If you’ve been achin’ for an adventure, this one’s got its benefits. First off, you don’t have to travel far and secondly, it involves dishes inspired by different areas of the country.
Kingfisher’s signature cross country culinary adventure is making its return this summer — after a year’s hiatus due to the pandemic — beginning Tuesday, June 1.
Kingfisher’s Road Trip is now in its 27th year, and if you’ve never been, the restaurant sees it as “one of the most enjoyable rites of summer in Tucson.”
The 2021 tour features classic cuisine from six distinct regions of the U.S. and begins right here in the Southwest. Stick around for the long haul, though, because, the road trip continues on into the Pacific Northwest, Great Plains, Midwest, Back East, California/Hawaii, and Down South.
In preparation for each “road trip,” chefs and owners Jim Murphy and Jeff Azersky, as well as executive chef Fred Harris, have been working together to design the different menus. Pastry chef Marianne Banes is crafting up desserts, too, so that the bites appropriate to each menu.
Also, you can’t forget about the Kingfisher bartending staff — providing the cocktails, wines, beers, and spirits that are representative of each stop along the way.
Take a glance at the menu for the “Southwest Road Trip.” which is happening from Tuesday, June 1 – Saturday, June 12.
Southwest Tour Dinner Menu
First Course
- Roasted Chile Verde Soup – with poblano, anaheim chiles, tomatillos, and white beans (V) ($7)
- Achiote Grilled Shrimp Bowl – with pinto beans, avocado, cucumbers, napa cabbage, chopped tomato, sage vinaigrette, spiced pumpkin seeds, and cotija cheese ($15)
Entrée
- Grilled Pork Medallions, Red Mole – with avocado crema, roasted corn cakes, and grilled zucchini ($24)
- White Cornmeal and Crushed Walnut Crusted Catfish – with smoked tomato aioli, Texmati rice, and calabacitas ($22)
Dessert
- Individual Tres Leches Cake – with fresh berries, caramel sauce, and whipped cream ($8.50)
Kingfisher Summer Road Trip 2021 Schedule
- Southwest, June 1 – June 12
- Pacific Northwest, June 15 – June 26
- Great Plains Midwest, July 13 – July 24
- Back East, July 27- August 7
- California Hawaii, August 10 – August 21
- Down South, August 24 – September 4
Kingfisher’s dining areas and bar are open for limited seating by reservation only from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. for lunch, 4 – 9 p.m. for dinner, and from Tuesday – Saturday.
Kingfisher is located at 2564 E. Grant Rd. For more information and to make reservations, call (520) 323-7739 or visit kingfishertucson.com.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt 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.
