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Foodie Events from September 15 – 21: Oktoberfest, roasted chiles & meatballs

Foodie Events from September 15 – 21: Oktoberfest, roasted chiles & meatballs

Sep 14, 20225 min read

This week, Oktoberfest is starting, Sonoran Restaurant Week is ending, and there’s plenty to eat, see, and drink in between.

Some exciting highlights include the following:

There’s a new beer that Borderlands is releasing, a collaboration between Las Hermanas, with support from Visit Tucson, the Consulate of Mexico in Tucson, Yakima Chief Hops, and Country Malt Group. There will be a Whiskey Del Bac pairing dinner as well as a Deep Sky Vineyards pairing dinner. The Downtown Clifton Hotel is kicking off Mexican Independence Day with a pop-up market and $8 margaritas, Palomas, and more.

Don’t forget, you can check out our Events Directory for a full list of Foodie events happening this week and other upcoming things to do.

Sonoran Restaurant Week

Now – Sunday, September 18

Hopefully, you’ve been following along with Tucson Foodie as we’ve worked to bring you all things Sonoran Restaurant Week. We’re in the home stretch of this gastronomic endeavor. Make your reservations and join us in closing out this year’s Sonoran Restaurant Week in true Tucson Foodie style.

Oktoberfest

All weekend

Beer is in the forecast for this weekend. Casa Marana, Omni Tucson National Resort, Catalina Brewing Company, and Dragoon Brewing Company are kicking off Oktoberfest celebrations this weekend, starting on Saturday, September 17.

Casa Marana will be featuring an Oktoberfest Market and stein-holding contest. The Omni will have live music, traditional German fare, plenty of beer, and so much more. Catalina Brewing will hold various raffles benefitting charities. Dragoon Brewing will be taking over Fourth Avenue with their pub crawl on Saturday evening.

Check out our recent article “Oktoberfest 2022: Stein holding contests, lederhosen & lots of beer for a growing list of all Oktoberfest events this month.

20TH ANNUAL ROASTED CHILE FESTIVAL

All weekend

Image provided by Heirloom Farmers Markets

Locals don’t have to cross state lines to satiate their Hatch chile cravings this chile season! Heirloom Farmers Markets’ 20th Annual Roasted Chile Festival is the perfect opportunity to celebrate, eat, and take home some of the best chiles in the country. With live music, local vendors, and the smell of freshly roasted chiles in the air, everyone can partake in chile season this year.

The celebration will take place Friday – Sunday at the Udall Park Farmers Market, Rincon Valley Farmers and Artisans Market, and Oro Valley Farmers Market. You can catch this event regardless of what side of town you’re on!

EL CHARRO 100TH ANNIVERSARY

Friday, September 16 starting at 11 a.m.
All El Charro locations

Image provided by El Charro Cafe

Party like it’s 1922! El Charro is celebrating its centennial at all El Charro Café locations from 11 a.m. until closing with food and drink specials.

CATS & COCKTAILS

Friday, September 16 from 4 – 7 p.m.
4155 E. Grant Rd.

Image provided by The Shelter Cocktail Lounge

If you’re a cat purr-son, you’re not going to want to miss this.

The Hermitage Cat Shelter is celebrating 57 years of serving Tucson as the community’s first no-kill animal shelter and no-cage sanctuary. The Shelter Cocktail Lounge is helping with the festivities; they’ll be hosting a $10 dinner buffet in addition to donating 25% of their bar sales to help support the wonderful work the Hermitage Cat Shelter is doing.

LAS HERMANA’S BEER RELEASE PARTY

Friday, September 16 from 5 – 8 p.m.
119 E. Toole Ave.

Las Hermanas IPA at Borderlands Brewing Company (Photo courtesy of Borderlands Brewing Company)
Las Hermanas IPA at Borderlands Brewing Company (Photo courtesy of Borderlands Brewing Company)

Join Borderlands Brewing Company on Mexico’s Independence Day for a release party for the new West Coast IPA brewed by Las Hermanas, women brewers from Mexico! It’ll be a party like no other with live mariachi music

Check out our recent article, Las Hermanas’ Project: The love for great beer has no borders

A PAIRING DINNER WITH WHISKEY DEL BAC

Saturday, September 17 at 5 p.m.
100 S. Avenida del Convento #150

Image provided by Whiskey Del Bac

Join Whiskey Del Bac co-founders Stephen and Amanda Paul at Agustin Kitchen for an exquisite pairing dinner. Enjoy dinner pairings such as braised oxtail with the Whiskey Del Bac Dorado, Presta coffee rubbed lamb lollipops paired with the Whiskey Del Bac Normandie, and more.

Cost: $120 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Call (520) 398-5382 to reserve your spot.

WINE DINNER FEATURING DEEP SKY VINEYARDS

Sunday, September 18 from 5:30 – 8 p.m.
550 W. Orange Grove Rd.

Image provided by Arizona Winery Tours

Arizona Winery Tours proudly presents a “Food & Wine Pairing Dinner” featuring chef Adam of The Cafe in Sonoita and Deep Sky Vineyard. You can expect a delightful evening of good food with exquisite wine pairings with each course.

Cost: $139. Book your seat now.

FOR THE LOVE OF MEATBALLS: ITALIAN & GREEK STYLE

Tuesday, September 20 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
2700 E. Speedway Blvd.

Image provided by Flying Aprons Tucson

Join KVOI’s Chris DeSimone, who before becoming a broadcaster was a professional chef, and make Italian meatballs using beef, pork, caramelized onions, and spices. Also, you’ll prepare the marinara sauce for your sub sandwich topped with mozzarella cheese. Chicken, turkey, garlic, and feta cheese flavor the Greek version, along with creating the perfect accompaniment, tzatziki sauce, to slather on crispy bread.

Cost: $75. Register today.

Also, if you’re looking for a weekend getaway near cooler temperatures, check out our article “Sippin’ your way around Sonoita-Elgin wine country.” We’ve basically got a window to Spain, Italy, and the south of France in our backyard without having to purchase a plane ticket; the perfect blend of good climate, striking views and sunsets, and plenty to do.

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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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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!