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Premier tasting, “The EVENT” by Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson, April 15

Premier tasting, “The EVENT” by Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson, April 15

Apr 2, 20183 min read

One of Tucson’s biggest, most beloved, and most anticipated food festivals makes its return for another year.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson is hosting its 17th annual The EVENT at La Encantada from 6 – 9 p.m. on Sunday, April 15.

The premiere tasting event celebrates 50 of the top restaurants, plenty of the tastiest libations, and some of the best live entertainment and dancing Tucson has to offer.

All year ’round, the Boys & Girls Clubs provides programs and a safe place to go after school and during the summer for the at least 7,000 Club Members.

Tickets are $150 per person. Proceeds help support more than 6,000 at-risk Club Members served at the Boys & Girls Clubs’ six local clubhouses.

Get tickets for Boy & Girls Club of Tucson’s “The EVENT” by clicking here.

Raffle tickets are also available for $20 each or six for $100.

The EVENT will also be hosting live entertainment and music throughout the night, but the various acts and artists have yet to be confirmed.

Additionally, the Tucson City of Gastronomy will host a table sharing information about the designation, how Tucson earned the award, and more.


The EVENT Participating Restaurants & Menu

Alfonso Gourmet Olive Oil & Balsamics + Chef Chic

Blood orange olive oil brownies, non-alcoholic balsamic shrub drink

AZuL at The Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa

Meat and sauce or salsa

BIRD Modern Provisions & Bar

Johnny cakes, braised pork

Blanco Tacos + Tequila

Warm queso “Bob Armstrong” style, charred avocado taco, flan

Dips at Blanco Tacos + Tequila (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Dips at Blanco Tacos + Tequila (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Bottega Michelangelo

Trifole pasta

Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ

Smoked pork ribs, BBQ pit beans

Carriage House

Pork Colorado, frijoles maneados, esquites

Charro Steak

Esquites de elote

Commoner & Co.

Short rib, potatoes, veggies

Short Rib at Commoner & Co. (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Short Rib at Commoner & Co. (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Contigo Latin Kitchen

Chicken and beef skewers

Anticuchos de Pollo at Contigo Latin Kitchen (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Anticuchos de Pollo at Contigo Latin Kitchen (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Culinary Dropout

Charred Korean aspargus, house smoked salmon, mini s’mores

The Dutch Eatery & Refuge

Poffertjes

El Charro Cafe

Tamale, corn

El Saguarito

Green chile beef, rice, beans, chips, salsa

Elvira’s

Chile rojo enchilada

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Mini cheesecake bites, raspberry sauce

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse

Whole tenderloin, truffled mashed potatoes, peppercorn sauce

Frost Gelato

Mini gelato cones

HUB Ice Cream Factory

Ice cream

Ice Cream from HUB Ice Cream Factory (Photo: HUB)
Ice Cream from HUB Ice Cream Factory (Photo: HUB)

The Living Room Wine Café & Lounge

Mini chilaquiles

Monsoons Tap and Grill

Green chile pork

Noble Hops

Shepherd’s pie

North Italia

Crushed fava bean bruschetta, English pea totelloni, hazelnut torta

Pastiche Modern Eatery

Shrimp, grits, barbecue sauce

Prep & Pastry

Bacon, English muffin, egg

RA Sushi

Crispy spicy tuna

Reforma

Carnitas tacos, pickled onions, habanero salsa

Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink

Meatballs and sauce

Pork & Beef Meatballs at Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink (Credit: Claire Kaufman)
Pork & Beef Meatballs at Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink (Credit: Claire Kaufman)

Saffron Indian Bistro

Chicken Tikka Masala, Vegetable Biryani

Chicken Tikka Masala at Saffron Indian Bistro in Tucson
Chicken Tikka Masala at Saffron Indian Bistro in Tucson

Seis Kitchen

Tacos tinga, tacos cochinita pibil

Tacos Chicken Tinga de Puebla at Seis Kitchen (Credit: Seis Kitchen)
Tacos Chicken Tinga de Puebla at Seis Kitchen (Credit: Seis Kitchen)

Sir Veza’s Kitchen & Kantina

Roasted corn guacamole, chips

Sullivan’s Steakhouse

Ahi tuna, cheesecake

Tavolino Ristorante Italiano

Penne pasta with walnut arugula pesto, braised beef on polenta

Ume Asian Cuisine & Sushi

Sushi, wasabi soy sauce

Playboy Roll at Ume (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Playboy Roll at Ume (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Union Public House

Pulled pork sliders

Vero Amore

Vegetarian lasagna

Villa Peru

Causa de pollo, aji de gallina, ceviche de pescado

Causa de Pollo at Villa Peru Modern Peruvian Cuisine (Credit: Suni Hunt)
Causa de Pollo at Villa Peru Modern Peruvian Cuisine (Credit: Suni Hunt)

Vivace

Sea scallops, garlic potato puree, lightened demi glace

Wildflower American Grill

Grilled albacore “Forbidden,” Moroccan lamb meatball, chocolate mocha bar

Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar

Zinburger sliders, truffle chips

La Encantada is located at 2905 E. Skyline Dr. For more information, call (520) 573-3533 or visit bgctucson.org to purchase your tickets.

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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!