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Introducing Tucson Foodie’s Exclusive R&D Dinner Series

(Photo by Sebastian Coman Photography)

Introducing Tucson Foodie’s Exclusive R&D Dinner Series

Oct 26, 20232 min read

The restaurant scene in Tucson continues to shine and grow. With it comes not just new restaurants to explore, but new unique foodie experiences to enjoy.

One new experience of note is Tucson Foodie’s new chef-led dinner series, inspired by Tasting Collective’s highly popular model running in 20+ cities around the country.

These monthly dinners are designed to be a two-way conversation between guests and Chef. Restaurants serve multi-course meals featuring experimental dishes planned for future menus and guests provide feedback via comment cards and conversations with the restaurant’s Executive Chef. The evening concludes with a fireside chat with the chef, who is also on the floor explaining each dish and interacting directly with guests throughout the night.

For the inaugural dinner with Chef Mat Cable of Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria on Tuesday, November 7, we’re extending a special invitation to the general public at a rate of $85 per person. It’s a unique opportunity to get a taste of what Tucson Foodie’s new Insiders community is all about.

However, starting with subsequent dinners, exclusive access to these monthly culinary adventures will be reserved for our cherished Insiders at a stunning rate of only $65 per person with 100% of ticket sales going straight to the hosting restaurant.

If you haven’t already signed up, you can become an Insider for just $20/month, which not only grants you access to these exciting dinners but also includes lots of other member experiences and goodies. Another option is to attend as the +1 of an Insider, ensuring that everyone can join in the vibrant Tucson Foodie culinary community.

Tickets are now on sale for the first R&D Dinner with Chef Mat Cable of Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria. See below for a sneak peak at the menu. Insiders, check the Members App for details on getting your exclusive Insiders rate for this dinner as well as those upcoming.

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Upcoming R&D Dinners

  • Chef Mat Cable of Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria on Tuesday, November 7
  • Chef Devon Sanner of Zio Peppe in March
  • Chef Gary Hickey of Charro Steak on Saturday, April 20
  • Chef Paul Reyes of Ciao Down Pizza Studio, TBD
  • Chef Obie Hindman of Mountain Oyster Club, TBD

Tucson Foodie has always led the charge in celebrating and promoting the local culinary scene, and now, with the R&D Dinner Series at the heart of Tucson Foodie Insiders, they’re taking it to the next level.

But that’s not all.

The Tucson Foodie Insiders membership offers more than just these experiential R&D dinners. As an Insider, you also gain exclusive access to mixer events, early invitations and discounts to Tucson’s top food and beverage extravaganzas, a 30% discount at Tucson Foodie’s new merchandise store, and other special perks. All of this is managed through the Tucson Foodie members’ app, ensuring a seamless, convenient experience.

Visit tucsonfoodie.com/insiders to join and start receiving invitations to these exclusive dinners.

Article written by:

Shane Reiser

Shane Reiser

More about Shane
Tucson Foodie is Tucson's premier food and dining publication, covering the best restaurants, events, and culinary experiences in Southern Arizona.

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NEXT WEEK! @vegantucsonnightmarket❤️🐖🐄
September 5th from 6–10pm 

Come support our amazing local makers, small businesses, and restaurants while eating an absolutely ridiculous amount of vegan food. 

📸Glamour shots by @viguerrafoto 
🪩Music by @visionaryhousecollective 

🌙FREE ENTRY | FREE PARKING | DOG-FRIENDLY
📍RILLITO PARK • 4502 N 1ST AVE, TUCSON, AZ

🐶
@oldsoulsanimalrescue 
@paws_without_borders 
@rescuemetucson 

HOT/SAVORY 
@substancediner 
@hotsaucenpepper 
@huhushouseofdumplings 
Eatgypt
Bereisheet 129
@bobbyskitchen__ 
@cutsandslabs.charcuterie 
@delcielotamal 
@lovinspoonfulstucson 
@ensenadastreetfood 
@mayascajunkitchen 
@therealnaughtyvegan 
@patricias_cuban_kitchen 
@scratchingtheplate 
@themakanbowl 
@theveganjointaz 
Wrapido Food Truck
@youslydogtucson 
@yumyumpocha_ 

DESSERTS
@atekei_treats 
@thirddaysourdough 
@treats_by_gabby 
@donutblitz 
@churrosinzunza 
@abstractaquariums 
@sweetrollsandmore 
@tucsonchocolatefactory 
@uniquelymadecookies 
@coolkidssnackcakes 
@dirty_t_tamarindo 
@duckys_pineapplebananabread 
@tiasourdough 
@eatbliss.az 
@flourpotvegan 
@maxa_oats 
@sahteinpatisserie 
Counter Crispies 

BEVERAGES
@transit.tea 
@yourcoffeestopaz 
@barlapachanga 
@scentedleaf 
@konaiceofmarana 
@littlebearlemonade 
@bardownfitnessandnutrition 
@brewingcupofculture 
@lemonpoptucson 

SHOP LOCAL
@barknberryaz 
@cosmicfoundry 
@desierto_designs 
@enjoycrochetandknit 
@greenexpressiontucson 
@harvestedcreations 
@purpleskyincense 
@ricos_threads 
@snackabeesaz 
@sparkle_sparrow_az 
@spunkykind 
@yellowbirdfarm 
@wisteriacreekcottage 
@wisdombodyandsoul 
@tacosysalsa_tucson 
@thedrecreations 

#tucsonevents #vegantucson 
#tucsonsmallbusiness #tucsonlocalNEXT WEEK! @vegantucsonnightmarket❤️🐖🐄 September 5th from 6–10pm Come support our amazing local makers, small businesses, and restaurants while eating an absolutely ridiculous amount of vegan food. 📸Glamour shots by @viguerrafoto 🪩Music by @visionaryhousecollective 🌙FREE ENTRY | FREE PARKING | DOG-FRIENDLY 📍RILLITO PARK • 4502 N 1ST AVE, TUCSON, AZ 🐶 @oldsoulsanimalrescue @paws_without_borders @rescuemetucson HOT/SAVORY @substancediner @hotsaucenpepper @huhushouseofdumplings Eatgypt Bereisheet 129 @bobbyskitchen__ @cutsandslabs.charcuterie @delcielotamal @lovinspoonfulstucson @ensenadastreetfood @mayascajunkitchen @therealnaughtyvegan @patricias_cuban_kitchen @scratchingtheplate @themakanbowl @theveganjointaz Wrapido Food Truck @youslydogtucson @yumyumpocha_ DESSERTS @atekei_treats @thirddaysourdough @treats_by_gabby @donutblitz @churrosinzunza @abstractaquariums @sweetrollsandmore @tucsonchocolatefactory @uniquelymadecookies @coolkidssnackcakes @dirty_t_tamarindo @duckys_pineapplebananabread @tiasourdough @eatbliss.az @flourpotvegan @maxa_oats @sahteinpatisserie Counter Crispies BEVERAGES @transit.tea @yourcoffeestopaz @barlapachanga @scentedleaf @konaiceofmarana @littlebearlemonade @bardownfitnessandnutrition @brewingcupofculture @lemonpoptucson SHOP LOCAL @barknberryaz @cosmicfoundry @desierto_designs @enjoycrochetandknit @greenexpressiontucson @harvestedcreations @purpleskyincense @ricos_threads @snackabeesaz @sparkle_sparrow_az @spunkykind @yellowbirdfarm @wisteriacreekcottage @wisdombodyandsoul @tacosysalsa_tucson @thedrecreations #tucsonevents #vegantucson #tucsonsmallbusiness #tucsonlocal
🌵KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: DESERT MAGIC🌵

Desert Magic is happening TONIGHT! Tickets are available through the link in bio. Swipe for the menu previews! See you there! ✨

TONIGHT | 5–10 PM
@tohonochul 
7366 N. Paseo Del Norte

🍽️ 10 chef tasting stations
🌞 20+ wellness practitioners
🎶 Live music + soundscapes
🌱 Herb walks, workshops + botanical drinks

🚗 FREE PARKING is available in the main Tohono Chul lot. If the lot fills, street parking is available along N. Paseo Del Norte.

Wear something light and comfortable for strolling the gardens, and stay hydrated! Free water is available throughout the grounds.

🌿WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 

🔥FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate)

❤️SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev

#tucsonevents #tucsonarizona🌵KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: DESERT MAGIC🌵 Desert Magic is happening TONIGHT! Tickets are available through the link in bio. Swipe for the menu previews! See you there! ✨ TONIGHT | 5–10 PM @tohonochul 7366 N. Paseo Del Norte 🍽️ 10 chef tasting stations 🌞 20+ wellness practitioners 🎶 Live music + soundscapes 🌱 Herb walks, workshops + botanical drinks 🚗 FREE PARKING is available in the main Tohono Chul lot. If the lot fills, street parking is available along N. Paseo Del Norte. Wear something light and comfortable for strolling the gardens, and stay hydrated! Free water is available throughout the grounds. 🌿WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 🔥FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate) ❤️SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev #tucsonevents #tucsonarizona
@Sonoranrestaurantweek is almost here! September 4–13!🌵

This year, Flying V at @loewsventana is featuring a special K4 Ranch Prime Beef Tasting for $55.🥩

Dry-Aged Beef Tartare
Koji-Honey Vinaigrette, Fermented Tomato, Shallot, Pistachio, Fry Bread I *+18 add Flying V Special Reserve Caviar I *Casa Madero - Chardonnay — Valle de Parras, Mexico 

Tournedos of Filet Mignon
Desert Pearl Oyster Mushrooms, Del Bac Demi Glace, Our Beef Garum, Chives I Family Style: Hayden Mills Polenta, Farmer’s Market Featured Vegetables I *Merkin — Chupacabra Red - (Grenache, Mourvédre, Syrah, Petite Sirah) - Willcox, Arizona 

Caramel Butter Cake
Exo Coffee-Toffee Sauce, Bread Syrup, Preserved Jujube Chutney, Bone Marrow Ice Cream I *Flying Leap — Sangiovese – Elgin, Arizona 

See menus and build your itinerary on Tucsonfoodie/srw👈
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents@Sonoranrestaurantweek is almost here! September 4–13!🌵 This year, Flying V at @loewsventana is featuring a special K4 Ranch Prime Beef Tasting for $55.🥩 Dry-Aged Beef Tartare Koji-Honey Vinaigrette, Fermented Tomato, Shallot, Pistachio, Fry Bread I *+18 add Flying V Special Reserve Caviar I *Casa Madero - Chardonnay — Valle de Parras, Mexico Tournedos of Filet Mignon Desert Pearl Oyster Mushrooms, Del Bac Demi Glace, Our Beef Garum, Chives I Family Style: Hayden Mills Polenta, Farmer’s Market Featured Vegetables I *Merkin — Chupacabra Red - (Grenache, Mourvédre, Syrah, Petite Sirah) - Willcox, Arizona Caramel Butter Cake Exo Coffee-Toffee Sauce, Bread Syrup, Preserved Jujube Chutney, Bone Marrow Ice Cream I *Flying Leap — Sangiovese – Elgin, Arizona See menus and build your itinerary on Tucsonfoodie/srw👈 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents
TOMORROW! An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky.🌵✨

In partnership with @salus.healers, join us tomorrow, August 29, at @tohonochul for Desert Magic, a one-night celebration of the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and discover chef and wellness stations along the way. 

🌿WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 

🔥FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate)

🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev

Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks.

Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨ 

Video by @dalton.voss 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsoneventTOMORROW! An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky.🌵✨ In partnership with @salus.healers, join us tomorrow, August 29, at @tohonochul for Desert Magic, a one-night celebration of the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and discover chef and wellness stations along the way. 🌿WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 🔥FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate) 🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks. Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨ Video by @dalton.voss #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevent