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Food Truck Finds: Hot Trucks & Roundups June 13 – 19

Food Truck Finds: Hot Trucks & Roundups June 13 – 19

Jun 13, 20164 min read

Mmmm. Pizza. Hot dogs. Sliders. They’re nature’s most perfect foods, just for you, in this week’s Tucson Food Truck Finds.

Jozarelli’s

Grilled Chicken Pizza by Jozarelli's (Photo credit: Kim M. Bayne)
Grilled Chicken Pizza (Photo credit: Kim M. Bayne)

Looking for Italian street food made fresh? This large and luxe food truck is hard to miss at the most crowded of events. When you move closer, you’ll stare at a huge menu but don’t let that stop you. Here are a few choice items.

  • Best Seller: Grilled Chicken Pizza. It’s pizza taken up a notch with grilled marinated chicken, smoky mozzarella cheese, crisp bacon and flavorful tomatoes. But the amazing aroma is the first thing you’ll notice. Wow! Grab a slice. You won’t be disappointed.
  • Recommended: Chicken Piccata Sandwich. Chicken–seasoned, sliced and sautéed–with garlic and capers, a dreamy-creamy piccata sauce, and parmesan cheese, all served up on fresh bread.
  • Where to Find: Catch Jozarelli’s on Tuesdays at Joel D. Valdez Main Library Downtown, 101 N. Stone Ave. or on selected 2nd Saturdays Downtown.

For more information, visit Jozarelli’s on Facebook.

Fire Engine Dogs

Granite Mountain Hotshots Bombero Dog (Photo credit: Fire Engine Dogs)
Bombero Dog (Photo credit: Fire Engine Dogs)

Fire Engine Dogs honors the “men and women who serve as firefighters throughout our country to help save lives.” Each hot dog recalls a special place in firefighter history.

  • Best Seller: Granite Mountain Hotshots Bombero Dog. The Bombero is an all-beef hot dog tucked in a Sonoran-style bun, topped with pintos, grilled onions, tomatoes, mayo, mustard, jalapeño sauce, and cheese. Take a look. Drool-worthy, right?
  • Recommended: Ladder 19 Philly Dog. If you can’t make up your mind, this is perfect. It’s a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. No, it’s a hot dog on a bun. No, it’s a… OK, you get the idea. It’s rib-eye steak, cheese, and the requisite grilled veggies (peppers and onions) on top of a hot dog. Chow down!
  • Where to Find: Fire Engine Dogs favors Tucson’s northwest side but it also shows up around town at public school food truck round-ups and at brew pubs, like Catalina Brewing Co.

For more information, visit Fire Engine Dogs on Facebook.

The Perfect Bite

Sliders by The Perfect Bite (Photo credit: Kim M. Bayne)
Sliders (Photo credit: Kim M. Bayne)

It’s fairly simple. Choose your slider. Choose your bread. Choose your side: regular coleslaw, spicy coleslaw (da bomb), or quinoa salad (if you like healthy or trendy).

  • Best Seller: Shredded Beef Slider on a Pretzel Bun. It’s served naked, unless you ask for cheese, too. You decide what to put on it because the chef says she “doesn’t want to tell you how to eat your food.” The truck also offers a variety of housemade sauces.
  • Recommended: Housemade Veggie Burger with Spicy Duck Sauce. In fact, the duck sauce is good on just about anything on the menu, so have at it.
  • Where to Find: The Perfect Bite makes the rounds at local brew pubs, like Tap & Bottle or Arizona Beer House.

For more information, visit The Perfect Bite on Facebook.

Food Truck Gatherings June 13 – 19

  • Tuesday, June 14 at 5:00 p.m.
    • Food Truck Roundup at Anytime Fitness, 7475 W Twin Peaks Rd, Tucson. Scheduled: Crush Gourmet Raspados, Pin-Up Pastries Tucson.
  • Wednesday, June 15 at 7:00 p.m.
    • Food Truck at The Loft Cinema, 3233 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson. Scheduled: Tucson Fat Noodle (Each Wednesday through July).
  • Thursday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m.
    • Outdoor Film Series (aka Cinema La Placita) at the Pima County Courthouse, 115 N Church Ave, Tucson. Scheduled: Truck 54 (Each Thursday through June).
  • Friday, June 17 at 5:00 p.m.
    • Movie Night & Twilight Farmers Market at Rancho Sahuarita, 15455 S Camino Agua Azul, Sahuarita. Scheduled: Pin-Up Pastries Tucson, Crush Gourmet Raspados.
  • Saturday, June 18 at 5:00 p.m.
    • Food Truck Roundup at Sycamore Park, 7442 E Sycamore Blvd, Tucson. Scheduled: Gigi’s Peruvian Fusion, Don Pedro’s Peruvian Bistro, Meatball Madness, Big Bad Wolf , Taco’Queta Mexican Food, DC Jumbie Latin Caribbean, Hellfire Pizza Co, Vina Baguette Vietnamese, Crush Gourmet Raspados, Pin Up Pastries, Bugaloo’s Ice Cream, Mustache Mike’s Italian Ice.
  • Saturday, June 18 at 7:00 p.m.
    • Summer Exhibition Opening for Members at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 265 S Church Ave, Tucson. Scheduled: Mr. Cookman’s BBQ.
  • Sunday, June 19 at 5:00 p.m.
    • Father’s Day Food Truck Roundup at Civano Park, 5241 Richard Ashley Way, Tucson. Scheduled: Don Pedro’s Peruvian Bistro, Meatball Madness, Gigi’s Peruvian Fusion, Taco’Queta Mexican Food, Big Bad Wolf, DC Jumbie Latin Caribbean, Bugaloo’s Ice Cream, Crush Gourmet Raspados.

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Article written by:

Kim Miklofsky Bayne

Kim Miklofsky Bayne

More about Kim
Kim M. Bayne is a freelance writer/editor, social media producer, and former food truck correspondent for Food Network's Eat St. (TV Show) blog. Find Kim via her project Street Food Files on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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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!