their pasta menu refined rather than expanded, they may begin offering occasional pasta specials.
Falora is located at 3000 E. Broadway Blvd. For more information, visit falora.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.
