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Food Truck Finds: Hot Trucks & Roundups May 16 – 22

Food Truck Finds: Hot Trucks & Roundups May 16 – 22

May 16, 20163 min read

What’s driving Tucson’s food truck frenzy this week? Bao buns, spicy Spam, and jalapeño hotness.

Tucson Fat Noodle

Fat Bun (Photo credit: Tucson Fat Noodle)
Fat Bun (Photo credit: Tucson Fat Noodle)

If you’ve been noodling around town looking for satisfying Asian-style fusion comfort food, how about a nice hot bowl of Japanese ramen? Or maybe something completely different than what you’ve come to expect from Tucson Fat Noodle?

  • Best Seller: Ramen Burger. House-made noodles become the bun in this novelty version of the traditional American hamburger. Fresh leafy lettuce, a fat slice of ripe tomato, Hoisin sauce, and spicy mayo complete a tasty package.
  • Recommended: If you see Fat Buns listed on the little piggy-shaped sign, go for it. Frequently sold out, the Fat Bun is a steamed and toasted Chinese or Bao roll filled with five-spice pork, cucumbers,  green onion, Hoisin, and mayo.
  • Where to Find: Head for The Loft every Wednesday starting at 7 p.m. through July 29. Tucson Fat Noodle also shows up at local brew pubs, like Dragoon Brewing Co., and call centers on occasion.

For more information, visit Tucson Fat Noodle on Facebook.

Solid Grindz

Combo plate of BBQ pork ribs, Chicken Katsu & teriyaki chicken (Photo credit: Solid Grindz)
Combo plate of BBQ pork ribs, Chicken Katsu & teriyaki chicken (Photo credit: Solid Grindz)

Yes, it’s authentic Hawaiian food in the middle of the southwest desert. Don’t believe me? Just watch.

  • Best Seller: Teriyaki Chicken. Marinated in Solid Grindz’s homemade teriyaki sauce then grilled. It’s melt-in-your-mouth good.
  • Recommended: What’s a Hawaiian menu without Spam? If you’re a fan of this canned lunch loaf—made popular in Hawaii in World War II—try Spam Musubi when it’s on the menu. It’s fried Spam with rice, wrapped in seaweed, and marinated in homemade teriyaki.
  • Where to Find: Solid Grindz is a lunchtime regular at the Davis Monthan Base Exchange, selling out every day by 1:30 p.m. If you don’t have base access, look for the orange truck at Al J’s Tavern or Snow Peas Modern Asian Kitchen, or at special events like the Cops & Rodders Car Show.

For more information, visit Solid Grindz on Facebook

Jackie’s Food Court

Cheese Steak (Photo credit: Kim M. Bayne)
Cheese Steak (Photo credit: Kim M. Bayne)

This mother-daughter team in a silver trailer offers good old American fare, like burgers, all-beef hot dogs, and fried zucchini.

  • Best Seller: Order the Cheese Steak. Customers come back again and again for this popular sandwich. It’s the tasty combination of rib-eye steak, Philly cream cheese, red bell pepper, sautéed mushroom, and Monterey Jack cheese that gets them hooked.
  • Recommended: Don’t forget a side of bacon-wrapped Jalapeño Poppers. What’s not to like about bacon and cheese?
  • Where to Find: Jackie’s trailer sometimes serves it up at Raytheon on Hermans Rd. No plant access? Check out local school food truck round-ups and 2nd Saturdays Downtown Tucson.

For more information, visit Jackie’s Food Court on Facebook.

Food Truck Gatherings May 16 – 22

  • Tuesday, May 17 at 11:30 a.m.
    • Food Truck Lunch at Simply Bits, 5225 N Sabino Canyon Rd, Tucson. Confirmed: Meatball Madness.
  • Wednesday, May 18 at 11:00 a.m.
    • Food Truck Lunch at Garmin International, 1705 S Research Loop, Tucson. Confirmed: You Sly Dog.
  • Thursday, May 19 at 11:00 a.m.
    • Pima County Sheriff’s Dept. Lunch at Pima County Adult Detention Center, 1270 W Silverlake Rd, Tucson. Confirmed: Pin-Up Pastries Tucson.
  • Friday, May 20 at 11:00 a.m.
    • Food Truck Lunch at UMC Banner South Center, 2701 E Elvira Rd, Tucson. Confirmed: DC Jumbie Latin Caribbean Food Truck
  • Friday, May 20 at 11:30 a.m.
    • Food Truck Lunch at Simpleview, La Cholla Corporate Center, 7430 N La Cholla Blvd, Tucson. Confirmed: Don Pedro’s Peruvian Bistro.
  • Friday, May 20 at 5:00 p.m.
    • Food in Root at Rancho Sahuarita Twilight Farmer’s Market, 15455 S Camino Lago Azul, Sahuarita. Confirmed: Don Pedro’s Peruvian Bistro, Pin-Up Pastries Tucson.
  • Sunday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m.
    • Music Under the Stars with the Tucson Pops Orchestra at Reid Park, 837 S. Country Club, Tucson. Confirmed: Pin-Up Pastries, Jackie’s Food Court, and You Sly Dog

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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After a concert at Congress, a long shift, or a night out on Fourth Avenue, you might not want to stay up even later to cook. Thank you, late night kitchens. The options span more than just drive-thrus and dollar menus. From Sonoran hot dogs and solar-baked pizza to fresh gyros and craft cocktails with bar bites, Tucson’s late-night scene covers serious ground.

Some spots stay open past 2 a.m., while others offer late-night happy hours that make the decision even easier. This guide rounds up places to eat late in Tucson after 10 p.m., whether you need a full meal or just something to hold you over. Hours can change after this article is updated, so check ahead before you head out.

@bison_witches 
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@sisterstucson 
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@uncorked_bar
@uniontucson 
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@woodennickeltucson 

Tucsonfoodie.comAfter a concert at Congress, a long shift, or a night out on Fourth Avenue, you might not want to stay up even later to cook. Thank you, late night kitchens. The options span more than just drive-thrus and dollar menus. From Sonoran hot dogs and solar-baked pizza to fresh gyros and craft cocktails with bar bites, Tucson’s late-night scene covers serious ground. Some spots stay open past 2 a.m., while others offer late-night happy hours that make the decision even easier. This guide rounds up places to eat late in Tucson after 10 p.m., whether you need a full meal or just something to hold you over. Hours can change after this article is updated, so check ahead before you head out. @bison_witches @brooklynpizzaco @bumsteds @elliottsoncongress @gentlebens @omars_hiway_chef @hubdowntown @karameloking @kontiki_tucson @miramontetucson @pocketspoolandpub @quesos_on_4th @red_garter_tucson @sisterstucson @surlywenchpub @jackrabbitloungetucson @tridentbargrill @uncorked_bar @uniontucson @urbanpitaaz @woodennickeltucson Tucsonfoodie.com
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Additionally, the variety across these resorts featured here spans far beyond a single style of dining. Guests can settle into a fine-dining room overlooking the Santa Catalinas, grab tacos by the pool, or join a chef-led cooking class before dinner. Each property brings its own take on desert hospitality, so this guide breaks down where to eat and what makes each spot worth the trip.🧳🌞

@arizonainn 
@canyonranch 
@casinodelsolresort 
@playddcsoaz 
@elconquistadoresort 
@haciendadelsolaz 
@jwstarrpass 
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@loewsventana 
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@omnitucsonnational 
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@jthtucson 
@ritzcarltondovemountain 
@westinlapaloma 
@whitestallionranchaz 

Tucsonfoodie.com 

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The result is something entirely new: a sports bar with nine 4K screens, shuffleboard, a pool table, and a scratch-cooking approach to burgers, wings, shrimp, and more.

From rebuilding the space themselves to receiving the blessing of Pastiche owner Pat Connors’ widow, Julie, the story behind The District is about more than opening a restaurant. It is about giving a wounded neighborhood landmark another chapter.

Read @sea_lyon’s full story at Tucsonfoodie.com. 

Photos by @sea_lyon 
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New menu at @Basqueriaaz🔥

Some of the Tucson Foodie team stopped by Basqueria to check out the new menu. Here’s some of what we tried on our visit:

Andalusian green beans and beef pintxo
Tinned sardines
Manchego and quince
Niçoise salad
Lobster bisque
Garlic mushrooms
Fried zucchini
Spanish chicken and mushrooms
Salmón coca
Salumi bocadillo
Cold tapas trio
Chocolate crepes
Pastries

To drink:
Marianito
Carajillo
Sangria 

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Read @jackie_tran_’s article/check out his photos on Tucsonfoodie.com 

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