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May Foodie Events: Anniversaries, Elegant Plates, Dog-themed cocktails & More

May Foodie Events: Anniversaries, Elegant Plates, Dog-themed cocktails & More

May 9, 20196 min read

Just like that, April’s over.

The sun is out, the weather isn’t yet scorching, and plenty of events are taking place throughout Tucson.

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. Did you know you’ve got a chance to win a prize if you sign up?

It’s not too late to check it off your list. Now keep scrolling to get a taste of what you have to choose from.

Friday, May 17

Rosé All Day at Maynards Market & Kitchen

Rose wine glasses

The rosé business is booming and there are so many now, that you may have lost track of which ones you like the most.

Luckily, Maynards is offering tastings for $12 a person from 6 – 8 p.m. on Friday, May 17. Sign up here.

Saturday, May 18

18 Arizona wineries pouring into Willcox wine country spring festival

Photo courtesy of Willcox Wine Country
Photo courtesy of Willcox Wine Country

The wine will be flowing at the Willcox Wine Country Spring Festival from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 18 – Sunday, May 19.

This season, there will be 18 Arizona Wineries, five live bands, more than 60 art and craft vendors, as well as multiple food venues. More…

Beer & Eegee’s Pairing Event at 1912 Brewing Company

(Credit: Eegee's on Facebook)
(Credit: Eegee’s on Facebook)

We’ve all felt it — it’s getting hot outside.

Are you having trouble deciding whether to drink a beer or grab an ice cold Eegee’s?

1912 Brewing Company is making it easy to decide by throwing an Eegee’s and beer pairing event from 3 – 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 18. More…

Sunday, May 19

Bread Making 101 Feat. Don Guerra

Barrio Bread's Don Guerra in his home bakery (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Barrio Bread’s Don Guerra in his home bakery (Credit: Jackie Tran)

From 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 19 at The Mission Garden, Don Guerra of Barrio Bread will be offering his guidance through the basics of bread baking fermentation and the use of local wheat.

The five hour session will be introducing everyone to the anatomy of the wheat plant and grinding of wheat berries into flour. Also, the exploration of mixing, kneading, and baking the bread in a cast iron pot is on the agenda.

The class is limited to 20 seats and it costs $155 per person — get tickets here.

Iron Chef Tucson 2019: Meet the Chefs at Casino Del Sol

Executive chef Brian Smith at Maynards Market & Kitchen (Photo courtesy of Maynards Market & Kitchen)
Executive chef Brian Smith at Maynards Market & Kitchen (Photo courtesy of Maynards Market & Kitchen)a

To build up the hype, Casino Del Sol is hosting the annual Iron Chef Tucson 2019 “Meet the Chefs” event from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 19.

It’s your chance to meet the chefs competing for the chance to battle Iron Chef Tucson 2018 winner Brian Smith from Maynards Market and Kitchen. This year is a combination of returning favorites, as well as some newcomers that’ll surely pack a punch. More…

Tuesday, May 21

Around the Globe: Sisters Cities of Gastronomy

This year’s culinary tour is making its first pit stop in Tsuruoka, Japan.
No need to travel to Japan, though, because Wilder and his culinary team have created a menu to mimic the tastes of Tsuruoka from May 21 – June 24 at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails. More...

Friday, May 24

Cooking Demo & Dinner

The companion cooking demonstration class and dinner will feature food from Tsuruoka, Japan, by chef Wilder. It will take place on Friday, May 24 from 6 – 9 p.m. at The Carriage House.

Seats are $70 per person and you’ll get a copy of all of the recipes and a multi-course dinner with drinks. More…

Kingfisher maps out its annual “Summer Road Trip” for 2019 (MENU)

Seafood dish (Photo credit: Terje Sollie on Pexels)
Seafood dish (Photo credit: Terje Sollie on Pexels)

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.

Take a glance at what’s to come throughout the summer. Perhaps the meal of your dreams is on the horizon. More…

Sunday, May 26

A decade of divas: Dog-themed cocktails, raffles & more

Cocktail hour (Photo courtesy of Min An from Pexels)
Cocktail hour (Photo courtesy of Min An from Pexels)

Corbett Brewing Company is celebrating the 10 year anniversary and the more than $210,000 fundraising milestone of Beading Divas to the Rescue Bracelets from 4 – 6 p.m.

There’s going to be raffle prizes, live music by The Unday, bracelet sales, giveaways, and canine themed cocktails, such as the Pink Poodle, Lady and the Tramp, and Salty Chihuahua. More…

Tuesday, May 28

“Dinner with Chefs” presents: Sommelier vs. Sommelier at PY Steakhouse

Roasted Baby Carrots at PY Steakhouse (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Credit: Jackie Tran

We’re well into the year now and the monthly event continues to evolve into a much bigger culinary experience with its vast group of collaborators. For example, this month’s dinner is sort of a competition between two sommeliers.

In one corner, you’ve got Will Olendorf with is choices of wine, and in the other corner is the challenger Jennifer Aspery. Although, both are working together to provide one of the best meals you’ve had in weeks — possibly months.

Seats range from $75 to $125 per person. More…

Wednesday, May 29

Gourmet dining at non-profit fundraising “Primavera Cooks!” dinner

The Primavera Foundation is hosting its 18th season of Primavera Cooks!, and is kicking things off with a multi-course dinner with chef Janos Wilder at The Carriage House at 6 p.m on Wednesday, May 29. More…

Thursday, May 30

Ken’s Hardwood Barbecue Limited-Time Anniversary Special

St. Louis pork ribs at Ken's Hardwood Barbecue (Credit: Jackie Tran)
St. Louis pork ribs at Ken’s Hardwood Barbecue (Credit: Jackie Tran)

The restaurant is celebrating two years in Tucson with a $29.99 meal deal from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 30.

The deal includes your choice of Brisket or Ribs, two family sides, and four pieces of cornbread.

Friday, May 31

Hands-On Cooking Class: Creative Salads & Fresh Summer Recipes

(Credit: The Garden Kitchen)
(Credit: The Garden Kitchen)

The summery cooking class will take place from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at The Garden Kitchen.

During class, you’ll learn how to transform your typical salad to a decadent dish.

You will quickly learn that salads and summer recipes are quick and healthy, while discovering new flavor combinations and preparation techniques.

Seats are $55 per person — get them here.

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!