Tucson FoodieCelebrating local food, drink, and community.
Food Truck Finds: Hot Trucks & Roundups May 2 – 8

Food Truck Finds: Hot Trucks & Roundups May 2 – 8

May 2, 20163 min read

A scrumptious superfruit sorbet, fabulous frankfurters, and Latin fusion dishes with a funky flair. That’s what’s on our food truck menu this week in Tucson.

Purple Tree Organic Açai Blends

Acai Blend from Purple Tree in Tucson (Photo credit: Purple Tree)
Acai Blend from Purple Tree in Tucson (Photo credit: Purple Tree)

It’s pronounced ah-sah-EE and it’s a dark purple berry from South America touted for its health benefits. You don’t have to be a health nut to try the açai berry, either. This tasty tropical wonder is an all-star delight.

  • Best Seller: Try the multiberry blend in an Açai Bowl for breakfast. Imagine a refreshing scoop of fruit sorbet or frozen smoothie, topped with crunchy organic granola, sliced fresh strawberries, banana wheels, coconut shavings, and honey.
  • Recommended: Be bold and order a Citrus Boost Smoothie. Orange, mango and banana combine for the perfect picker upper and, if you’ve never tried it before, you’ll be amazed at how good almond milk tastes.
  • Where to Find: Drop by the U of A’s Main Gate Square, 814 E University Blvd, and the West Campus of Pima Community College on selected days.

For more information, visit Purple Tree Organic Açai Blends on Facebook

You Sly Dog

You Sly Dog Chicago Dog (Credit: Kim Bayne)
You Sly Dog Chicago Dog (Credit: Kim Bayne)

It’s a tiny little kitchen, housed in a red and white International Harvester Metro Van, and You Sly Dog manages to attract crowds to its window where ever it goes. What’s the grub, you ask? Hot dogs, of course.

  • Best Seller: The Big Chicago is the “go to” dog for newcomers. It features a premium beef hot dog, sweet relish, spicy dill pickle, diced white onion, diced Roma tomatoes, celery salt, yellow mustard and two pickled sport peppers. Are you drooling yet?
  • Recommended: Culinary show offs should order the El Diablo. It’s got a red hot linked sausage that’s topped with fresh tomato, red onion, jalapeno salsa, ketchup and yellow mustard.
  • Where to Find: Your best bet is to visit a local school food truck round-up. You Sly Dog is a regular at these and large community events.

For more information, visit You Sly Dog on Facebook.

Gigi’s Mexican Peruvian Fusion

Barbacoa Melt (Credit: Gigi's)
Barbacoa Melt (Credit: Gigi’s)

One of the most popular food trucks in the Tucson area, Gigi’s is constantly revising its menu. Fans will always find something new and delicious to enjoy, whether it’s time-honored carne asada or Latin-fusion tortas.

  • Best Seller: The Barbacoa Melt is definitely a winner. The oh-so-tender beef is heavenly with its melted Monterrey cheese and gravy on French bread. Watch out! Your lunch buddies will sneak a crispy fry or two off the side.
  • Recommended: Dare I say it? Try the Donut Bacon Burger. It’s hilariously decadent. You know you want it.
  • Where to Find: If you’re a Raytheon or UA TechPark employee, you’ll see Gigi’s at lunch more than a few times. Or check out the neon green truck at the Residence Inn Tucson Airport and selected school round-ups.

For more information, visit Gigi’s Mexican Peruvian Fusion on Facebook.

Food Truck Gatherings May 2 – 8

  • Tuesday, May 3 at 5:00 p.m.
    • Rancho Sahuarita 1st Tuesdays at 15455 S Camino Lago Azul, Sahuarita. Confirmed: Big Bad Wolf, BBQ Rush, Taco’Queta Mexican Food, Pin Up Pastries, Bugaloo’s Ice Cream, Gigis Peruvian/Mexican Fusion, Vina Baguette Vietnamese Sandwiches, Fat Noodle, Sonoran Mexican Cuisine, DC Jumbie Latin Caribbean, Don Pedro’s Peruvian Bistro, King Kettle Corn, Crush Gourmet Raspados, and Mustache Mike’s Italian Ice.
  • Wednesday, May 4 at 11:00 a.m.
    • Garmin at 1705 S. Research Loop, Tucson. Confirmed: Jackie’s Food Court.
  • Thursday, May 5 at 11:00 a.m.
    • Banner Medical at 2701 E Elvira Rd, Tucson. Confirmed: Meatball Madness.
  • Friday, May 6 at 8:00 a.m.
    • First Friday Family Fun Days at the Sunday Farmers Market, Rillito Park, 4502 N. 1st Ave., Tucson. Confirmed: Veg In a Box and Purple Tree Organic Açai Blends.
  • Saturday, May 7 at 12:00 p.m.
    • Asian Pacific American Heritage Celebration at the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, 1288 W. River Rd., Tucson. Confirmed: Purple Tree Organic Açai Blends, Nhu Lan Vietnamese, Gigi’s Mexican Peruvian Fusion, Solid Grandz, Fat Noodle, and The Mobile Bistro.

Stay in the Tucson Foodie Loop

Weekly digest of new openings, events, and guides. No spam.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

Get the Tucson Foodie app

Explore everything, build your foodie profile — and unlock the Insiders Club with perks at 100+ local spots.

Follow @TucsonFoodie on Instagram

Follow along for daily food inspiration, event updates, and behind-the-scenes looks at Tucson's culinary scene.

4.5K

posts

133.1K

followers

See More On Instagram
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!