There’s been a lot going for The Monica since opening in April and there are no plans of slowing down either. The newest Si Charro! concept has had plenty of activity around its breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night dishes, but now it’s time to shine a light on something else.
In the spirit of Tia Monica — the restaurant’s namesake and founder of El Charro Cafe a century ago —company CEO Ray Flores has some big plans for Second Tuesdays. Much like downtown’s Second Saturdays and the Cocktail Corridor, the special day strives to highlight some of Tucson’s most creative creators.
What you can expect
On the second Tuesday of every month, The Monica will be hosting a monthly showcase featuring a handful of Tucson’s finest local artisans, micro-food makers, and wellness practitioners — you name it. Each local entrepreneur is provided a table and special area where they can mingle with visitors, promote their passions, and sell their products from 5 – 7 p.m.
“We want to highlight the good in our community, to remind people that supporting all things local is critical to maintaining a vibrant and equitable economy. In fact, we would like to see Tucson become a benchmark for how a community can drive localism,” said Flores.
Right now, The Monica is looking for folks to join Second Tuesdays, so if you or someone you know wants to be considered for the monthly event, email tuesdays@themonicatucson.com.
Of course, the restaurant will be serving up the goods, too.
Inside The Monica, the regular locally-made items available on the menu will be there to keep you going as you shop around the patio. They’ve got Roma-Style Pizzas and Hand-Pulled Pizzettas — made with heritage Barrio grains and flour, local ingredients, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh toppings of your preference.
Additionally, you’ve got the option to order from one of the Pantry Recipes menus, which include Barrio Breakfast Toasts and Tartines, Pesto & Papas, and Tamale Bowls, or the Plated Recipes menus that feature the likes of Albondigas Béchamel, Short Rib Rustico, Salmon Citron, and the Chicken Pesto Baguette.
The Monica is located at 40 E. Congress St. For more information, visit themonicatucson.com.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt 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.
