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Where will you go for your first post-quarantine meal?

Where will you go for your first post-quarantine meal?

May 1, 20205 min read

When the state of Arizona lifts the COVID-19 lockdown that took effect in mid-March and Tucsonans feel safe gathering in public places again, we can’t wait to dine out at our favorite restaurants.

I personally look forward to sitting on the patio at Time Market and chowing down on the Roasted Chicken & Tamal sandwich, my favorite sandwich in town. Also very high on my list will be a Zacatecas burrito at Taqueria El Pueblito (pictured above).

In the meantime, we asked some of our Tucson friends to share with us:

“What restaurant, dish, or meal are you most looking forward to when the quarantine ends?”

Liz Pocock

Startup Tucson CEO

“My husband and I can’t wait to go back to Ten55 Brewing Company! We’re members of the Mug Club and go almost weekly — we miss Chris and his team sharing hand-picked new brews with us and their Fried Chicken Sandwich is our favorite in town!”

Kickin' Chicken Sando at Ten55 Brewing Company (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Kickin’ Chicken Sando at Ten55 Brewing Company (Credit: Jackie Tran)

David Slutes

Entertainment Director, Hotel Congress

“I was literally just craving the Plato Surprise Plate, with two or three refills of chips and salsa, and one of the great herbaceous drinks (Jamaica-mint or whatever they concoct on any given day) from the Little Poca Cosa, or The Little One (Whatever she is calling it now).”

Plato Surprise Plate at The Little One (Credit: Wren Awry)
Plato Surprise Plate at The Little One (Credit: Wren Awry)

Pauly Casillas

Comedian

“I really can’t wait for Rocco’s to open. Wing Wednesday was a way of life. I also have been suffering from deep dish pie withdrawals. No one else’s pizza comes close.”

Deep Dish Slice at Rocco's Little Chicago (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Deep Dish Slice at Rocco’s Little Chicago (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Kerry Stratford

President – Caliber Group, a Brand Marketing, Digital & Public Relations Firm

“Although we have been getting takeout consistently from many of our favorite local restaurants – there are a few we miss:

We normally walk to B Line for their yummy carne asada burritos – it makes us sad when we walk by and see the metal gates all closed up.

We are also regulars, sitting at the bar at Pastiche on a Wednesday or Thursday evening. We miss our baby greens salad, baked mac n cheese and cajun shrimp pasta.”

Baked Mac & Cheese at Pastiche (Credit: Shana Gegantoca)
Baked Mac & Cheese at Pastiche (Credit: Shana Gegantoca)

Ken Carr

Midday show host, The Drive Tucson 101.7 FM AM 830

Wild Garlic Grill. They make really delicious burgers there.”

Wild Garlic Grill (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Filet mignon special at Wild Garlic Grill (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Frank Brinsley

The World Famous Frank Show, 96.1 KLPX

“Oh that one’s easy Chad, it’s a once a week regular lunch after the show. In fact I just sent [co-host] Kristine and [show producer] Brad a pic from my archive yesterday with a tear emoji cuz I miss it so hard. It’s Baja Tacos cart on Prince. It’s cash only, and my all time favorite lunch.”

Fish tacos and gobanador taco at Baja Tacos (Credit: Frank Brinsley)

“Those three tacos on the left is their regular fish taco, the single taco on the right is a gobanador taco- a shrimp and cheese thing. All amazing.

The second spot I hit up at least twice a month is Tacos Apson, but everyone talks about Apson.

I was having chats off air with our home broadcast team saying when the stay at home order lifts I’m going to Baja and sitting down to eat, I don’t care. I will continue to stay at home and social distance, with exception of those fish tacos omg. I want to try all the tacos. Before I die my awful lonely covid death.”

Nikki Thompson

Owner, Nook Restaurant

“We can’t wait for our restaurant and all restaurants to be open! Our first order of business will be to get back to El Sur one of our absolute favorites! Chips and salsa and a chicken burrito enchilada style will be my first meal in a restaurant after this quarantine ends!”

Matt and Nikki Thompson at Nook
Matt and Nikki Thompson at Nook (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Isabella Joffroy

Senior Community Director, Yelp Tucson

“I love so many restaurants in Tucson it’s hard to pick just one! But the meal I am looking forward to the most is sushi at Yamato and sharing sake with Chef Noboru. I have been eating there for nearly ten years with my husband and parents. We always sit at the bar for a few hours, Noboru knows our order and our favorite sake! He often surprises us with off menu items. I can’t wait to go in as a family and enjoy the best sushi in town.”

Owner-chef Noboru Nakajima at Yamato Japanese Restaurant (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Owner-chef Noboru Nakajima at Yamato Japanese Restaurant (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Alexandria Biddle

Community Manager at La Suprema Works & Events

“I work in Barrio Viejo and I love walking to Fonda La Hermanita. Their molletes are amazing! And so are their Mexican chocolate brownies — I cannot wait to go back when it’s safe.”

Photo courtesy of Fonda la Hermanita
Photo courtesy of Fonda la Hermanita

Dan Gibson

Senior Director of Communications, Visit Tucson

“I feel pretty lucky that a lot of the places I still love are open in one form or another – we’ve eaten exceptionally locally and pretty damn well over these weeks – but I suppose what I’m looking forward to most is actually sitting down somewhere. The Little One is something I haven’t been able to have and going there would feel like a return to normalcy, plus, it’s a place that will always feel like Tucson to me.”

Huevos Entamalados and Huevos Poblanos at the Little One (Credit: Claire Kaufman)
Huevos Entamalados and Huevos Poblanos at the Little One (Credit: Claire Kaufman)

Leave us a comment below and let us know what dish or restaurant YOU are most looking forward to.

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Article written by:

Chad Lehrman

Chad Lehrman

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Follow Chad on Twitter at @chadlehrman.

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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!