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Tucson Foodie’s Week in Review: What You Missed (April 26-May 2)

Tucson Foodie’s Week in Review: What You Missed (April 26-May 2)

May 2, 20253 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 around Tucson’s dining scene to can’t-miss events and exclusive perks for our Foodie Club members, this is your go-to guide to staying in the loop.

Let’s dig in!

Top Stories & Articles

El Triunfo Bakery & Tortilleria

Exterior at El Triunfo Bakery and Tortilleria (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Exterior at El Triunfo Bakery and Tortilleria (Photo by Jackie Tran)

The Sonoran hot dog bun is a touch sweeter and softer, especially if it was baked that morning. Since you can’t find these treasured buns at a grocery store, where do you go? Straight to the source. Peek into the kitchen to see a box or bag and you might be lucky to find the label for El Triunfo Bakery & Tortilleria, located at 6348 S. Nogales Hwy.

Read the full article: El Triunfo Bakery & Tortilleria.

Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in April

Chicories Salad Agustin Kitchen (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Chicories Salad Agustin Kitchen (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Here’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed during April! Not only are these reminders of the dishes we ate, but they can also be a guide for your own decisions on what to eat here in Tucson.

Read the full article: Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in April.

Agustin Kitchen Ramps Up Breakfast & Lunch with Cafe Agustin

Wildly Leavened Pancakes Agustin Kitchen (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Wildly Leavened Pancakes Agustin Kitchen (Photo by Jackie Tran)

A couple of newcomers coming out of the bakery include the Ramona Farms blue corn blueberry scone, made with stone-milled heirloom corn, house buttermilk, and organic grains, and the house brioche bostock, where buttery sourdough brioche meets frangipane.

Read the full article: Agustin Kitchen Ramps Up Breakfast & Lunch with Cafe Agustin.

Food lineup for the Asian Night Market (May 10)

🌙 Here’s the food lineup for the Asian Night Market happening Saturday, May 10 from 6-10 p.m. at the @Tucsonccc (1288 W River Rd).

Learn more.

New & Updated Foodie Guides

Best Sonoran Hot Dogs in Tucson

Super Chipilones at El Perro Loco (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

While we can’t objectively decide on the best Sonoran dogs in Tucson, here are some of our favorites along with the ones with the most fierce local followings.

Read the guide: Best Sonoran Hot Dogs in Tucson.

Best Carne Asada in Tucson

Carne Asada Tacos at The Quesadillas (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Carne Asada: one of the sizzling stars of Tucson’s culinary scene. Marinated in flavorful spices and grilled to perfection, this iconic dish embodies the bold flavors and vibrant spirit of the Southwest, making it a must-try for any foodie on the hunt for authentic Mexican cuisine.

Read the guide: Best Carne Asada in Tucson.

Things to Do in Tucson

Mother’s Day: Brunch, Dinner & Foodie Events For Mom

Mother's Day (Photo by George Dolgikh)
Mother’s Day (Photo by George Dolgikh)

It’s a well-known fact that the way to the heart is through her stomach (my mom may have told me that). This Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 11), show your mom some love with a special meal at one of Tucson’s best restaurants.

Read the article: Brunch, Dinner & Foodie Events For Mom.

Cinco de Mayo: Fiestas, Margaritas & More in Tucson

Margaritas (classic, mango, and strawberry) (Photo courtesy of Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar)
Margaritas (classic, mango, and strawberry) (Photo courtesy of Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar)

The holiday has become widely celebrated here in the U.S., making for a fun time at bars and restaurants around Tucson. Similar to previous years, there’s plenty of food, beer, margaritas, and good old-fashioned fun happening on Monday, May 5.

Read the article: Fiestas, Margaritas & More in Tucson.

Perks of Being a Foodie Club member

For $20 a month, Foodie Club members 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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IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. 

Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.
THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 

@Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. 

Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. 

The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. 

WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave.
TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free
 
SPECIAL ADMISSION: 
• Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID 
• Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups
• Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID

ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 @Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave. TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free SPECIAL ADMISSION: • Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID • Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups • Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.
Anne Rysdale built @sheltercocktaillounge in 1961 with concrete walls, lava rock, and Cold War nerves. Today, owners Pam Santangelo and Kevin Breutzmann keep the Tucson bar exactly as regulars remember it. Inside, martinis share space with JFK memorabilia, a vintage atomic chandelier, and a suit of armor named Charlie. “Tucson is changing so much, but this has stayed the same. It’s a time capsule,” Santangelo said. 

Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 
Photos by @sea_lyonAnne Rysdale built @sheltercocktaillounge in 1961 with concrete walls, lava rock, and Cold War nerves. Today, owners Pam Santangelo and Kevin Breutzmann keep the Tucson bar exactly as regulars remember it. Inside, martinis share space with JFK memorabilia, a vintage atomic chandelier, and a suit of armor named Charlie. “Tucson is changing so much, but this has stayed the same. It’s a time capsule,” Santangelo said. Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photos by @sea_lyon
Scratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜

@ikkyu.tucson 
@jaramencurry 
@kiwamiramenbar 
@kukai___ 
@marujapanesenoodle 
@maruplusaz 
@obonsushi 
@raijinramen 
@theramenbartucson 
@tossfriedchickennramen 

More guides on Tucsonfoodie.comScratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜 @ikkyu.tucson @jaramencurry @kiwamiramenbar @kukai___ @marujapanesenoodle @maruplusaz @obonsushi @raijinramen @theramenbartucson @tossfriedchickennramen More guides on Tucsonfoodie.com