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Gastronomy Tours hit the historic trails of Marana

Gastronomy Tours hit the historic trails of Marana

Dec 26, 20182 min read

History runs deep in Marana — now’s your chance to discover it.

Hit the paths of our ancestors during Discover Marana’s Gastronomy Tours from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 6 and 12:30 – 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 24.

If you have ever been on a hike and wondered which plants are edible, this is the culinary tour for you. Dr. Suzanne Fish or Allen Denoyer guide you through Marana’s 4,000 years of agricultural history.

The two tours are the first to be approved by the Tucson City of Gastronomy, which was the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the U.S.

Each is different but will include the flavors local chefs have come to love, a visit to ancient archaeological sites, and the techniques of brewmasters and artisanal bakers. Some of the participants include Bean Tree Farm and Catalina Brewing Company.

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The tours start at $99 per person and last between four and six hours — numbers are limited.

Make sure to wear comfortable closed-toe walking shoes because you will spend at least an hour of the tour outside. So, which adventure are you going to take this year?

A Taste of the Wild – Gastronomy Tour

9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 6

Los Morteros Holes (Credit: Marana Gastronomy Tours)
Los Morteros Holes (Credit: Marana Gastronomy Tours)

Itinerary
  • Meet at Tucson Premium Outlets at 9:30 a.m
  • Tour of Los Morteros Conservation Area at 9:45 a.m.
  • Foraging and Tasting at 10:45 a.m.
  • Tasting at Catalina Brewing Company at 12:45 p.m.
  • Tour ends at Tucson Premium Outlets at 1:30 p.m.

For more information and to book your spot on the A Taste of the Wild Gastronomy Tour, visit graylinearizona.com.

Marana Gastronomy Tour

12:30 – 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 24

Marana Gastronomy Tour small course at Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain (Photo credit: Town of Marana)
Marana Gastronomy Tour small course at Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain (Photo credit: Town of Marana)

Itinerary
  • Meet at Tucson Premium Outlets at 12:30 p.m.
  • Tour of Los Morteros Conservation Area at 1 p.m.
  • Tasting at Catalina Brewing Company at 2:30 p.m.
  • Tour of ancient Hohokam farm site at 3:15 p.m.
  • Tasting at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain at 4:30 p.m.
  • Tour finishes up at Tucson Premium Outlets 6 p.m.

For more information and to book your spot on the Marana Gastronomy Tour, visit graylinearizona.com.

Each tour begins at the Tucson Premium Outlets located at 6401 W. Marana Center Blvd. For more information on the tours, dates, and hours, visit discovermarana.org

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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Weekend brunch at @losmilicsvineyards🌞

Los Milics Vineyards Tucson is now serving brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-4pm at its downtown Tucson tasting room, with dinner continuing from 4-9pm. 

The brunch menu is built to pair with Los Milics’ estate-grown Sonoita wines, plus curated flights, cocktails, and local beer. Expect house-made focaccia, charcuterie, fried halloumi, salads, eggs in purgatory, breakfast burritos, a K4 Ranch burger, a Bourdain sandwich, a confit BLT, and plenty of sweet options.

There are also vegan choices, including avocado toast and focaccia French toast, plus dairy-free oat milk gelato.

📍 98 E. Congress St.
🍳 Brunch: Sat. & Sun., 11am-4pm 
🍷 Dinner: 4-9pm

Weekend reservations are recommended!
More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 
Video clips by @addiewankenobi 
#tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonWeekend brunch at @losmilicsvineyards🌞 Los Milics Vineyards Tucson is now serving brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-4pm at its downtown Tucson tasting room, with dinner continuing from 4-9pm. The brunch menu is built to pair with Los Milics’ estate-grown Sonoita wines, plus curated flights, cocktails, and local beer. Expect house-made focaccia, charcuterie, fried halloumi, salads, eggs in purgatory, breakfast burritos, a K4 Ranch burger, a Bourdain sandwich, a confit BLT, and plenty of sweet options. There are also vegan choices, including avocado toast and focaccia French toast, plus dairy-free oat milk gelato. 📍 98 E. Congress St. 🍳 Brunch: Sat. & Sun., 11am-4pm 🍷 Dinner: 4-9pm Weekend reservations are recommended! More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Video clips by @addiewankenobi #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucson
JUST 2 DAYS AWAY!🎉

@hubdowntown and @pueblovida are bringing together four thoughtfully crafted courses and four perfectly paired beers for an evening in HUB’s Library Lounge.

The four-course dinner includes an 8 oz pour of Pueblo Vida with each dish:

→ Wildcat (Sonoran Amber Lager) + Beef Carpaccio
→ Watermelon Lime Shortcut (Fruited Kettle Sour) + Ahi Tuna Crisp
→ Hef (Wheat Ale) + Roasted Chicken Thigh
→ Cereus (Hazy IPA) + Baja Fish & Chips

• Wednesday, August 12
• 6 PM
• HUB’s Library Lounge
• $55++ per person

Seats are limited! Get your tickets through the link in @hubdowntown’s bio🍻

Photos courtesy of @hubdowntown @pueblovida 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsoneventsJUST 2 DAYS AWAY!🎉 @hubdowntown and @pueblovida are bringing together four thoughtfully crafted courses and four perfectly paired beers for an evening in HUB’s Library Lounge. The four-course dinner includes an 8 oz pour of Pueblo Vida with each dish: → Wildcat (Sonoran Amber Lager) + Beef Carpaccio → Watermelon Lime Shortcut (Fruited Kettle Sour) + Ahi Tuna Crisp → Hef (Wheat Ale) + Roasted Chicken Thigh → Cereus (Hazy IPA) + Baja Fish & Chips • Wednesday, August 12 • 6 PM • HUB’s Library Lounge • $55++ per person Seats are limited! Get your tickets through the link in @hubdowntown’s bio🍻 Photos courtesy of @hubdowntown @pueblovida #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents
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Tucson’s biggest culinary week of the year starts with a celebration at @Thetreasury1929! Join Tucson Foodie on Monday, August 31, from 5–8 pm for the official @Sonoranrestaurantweek Kickoff Party.

Enjoy tasting stations from participating Sonoran Restaurant Week restaurants, plus a dedicated station from The Treasury’s culinary team. Sip on two signature cocktails featuring @donjuliotequila and @rombauervineyards, with beverage service by @breakthrubevaz. 

The night also includes live music from a DJ, photo booths, and access to all three floors of one of downtown Tucson’s most historic venues.

The Treasury 1929
Monday, August 31, 5–8 p.m.
$46 • 21+ with valid ID

Tickets are extremely limited to keep the tasting experience intimate. Grab yours while they last!

🎟️ LINK IN BIO 

Photos courtesy of @thetreasury1929 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnewsSONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK KICKOFF PARTY🍸 Tucson’s biggest culinary week of the year starts with a celebration at @Thetreasury1929! Join Tucson Foodie on Monday, August 31, from 5–8 pm for the official @Sonoranrestaurantweek Kickoff Party. Enjoy tasting stations from participating Sonoran Restaurant Week restaurants, plus a dedicated station from The Treasury’s culinary team. Sip on two signature cocktails featuring @donjuliotequila and @rombauervineyards, with beverage service by @breakthrubevaz. The night also includes live music from a DJ, photo booths, and access to all three floors of one of downtown Tucson’s most historic venues. The Treasury 1929 Monday, August 31, 5–8 p.m. $46 • 21+ with valid ID Tickets are extremely limited to keep the tasting experience intimate. Grab yours while they last! 🎟️ LINK IN BIO Photos courtesy of @thetreasury1929 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews
@Casaveratucson opens Aug. 12 at 7265 N. La Cholla Blvd., bringing regional Mexican cuisine to the former Tamarind space.

The 7,000-square-foot restaurant seats 200 guests with a large patio, and the design draws inspiration from a warm, old-world hacienda. The family behind Casa Vera is also known locally for Guadalajara Original Grill.

Casa Vera will be open daily from 3-9 p.m. Reservations are available through @opentable or by emailing reservations@casaveratucson.com.

More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com
Photo courtesy of @casaveratucson 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews #tucson@Casaveratucson opens Aug. 12 at 7265 N. La Cholla Blvd., bringing regional Mexican cuisine to the former Tamarind space. The 7,000-square-foot restaurant seats 200 guests with a large patio, and the design draws inspiration from a warm, old-world hacienda. The family behind Casa Vera is also known locally for Guadalajara Original Grill. Casa Vera will be open daily from 3-9 p.m. Reservations are available through @opentable or by emailing reservations@casaveratucson.com. More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photo courtesy of @casaveratucson #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews #tucson