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Food Truck Finds: Hot Trucks & Roundups May 30 – June 5

Food Truck Finds: Hot Trucks & Roundups May 30 – June 5

May 30, 20164 min read

This week, our local purveyors of food-en-route offer ballistic brisket, praiseworthy pork, and captivating calamari. Dig in to these Tucson Food Truck Finds.

Ken’s Hardwood Barbecue

Sweet Potato Fries (Photo credit: Kim M. Bayne)
Sweet Potato Fries (Photo credit: Kim M. Bayne)

Ken Can Q. In fact, that’s what his actual Facebook address boasts. You’ll wonder how you managed to eat plate after plate of barbecue in Tucson, yet somehow missed this gem of a food truck.

  • Best Seller: Anything Brisket. Start with the succulent Ken’s Beef Brisket Sandwich, topped with housemade barbecue sauce, then work your way through this well-seasoned menu. A little extra sauce on the side will do ya.
  • Recommended: Sweet Potato Fries. Is that brown sugar dusted across those delicious spuds? Why, yes. It is…along with a few hush-hush spices. It’s a precious family secret that’s addictingly good.
  • Where to Find: Drive to the National Bank Plaza on N Wilmot Rd for lunch or Al J’s Tavern on E 22nd St for dinner. Try not to be distracted by all the other folks arriving at the same time to satisfy their BBQ fix.

For more information, visit Ken’s Hardwood Barbecue on Facebook.

Big Bad Wolf

Buffaracha Wings (Photo credit: Kim M. Bayne)
Buffaracha Wings (Photo credit: Kim M. Bayne)

Here, piggy piggy. No, this menu is not a fairy tale. It’s the real deal that blows the house down with flavor.

  • Best Seller: The Big Bad Wolf sandwich. There’s pork roll, egg, and cheese on a roll with salt, pepper, and ketchup. Ah, now you’re getting that porcine reference, right?
  • Recommended: Buffaracha Wings. Previously a secret menu item, this awesome kick in the mouth became so popular it found it’s way onto the regular menu for good.
  • Where to Find: If you live in Rancho Sahuarita (about 20 minutes south of downtown), you get a special visit each First Tuesday. In town, Big Bad Wolf is found at round-ups and rallies.

For more information, visit Big Bad Wolf on Facebook.

American Flying Buffalo

Spicy Calamari (Photo credit: Kim M. Bayne)
Spicy Calamari (Photo credit: Kim M. Bayne)

AFB started out to offer the best wings around, so go ahead and order the spicy, deep-fried buffalo chicken. Or explore the full menu. There’s so much to savor, you’ll have to come back and ask what’s on special that night. Seriously.

  • Best Seller: Beef Fried Rice. Not what you’d expect from a food truck known for wings, but you can trust it’s made from scratch when you order. You’ll get a freshly fried egg, veggies, seasoned white rice, and tender chunks of beef. Presto change-o! Here’s your hearty dinner. Yum!
  • Recommended: Spicy Calamari. If Squidward were real, he’d hate you. Well, the sauce is worth it: pepperoncini peppers, tomatoes, white wine, fresh lemon, and parsley. You’ll sop it up with the side of bread.
  • Where to Find: On Sunday nights, stop at the Shelter Cocktail Lounge on E Grant Rd. AFB also frequents Danny’s Baboquivari Lounge on E Fort Lowell Rd and luxury apartment complexes for dinner.

For more information, visit American Flying Buffalo on Facebook.

Food Truck Gatherings May 30 – June 5

  • Tuesday, May 31 at 10:00 a.m.
    • Downtown Food Truck Rally at Joel D Valdez Main Library (Pima County Public Library), 101 N Stone Ave & W Pennington St, Tucson. Confirmed: Meatball Madness.
  • Thursday, June 2 at 11:00 a.m.
    • UA Tech Park at 9070 S Rita Rd, Tucson. Confirmed: Gigi’s Fusion Food Truck.
  • Thursday, June 2 at 4:00 p.m.
    • The Rolling Food Court at Main & Mace Public Relations, 310 S Meyer Ave, Tucson. Confirmed: Don Pedro’s Peruvian Bistro, Bella’s Gelato Shoppe, & Kettleicious Kettle Corn.
  • Friday, June 3 at 9:00 a.m.
    • First Friday Family Fundays at the Farmers Market (Heirloom Farmers Markets), Trail Dust Town, 6541 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson. Confirmed: Veg In a Box & Purple Tree Organic Açai Blends.
  • Friday, June 3 at 4:30 p.m.
    • Twilight Farmers Market at Sycamore Park, 7413 E Sycamore Park Blvd (east of Kolb Rd), Tucson. Confirmed: Don Pedro’s Peruvian Bistro & Pin-Up Pastries.
  • Friday, June 3 at 5:00 p.m.
    • Summer Kickoff at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 7650 N Paseo del Norte, Tucson. Confirmed: Fire Engine Hotdogs, Jackie’s Food Court, & Bugaloo’s Ice Cream.
  • Saturday, June 4 at 5:00 p.m.
    • Field Day at Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr Library (Pima County Public Library), 7800 N Schisler Ln (near N Silverbell Rd & N Cortaro Rd), Marana. Confirmed: Don Pedro’s Peruvian Bistro, Big Bad Wolf Food Truck, Taco’Queta, Vina Baguette Vietnamese Sandwiches, BBQ Rush, Sonoran Mexican Cuisine, Bugaloos Ice Cream, Mustache Mike’s Italian Ice, & Pin Up Pastries.
  • Sunday, June 5 at 8:00 a.m.
    • St. Philip’s Classic Farmers’ Market at St. Philip’s Plaza, 4280 N Campbell Ave, Tucson. Confirmed: Planet of the Crepes.

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Article written by:

Kim Miklofsky Bayne

Kim Miklofsky Bayne

More about Kim
Kim M. Bayne is a freelance writer/editor, social media producer, and former food truck correspondent for Food Network's Eat St. (TV Show) blog. Find Kim via her project Street Food Files on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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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!