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Tucson Foodie’s Week in Review: What You Missed (March 1-7)

Tucson Foodie’s Week in Review: What You Missed (March 1-7)

Mar 8, 20254 min read

Welcome to this week’s roundup!

We’ve gathered the top stories, a standout social post, and other foodie highlights you shouldn’t miss. From the latest buzz around Tucson’s dining scene to can’t-miss events and exclusive perks for our Insiders, this is your go-to guide to staying in the loop.

Let’s dig in!

Top Stories & Articles

Peek into New Dishes at The Cork with Chef Matt Kraiss (PHOTOS)
Seafood pasta at the Cork (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Seafood pasta at the Cork (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Shortly before our recent visit to UnCork’d, The Cork also hosted us for a peek at some recent additions under executive chef Matt Kraiss. A grown-up version of shrimp alfredo, this seafood pasta takes more inspiration from the buttery Lobster Newberg, popularized by Delmonico’s in New York. Take occasional bites of the crunchy toast smothered with saffron-rich rouille to contrast the succulent chunks of lobster and shrimp.

Read the full article: Peek into New Dishes at The Cork with Chef Matt Kraiss (PHOTOS)

Batey Puerto Rican Gastronomy: Where Tradition Meets Modern Technique
Owner-chef Carlos Garcia at Batey Puerto Rican Gastronomy (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Owner-chef Carlos Garcia at Batey Puerto Rican Gastronomy (Photo by Jackie Tran)

“I came into Tucson in 2007,” Garcia said. “I was working for the Ritz-Carlton in Puerto Rico and got transferred to the JW Marriott. From there, I worked at different luxury hotels before deciding to step out from the hotel industry.”

Read the full article: Batey Puerto Rican Gastronomy: Where Tradition Meets Modern Technique

Wholesome, Clean Eating Takes Lead at RealGood Brunch Co.
Blueberry pancakes at RealGood Brunch Co. (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Blueberry pancakes at RealGood Brunch Co. (Photo by Jackie Tran)

RealGood Brunch Co. entered Tucson’s breakfast scene with a commitment to clean eating and fresh, made-from-scratch dishes.

Read the full article: Wholesome, Clean Eating Takes Lead at RealGood Brunch Co.

Bumsted’s Brings Tucson Fun with Mics, Mimosas, & Meatloaf Sandwiches

Since reopening in 2020, this local gem built a reputation not just for its legendary meatloaf sandwiches, but also for its lively karaoke nights and growing weekend brunch scene.

Read the full article: Bumsted’s Brings Tucson Fun with Mics, Mimosas, & Meatloaf Sandwiches.

New Foodie Guides

Best PIZZA in Tucson
Anello (Photo by Anna Smirnova)

From sourdough perfection at Anello to solar-powered slices at Brooklyn Pizza Company, this guide is your ticket to the tastiest slices in town. Take a tour through the best pizza in Tucson digitally — and then, of course, physically.

Read the guide: Best Pizza in Tucson.

Best Fish & Chips in Tucson
Fish & Chips at HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Whenever February and March roll around, it’s that time of year when regardless of the reasoning, people start to ask, “Where can I get good fish and chips in Tucson?” Check out some of the places we’ve gathered.

Read the guide: Best Fish & Chips in Tucson.

Rosé All Day at Vero Amore
Saturday, March 8
(Photo courtesy of Hampton Water)
(Photo courtesy of Hampton Water)

Join Vero Amore at 2990 N. Swan Rd. Ste. 114 for Rosé All Day from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, March 8.

The afternoon of food and drinks benefits the Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter & Sanctuary. The event will offer live music, special raffles, including signed bottles of wine and other goodies from Jon Bon Jovi and Jesse Bongiovi’s Hampton Water.

They will accept donations of supplies such as food and litter throughout the event.

Suncliffe x Locale – Bocce Bar & Cultivaro Amaro Launch
Sunday, March 9

Join Locale and Suncliffe under the palms for an evening of craft cocktails, bocce, and a family-style dinner from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 9.

The $65 all-inclusive tickets will grant access to the Bocce Bar, a special
Suncliffe pop-up bar, serving Suncliffe Gin & the Tucson launch of Cultivaro Amaro. Kick off the evening with an open bar, play in a casual bocce tournament (with a prize for the winners), and enjoy a family-style dinner designed to pair perfectly with Suncliffe’s new amaro.

This event kicks off The Bocce Bar as a new weekly Sunday feature, where guests can enjoy Suncliffe cocktails and open bocce play on Locale’s outdoor patio.

Perks of Being an Insider

For $20 a month, Tucson Foodie Insiders get a stack of cash vouchers to local restaurants worth over $6,000, free tasting events at local restaurants every month, access to members-only monthly dinner series with local chefs, discounts on events, and monthly mixers with other members.

Learn more and join!

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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!