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Tucson’s ‘Soul Food Wednesday’ returns with 25+ vendors

(Photo courtesy of Off the Hook Seafood)

Tucson’s ‘Soul Food Wednesday’ returns with 25+ vendors

Apr 24, 20232 min read

Blax Friday began as a simple spreadsheet — a list of Black-owned businesses in Tucson. In just a few short years, Blax Friday became not only the largest Black business directory in Arizona but evolved into a community organization dedicated to the owners thereof.

“Our goals are representation and economic empowerment of Black business owners. We spotlight businesses through our website, app, social marketing, promotions, and community events.“

Treat yourself to meats, sweets, chics, and more at Blax Friday’s monthly Soul Food Wednesday, which will take place this Wednesday, April 26th, from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. at Playground Bar & Lounge downtown.

(Photo courtesy of Off the Hook Seafood)

Enjoy local soul food in Tucson while smelling the artisanal scents of Light of Mine candles, perusing the artsy gifts of Lil’ Desert Doodles, and convincing your significant that you really do need another Sonoran succulent from Drutopia. Just one more. For real this time.

Come warm your belly, soothe your mind, and celebrate your life with multicultural pizzazz. The event is free to attend.

April Vendors

  • DJ GodBody Ra
  • Off The Hook Seafood
  •  Ducky’s Pineapple Banana Bread
  •  Cookin Wit Cort
  •  Sticky Fingers (Pending)
  •  Lil Desert Doodles
  •  Jijivisha Holistic
  •  Baked
  •  Safety Babes Keychains
  •  Classic Custom Cakes And Treats
  •  The Serene Essentials
  •  Glamour Chiccs
  •  Braiderscorner
  •  Light Of Mine Candle Supply
  •  Oh Shea
  •  House Of Zuri
  •  Drutopia
  •  Black Broccoli
  •  The Neon Door
  •  Grow God
  •  Song And Sugar Sweets
  •  Self Love Spa
  •  Sweets Cakes And Treats
  •  Hot Spotting
  •  Beautiful Little Things
  •  Adia Jamille Textiles

Can’t make it? Wish you could? Don’t fret. Soul Food Wednesdays will return on Wednesday, May 31. Stay tuned.

Playground Bar & Lounge is located at 278 E. Congress St. For more information, follow Blax Friday on Instagram or on Facebook.

Article written by:

Max Wingert

Max Wingert

More about Max

Born in Texas, raised in Tokyo, and sharpened somewhere between a stage in New York and a story too strange to fully explain, Max Wingert writes like he’s lived a few extra lives—and honestly, he probably has.

Before Tucson, before food writing, there was acting. Then somewhere along the way, things got… complicated. Fencing, fighting, revenge, miracles—you know, the usual career pivots.

Now, Max brings that same unpredictable energy to the Tucson food scene, chasing down bold flavors, hidden gems, and stories worth telling. His writing doesn’t just describe food—it pulls you into the moment, like you were there when it happened.

And somehow, you wish you were.

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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.
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.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 
Photos by @sea_lyonAnne Rysdale built @sheltercocktaillounge in 1961 with concrete walls, lava rock, and Cold War nerves. Today, owners Pam Santangelo and Kevin Breutzmann keep the Tucson bar exactly as regulars remember it. Inside, martinis share space with JFK memorabilia, a vintage atomic chandelier, and a suit of armor named Charlie. “Tucson is changing so much, but this has stayed the same. It’s a time capsule,” Santangelo said. Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photos by @sea_lyon
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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