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Local Food Writer Publishes “Lost Restaurants of Tucson” Highlighting Historic Eateries

Local Food Writer Publishes “Lost Restaurants of Tucson” Highlighting Historic Eateries

Nov 10, 20151 min read

Like any city, Tucson has had its fair share of restaurants pass through, both good and bad.

A few unique venues are missed more than others, such as the upscale Tack Room, Gordo’s with their famous chimichangas, and the southwest-inspired Café Terra Cotta.

Local author Rita Connelly set out to uncover the history and forgotten stories of these eateries in her new book, Lost Restaurants of Tucson, set to release on December 7, 2015.

The book offers something for everyone, from history buffs to food-lovers, to Tucson locals. It includes little-known information about the many restaurants that once existed in town, from dive bars to up-scale dining establishments, while painting a picture of the city’s history and culinary roots.

Connelly spent ten years as a restaurant reviewer for the Tucson Weekly, and has written about the Tucson food scene for other local and national publications. She has also co-written a guidebook on Tucson and fits in time to judge at wine, hot dog, taco, salsa, margarita, and chocolate competitions.

Lost Restaurants of Tucson is the newest addition to The History Press’ American Palate series, which includes a total of 188 titles, such as Nashville Food Trucks, A History of Virginia Wines, and Vegan Survival Guide to Austin.

If you’re interested in a signed copy, join Connelly at Mostly Books on December 12 at 2pm.

The book is currently available for pre-purchase on arcadiapublishing.com and Amazon, and will be available at local retailers on Dec. 7.

In the meantime, check out a recent post Rita wrote for Tucson Foodie, 9 Iconic Restaurants From Tucson’s Past. And, if you still want more vintage Tucson eats (for reading, not eating) check out our recent features on Gordo’s Mexicateria and the original Good Earth menu.

Article written by:

Theresa Delaney

Theresa Delaney

More about Theresa
Theresa is a copywriter, food explorer and pursuer of all things creative. Find her at theresadelaney.com.

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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.
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@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.
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Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 
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@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