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June Foodie Events: 23 Miles of Mexican food, a throwdown of pizzas, dinners & more

June Foodie Events: 23 Miles of Mexican food, a throwdown of pizzas, dinners & more

May 29, 20197 min read

The month of June is shaping up to be an epic collection of culinary events. Although, don’t sweat it because we’re here to help you organize your free time.

Midway through the month, you’ll have your opportunity to honor your father over a nice meal, or perhaps a cold beer at his favorite drinking spot in town, but there are plenty of other events to attend, too.

Whether it’s the massive Mexican food festival that’s destined to take your stomach on a 23-mile trip or a fierce competition of who’s got the best pizzas in town, you’ll find something fun (and tasty) to do in the following list.

Click the event banner for more details

Under the title of each event listed below, we’ve created a banner. If you click on it, the event times and location will appear as well as the option to add it to your Google calendar (so you don’t have to).

Get early notifications about upcoming events

Sign up for our ‘Special Offers & Events’ Newsletter and you’ll keep up-to-date with events as they are announced. We also have Tuesday giveaways sent out in the newsletter… so don’t miss out.

It’s a new month, so why not start fresh?

This Detox Cleanse 101 workshop allows you to taste different juices they’ve got to offer, all while feeling great in the end.

Friday, June 7

Beer & Doughnut Pairing at 1912 Brewing Company

Doughnuts from Holy Donuts on Fourth Avenue (Credit: Melissa Stihl)
Doughnuts from Irene’s Holy Donuts on Fourth Avenue (Credit: Melissa Stihl)

Here’s a great way to spread the cheer on National Doughnut Day.

1912 Brewing Company is hosting a doughnut pairing event for the fun of it.  Irene’s Holy Donuts is even coming to the brewery to share their sweets.

Free Doughnuts for Club Sol Members

Casino Del Sol, at 5655 W. Valencia Rd., is offering free doughnuts for the first 777 Club Sol members.

You’ll also need to swipe your card at any kiosk inside Casino Del Sol to get the voucher.

Saturday, June 8

Learn new techniques at “Ultimate Date” Hands-On Cooking Class

Cooking class (Photo courtesy of Pexels)
Cooking class (Photo courtesy of Pexels)

The Garden Kitchen just announced a special “Ultimate Date” hands-on cooking class for singles or couples from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 8.

Rather than waiting to be served, you’ll be serving yourself and learning new culinary techniques for that “special someone” in your life. It’s also a great way to surprise your partner with an unforgettable dinner — that is if you don’t bring them along for the class. More…

It’s a laugh a minute at Tony’s New York Style Italian Deli with dinner & a show

Tony’s New York Style Italian Deli is hosting a fun night of comedy, plenty of laughs, and dinner from 7 – 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 8.

The Italian dinner — which has yet to be revealed — kicks the night off, which is soon followed by several stand-up comedians beginning at 8 p.m. They include Dom DiTolla, Steena Salido, Tony Bruhn, Ali Musa, and your host, Roy Lee Reynolds. More…

Sunday, June 9

Desert Island Eatery is throwing a “Sayonara Day Party” at La Cocina

The crew is closing down the Campbell Rd. location and will now focus on opening its new restaurant in Phoenix. Keep in mind, Desert Island Eatery will be set up at La Cocina as they dish out food.

Meanwhile, La Cocina will be serving drinks, live music will be brought to you by DJ Selector Spragga, and Atelier Diama Caribbean Style will hosting a fashion show. This is also a family event, so everyone’s invited to come down and say goodbye.

You can check out Desert Island Eatery’s menu on their Facebook page.

Saturday, June 15

Tucson Originals Pizza Throwdown

Pizzas at Mama Louisa's (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Pizzas at Mama Louisa’s (Credit: Jackie Tran)

The Fifth Annual Tucson Originals Pizza Throwdown is going down at Fresco Pizzeria and Pastaria from 6 – 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 15.

This year’s Pizza Throwdown is featuring nine restaurants. In other words, there’s going to be a lot of pies being tossed around and waiting for you to take a bite. To make it even more fun, three local breweries are showing up to the event to keep you hydrated and in the steady mode of maximum pizza consumption. More…

“Tucson 23 Mexican Food Festival” has great food, demonstrations, live music & more

The Tucson 23: A Mexican Food Festival (Credit: The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance on Facebook)
The Tucson 23: A Mexican Food Festival (Credit: The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance on Facebook)

JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort and Spa is hosting the Tucson 23 Mexican Food Festival, celebrating the “Best 23 Miles of Mexican Food in America,” once again from 6 – 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 15.

If it’s your first time hearing of the festival, it includes several restaurants that have been around for years and can be found within a 23-mile area that includes the city of South Tucson, downtown, and midtown. More…

Friday, June 21

Four-course locally crafted feast at Maynards

Executive chef Brian Smith has quite the treat for you this month, and has created a top-notch sequence of wines and food that’s making way towards your belly at Maynards Market & Kitchen from 7 – 9 p.m.

In addition, each course will be packed with local flavor and portfolios from four different wine distributors.

Tickets are $78.26 and it’d be best to grab those ahead of time.

Tuesday, June 25

Four-course “Obie & Mike” Wine Dinner at Mama Louisa’s

Mama Louisa’s Italian Restaurant is serving up its “Obie and Mike” Wine Dinner from 6 – 9 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25. Come hungry!

For the occasion, Mama Louisa’s very own chef Michael Elefante has teamed up with chef Obie from the members-only Mountain Oyster Club. Although, no membership is needed for this splendid meal. The wine of choice will be a variety of flavors from Flying Leap Vineyards. More…

Saturday, June 29

2019 Iron Chef Competition & Culinary Experience at Casino Del Sol will rock your tastebuds

Before the competition, you can eat your way through the day during the Culinary Experience. Featured demos from local and national culinary experts will be available, along with products to highlight your personal culinary experience.

After that: the main event. Two competitors will face off before a panel of judges who sample their dishes, but the chefs have yet to be determined.

You can grab your tickets now at ironcheftucson.com. More…

“Nice Cream Social” tasting event at Nékter Juice Bar

The midtown smoothie shop is holding its “Nice Cream Social” to offer tastings of the four new Skoop flavors. On top of that, it will be featuring guest favorites, like the Vegan Coconut Vanilla Skoop and Vegan Chocolate Bliss Skoop.

Three Sisters Culinary Series at Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa

Arizona Farm & Food Festival (Photo courtesy of SAACA)
Arizona Farm & Food Festival (Photo courtesy of SAACA)

The Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance and Native Seeds Search are throwing the second of the three-part Three Sisters dinner series at 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 29.

The Three Sisters is an agricultural practice that plants three ingredients — corn, beans, and squash — together wisely. More…

Healthy & Delicious: With a Latin Twist Cooking Class

There’s no need to give up flavor to cook healthy meals, and that’s exactly what you’ll be learning to do with n new techniques. By the end of the class, you’ll know how to add Latin flavor to your cooking — without the guilt.

Some of the skills taught during the class are making a cold soup, how to make a sauce, and creating full flavor vegetarian entrees.

Call (520) 621-0476 to reserve a spot or register at thegardenkitchen.org/events-culinary-classes.

Events happening throughout the month of June

DOWNTOWN Kitchen “Around the Globe: Sister Cities of Gastronomy” tour

Hibiscus Cured Hamachi Crudo at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Hibiscus Cured Hamachi Crudo at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails (Credit: Jackie Tran)

DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails is starting its “Around the Globe: Sisters Cities of Gastronomy” tour with a special menu from Wednesday, May 21 – Monday, June 24.

Since Tucson became the first city in the U.S. to be named a City of Gastronomy, chef Janos Wilder and others have traveled to other “sister” cities around the world to share the region’s culinary history and unique foods. Now, Wilder is ready to share the flavors he’s collected. More…

Kingfisher maps out its annual “Summer Road Trip”

Kingfisher is hitting the map and bringing in new menus with its annual “Summer Road Trip” from 5 p.m. on Friday, May 24 – Wednesday, June 5.

The summer promotion, in its 26th season, is a lot of fun because it features a wide variety of appetizers, entrees, desserts, cocktails, and regional beverages — changing it out every few weeks throughout the season. First stop: the Southwest. More…

Know of any other food-related events? Let us know in the comments.

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Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.

He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.

If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.

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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!