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Foodie Events from Dec. 1 – 7: Breakfast for dinner, a Queer Bazaar & Santa hangouts

Foodie Events from Dec. 1 – 7: Breakfast for dinner, a Queer Bazaar & Santa hangouts

Dec 1, 20226 min read

And just like that, event calendars started to fill back up again! If you’re looking to indulge in some of the holiday season magic, shop and support local, or just enjoy some great food and drink, keep on reading.

It’d be impossible to round up all of the upcoming events, so don’t forget to check out our Events Directory for a full list of upcoming Foodie events.

2022 World Cup

All week
Multiple Locations

Photo courtesy of Pueblo Vida Brewing Company
Photo courtesy of Pueblo Vida Brewing Company

As we enter the “Sweet 16” of soccer, the games are getting more intense, the camaraderie is palpable, and there’s a lot of fun to be had. If you’re looking to leave the house to catch a game, head on down to one of these bars that are showing the games.

Check out our guide on, Where to catch 2022 FIFA World Cup parties in Tucson.

Café a la C’Art: First THURSDAY DINNER

Thursday, December 1 from 5 – 9 p.m.
Café à La C’Art, 150 N. Main Ave.

Image provided by Café a la C’Art

Every first Thursday of the month, Café à la C’Art opens for dinner. In addition to their regular menu, they offer fun dinner specials. The Tucson Museum of Art is also open next door with Pay-What-You-Wish Admission. This week they’re even having a Star Party by the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (TAAA).

“breakfast for dinner” with pizza port brewing

Thursday, December 1 starting at 6 p.m.
Tucson Hop Shop, 3230 N. Dodge Blvd.

breakfast for dinner
Image provided by Tucson Hop Shop

Tucson Hop Shop and Ciao Down Pizza are serving up some Breakfast for Dinner with Pizza Port Brewing Company. Ciao Down Pizza will have a breakfast pizza special to pair with the beers. Don’t miss this!

BICHICORI WORKSHOP AND TASTING

Friday, December 2 from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Ln.

Bichicori Workshop and Tasting
Image provided by Mission Garden

Learn to make bichicori, dried squash. You’ll be provided with two traditional O’odham squashes from Mission Garden–one prepped for use in the class and another one to take home for later practice.  You will get step-by-step instructions on how to make bichicori, and a recipe for how to use the dried squash.

Cost: $60. You can purchase your ticket here. Some scholarships may be available.

TAKE & BAKE: ALMOND BISCOTTI

Saturday, December 3 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Flying Aprons Tucson, 2700 E. Speedway Blvd

Image provided by Flying Aprons

Join Certified Executive Chef and Slow Food Southern Arizona President Barry Infuso for a fun morning preparing this twice-baked treat: almond biscotti.

You’ll start by sampling the finished almond biscotti and then you’ll make and shape your dough to take home to bake now or freeze for later. There will be plenty to keep or share – the recipe makes 12-dozen! Chef Barry will also demonstrate decorating options.

Cost: $75. Purchase your ticket here.

To learn more about this month’s Flying Aprons classes, check out our article here.

17TH TAMAL FESTIVAL

Saturday, December 3 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Casino Del Sol, 5655 W. Valencia Rd.

Photo courtesy of Sandoval Creative for Tucson Tamal and Heritage Festival
Tucson Tamal & Heritage Festival

Casino Del Sol presents the 17th Annual Tucson Tamal & Heritage Festival.
The Festival celebrates the rich tastes, smells and variation of tamales from the Southwest and Mexico.

Cost: This event is free and open to the public.

To learn more, take a peek at our article, 17th annual Tamal & Heritage Festival returns to Casino Del Sol.

SEVEN CUPS TEAHOUSE GRAND OPENING CEREMONY

Saturday, December 3 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Seven Cups Teahouse, 2510 E. Fort Lowell Rd.

Image provided by Seven Cups on Facebook

Seven Cups Teahouse is hosting its grand opening ceremony in style with martial arts, a lion dance, and musical performances by local artists. Complimentary tea and snacks will be served.

Cost: The event is open to the public and free of charge, however, you should reserve your spot here.

DECK THE HALLS

Saturday, December 3 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
AZ Hops & Vines, 3450 Highway 82

Image provided by Hops & Vines

Deck the Halls at AZ Hops & Vines. Enjoy Wine & Cookie pairings with six cookies perfectly paired with six wines, and a souvenir glass. There will be live music, an ugly Christmas Sweater contest, vendors, and the release of AZ Hops & Vines’ famous gluhwein.

Cost: Wine & Cookie Pairing: the pre-purchase price is $25, day of $30. No tickets are required for entry. 

TUCSON HOP SHOP WINTER QUEER BAZAAR

Sunday, December 4 from 1 – 5 p.m.
Tucson Hop Shop, 3230 N. Dodge Blvd.

the winter queer bazaar 1
Image provided by Tucson Hop Shop

Tucson Hop Shop is pleased to announce its annual Winter Queer Bazaar. This will be an afternoon of shopping, outreach, festivities, and fun to benefit The Thompson House, Mariposas Sin Fronteras, and the victims of the Club Q attack.

LGBTQIA+ artists and vendors from all over the Old Pueblo will be featured. There will be food trucks, music, cold beer, and big smiles. All are welcome to come and join the festivities and support these very worthy artists and organizations!

Food:
  • You Sly Dog
  • Ciao Down
  • Savage Daiquiris
  • Kim’s Confections
  • Heavy Kettle Popcorn
  • Dylan’s Treats

You can view a full list of the vendors here:

DINNER WITH SANTA AT PINNACLE PEAK

Sunday, December 4 at 4:30 and 7 p.m.
Pinnacle Peak Tucson, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Rd.

Image provided by Pinnacle Peak Tucson

Join Santa for dinner at Pinnacle Peak and holiday cheer. Your evening will include a free holiday train ride, photo ops, and holiday fun! Adults get an entree choice of NY Strip, Salmon, or Chicken Breast along with a baked potato and non-alcoholic beverage. Kids get a choice of chicken tenders, hot dogs, or Lil’ Cowboy Steak with a side and beverage.

There are two seatings: 4:30 pm and 7 p.m. Space is very limited, so be sure to call 520-296-0911 after 2 p.m. and make your reservation today!

HOLIDAYS AT THE MARKETS

Wednesday, December 7 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Green Valley Village, 101 N. La Canada Dr.

Holidays at the markets
Image provided by Heirloom Farmers Markets

Get your local holiday shopping done at Heirloom Farmers Markets Holidays at the Markets event.  Celebrate the holidays with two weeks of holiday shopping and festivities at the farmers markets! There will be something for everyone, including live music, Taste of the Market tastings and recipes, a holiday donation drive, holiday activities, and plenty of local holiday gift ideas.

This is the schedule starting with Wednesday, December 7.

  • Wednesday, December 7th & 14th at Green Valley Village, 101 N. La Canada Dr.
  • Friday, December 9th & 16th at Udall Park Farmers Market, 7202 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
  • Saturday, December 10th & 17th at Oro Valley (Steam Pump Ranch), 10901 N. Oracle Rd.
  • Saturday, December 10th & 17th at Rincon Valley Farmers & Artisans Market, 12500 E. Old Spanish Trail
  • Sunday, December 11th & 18th at Rillito Park (Food Pavilion), 4502 N. 1st Ave.

Or you could just take a look at the calendar event here:

Article written by:

Addie Ibarra

Addie Ibarra

More about Addie

Addie Ibarra, native Tucsonan, is a fierce lover of adventure, travels, and food. Addie has her Masters in Legal Studies and hopes to one day apply that towards helping people (and animals) around the globe, while traveling and tasting along the way. So far she’s hit 4 continents and counting!

You’ll likely find her on a patio sipping wine with her 4-legged best friend, Spaghetti.

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IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. 

Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.
THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 

@Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. 

Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. 

The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. 

WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave.
TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free
 
SPECIAL ADMISSION: 
• Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID 
• Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups
• Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID

ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 @Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave. TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free SPECIAL ADMISSION: • Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID • Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups • Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.
Anne Rysdale built @sheltercocktaillounge in 1961 with concrete walls, lava rock, and Cold War nerves. Today, owners Pam Santangelo and Kevin Breutzmann keep the Tucson bar exactly as regulars remember it. Inside, martinis share space with JFK memorabilia, a vintage atomic chandelier, and a suit of armor named Charlie. “Tucson is changing so much, but this has stayed the same. It’s a time capsule,” Santangelo said. 

Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 
Photos by @sea_lyonAnne Rysdale built @sheltercocktaillounge in 1961 with concrete walls, lava rock, and Cold War nerves. Today, owners Pam Santangelo and Kevin Breutzmann keep the Tucson bar exactly as regulars remember it. Inside, martinis share space with JFK memorabilia, a vintage atomic chandelier, and a suit of armor named Charlie. “Tucson is changing so much, but this has stayed the same. It’s a time capsule,” Santangelo said. Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photos by @sea_lyon
Scratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜

@ikkyu.tucson 
@jaramencurry 
@kiwamiramenbar 
@kukai___ 
@marujapanesenoodle 
@maruplusaz 
@obonsushi 
@raijinramen 
@theramenbartucson 
@tossfriedchickennramen 

More guides on Tucsonfoodie.comScratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜 @ikkyu.tucson @jaramencurry @kiwamiramenbar @kukai___ @marujapanesenoodle @maruplusaz @obonsushi @raijinramen @theramenbartucson @tossfriedchickennramen More guides on Tucsonfoodie.com