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Food Truck Finds: Hot Trucks & Roundups June 6 – 12

Food Truck Finds: Hot Trucks & Roundups June 6 – 12

Jun 6, 20164 min read

There’s little question the hot weather is a drag, and yet, it hasn’t deterred our local street food stars. Yup, when you’re in the mood for mobile cuisine, you can still find these Tucson Food Truck Finds out and about.

DC Jumbie Latin Caribbean

Puerto Rican Combo with Grilled Chicken (Photo credit: Kim M. Bayne)
Puerto Rican Combo with Grilled Chicken (Photo credit: Kim M. Bayne)

The authentic taste of Caribbean food in Tucson? Mmm-hm. No kidding. DC Jumbie imports sauces and spices unique to islands southeast of the Gulf of Mexico.

  • Best Seller: The best-selling Puerto Rican Combo includes rice and pigeon peas with your choice of grilled chicken or roasted pork. If you’re craving something sweet, a generous side of plantains is included. Oh, so soft and melt-in-your-mouth good.
  • Recommended: Cuban Sandwich. Imagine this: Slow roasted pork, slow roasted ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, mayo, and mustard on an 8-inch grill-pressed sub roll. Hot damn!
  • Where to Find: DC Jumbie does catering and is often seen at weddings and corporate events. Catch up with the yellow truck at a few public roundups here and there.

For more information, visit DC Jumbie Latin Caribbean on Facebook.

BBQ Rush

St. Louis-style Spare Ribs (Photo credit: Kim M. Bayne)
St. Louis-style Spare Ribs (Photo credit: Kim M. Bayne)

BBQ Rush knows how to make your mouth water and your tummy happily full. Do you see the luscious sauce glistening on those amazing ribs? Betcha want to reach through your smartphone right now and grab a piece or two. Oh, yeah.

  • Best Seller: #1 Brisket Sandwich with 3 Sides. We’re talking beef brisket, a primal cut of beef that is cooked to perfection, with creamy cole slaw, tasty potato salad, and baked beans to die for.
  • Recommended: Get some of these incredible St Louis-style Spare Ribs. A St. Louis cut is trimmed closely so you get all of the pork flavor with none of that annoying stuff. The chef is generous with his housemade sauce, and those sides, well, you get the picture.
  • Where to Find: BBQ Rush’s Texas-style menu is found at local events, like this week’s 1st Tuesday Food Truck Roundup at Rancho Sahuarita and the Food Truck Roundup at Saguaro Bloom Park.

For more information, visit BBQ Rush on Facebook.

Taco’Queta

Large Caramelo (Photo credit: Kim M. Bayne)
Large Caramelo (Photo credit: Kim M. Bayne)

Taco’Queta offers tasty Mexican food on the move.

  • Best Seller: The food truck’s specialty is the caramelo, so you can’t visit and not order one. Caramelo is another way of saying grilled quesadilla with sliced chicken or beef, plus beans, and cheese. If you’re hungry, order the large.
  • Recommended: Three Carne Asada Tacos. Carne asada is beef–sometimes skirt or flank steak–expertly cooked and sliced. Choose corn or soft flour tortillas. Pico de gallo and cabbage is included, with brisk limes and salsa on the side.
  • Where to Find: Taco’Queta frequents school events and park gatherings. You might even find them outside a brew pub once in a while.

For more information, visit Taco’Queta on Facebook.

Food Truck Gatherings June 6 – 12

  • Tuesday, June 7 at 5:00 p.m.
    • 1st Tuesday Food Truck Roundup at Rancho Sahuarita, 15455 S Camino Lago Azul, Sahuarita. Scheduled: Mustache Mike’s of Tucson, Gigi’s Peruvian Fusion, Meatball Madness, Don Pedro’s Peruvian Bistro, DC Jumbie Latin Caribbean, BBQ Rush, Sonoran Mexican Cuisine, Jackie’s Food Court, Taco’Queta, Vina Baguette Vietnamese Sandwiches, Big Bad Wolf, Bugaloo’s Ice Cream, Crush Gourmet Raspados, & Pin Up Pastries.
  • Thursday, June 9 at 5:00 p.m.
    • Food Truck Roundup at Saguaro Bloom Park, 8844 W Saguaro Moon, Marana. Scheduled: Jackie’s Food Court, BBQ Rush, Gigi’s Peruvian Fusion, Taco’Queta Mexican Food, Fire Engine Hotdogs, Sonoran Mexican Cuisine, DC Jumbie Latin Caribbean, Meatball Madness, Bugaloo’s Ice Cream, Crush Gourmet Raspados, & Pin Up Pastries.
  • Friday, June 10 at 5:00 p.m.
    • 2nd Fridays Food Truck Cafe at St Mark’s UMC Tucson, 1431 W Magee Rd, Tucson. Scheduled: Jozarelli’s, BurgerRito, Bella’s Gelato, MJ’s Hotdogs, J & G Kettle Corn, LLC and Sarge’s Cheesecakes.
    • PTO Food Truck Roundup at Rattlesnake Ridge Elementary, 8500 N Continental Reserve Loop, Tucson. Scheduled: Gigi’s Peruvian Fusion, Taco’Queta Mexican Food, & Meatball Madness.
  • Saturday, June 11 at 10:00 a.m.
    • Fundraiser for Gianna at Rancho Sahuarita Clubhouse, 15455 S Camino Lago Azul, Sahuarita. Scheduled: Jackie’s Food Court, Drew’s Dogs, Hellfire Pizza, Don Pedro’s Peruvian Bistro, and Bella’s Gelato.
  • Saturday, June 11 at 6:00 p.m.
    • 2nd Saturdays Downtown Tucson at 125 E Congress St, Tucson. Scheduled: Meatball Madness, BurgerRito, Vina Baguette, Nations Creations Fry Bread, Jozarelli’s, Cool Cajun Cafe, Hollywood Hot Dog, Sonoran Mexican Cuisine, Big Bad Wolf, Tucson Kona Ice, Spun Fun Tucson, Bugaloo’s Ice Cream, Cody Coyote Kettle Corn, and Churros El Rey Tucson.
  • Sunday, June 12 at 8:00 a.m.
    • St. Philip’s Classic Farmers’ Market at St. Philip’s Plaza, 4280 N Campbell Ave, Tucson. Scheduled: Planet of the Crepes.

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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!