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Tucson Foodie’s Week in Review: What You Missed (April 5-11)

Tucson Foodie’s Week in Review: What You Missed (April 5-11)

Apr 11, 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 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

From Top Chef to Tucson: Chef Brian’s Comfort Kitchen

Chef-owner Brian Hill at Chef Brian's Comfort Kitchen (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Chef-owner Brian Hill at Chef Brian’s Comfort Kitchen (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Best known for his appearances on Top Chef and Private Chefs of Beverly Hills, chef Brian Hill has cooked for stars like Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, and Eddie Murphy. But Tucson became his stage in 2022 when he opened Chef Brian’s Comfort Kitchen.

Read the full article: From Top Chef to Tucson: Chef Brian’s Comfort Kitchen.

La Ventanita Walk-Up Coffee & Breakfast Window Open at Mojo

La Ventanita at Mojo Cuban Kitchen (Photo by Kaylee Prinz)
La Ventanita at Mojo Cuban Kitchen (Photo by Kaylee Prinz)

Drink options include coffee drinks such as the cafecito, a sweetened Cuban espresso, to smoothies, milkshakes, lemonades, and tea. Food options range from handhelds, such as egg-filled pastelitos and breakfast empanadas, to the avocado tostada on toasted Cuban bread. La Ventanita also offers large boxes of their handheld goodies to-go.

Read the full article: La Ventanita Walk-Up Coffee & Breakfast Window Open at Mojo.

‘Roadies’ Brings Food, Bowling & Axe Throwing to Grant & Swan

(Photo courtesy of Roadies)
(Photo courtesy of Roadies)

There’s actually a lot going on inside Roadies — a restaurant, bar, several bowling lanes, axe throwing, laser tag, arcades, live music on select nights, and even mini movie theaters. The bowling alley section of Roadies is using a nifty technology named Spark Augmented Reality Bowling, adding “stunning visuals, immersive animations, and customizable gameplay” to the old-fashioned experience.

Read the full article: ‘Roadies’ Brings Food, Bowling & Axe Throwing to Grant & Swan.

Chandler-Based ‘Thai Chili 2 Go’ to Open in Marana

Thai Chili 2 Go is opening its first Tucson-area location this summer at Marana’s Gladden Farms Commercial Center — right by the new Fry’s on Tangerine Rd. Expect Thai curries, noodle dishes, and apps with options to go vegan, gluten-free, or protein-packed. Oh, and everything’s dairy-free, too. Prices start at just $4

Read the full article: Chandler-Based ‘Thai Chili 2 Go’ to Open in Marana.

New & Updated Foodie Guide

New Restaurants, Bars & Coffee Shops in Tucson

Cocktail at UnCork'd Kitchen & Cocktails (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Cocktail at UnCork’d Kitchen & Cocktails (Photo by Jackie Tran)

It’s safe to say the Tucson restaurant industry has been booming and bustling. From restaurants making their first appearance in town to those opening second or even third locations throughout the city, it’s without question that the scene has seen its fair share of growth.

Read the guide: New Restaurants, Bars & Coffee Shops in Tucson.

Best Steaks in Tucson

NY Strip estillo Charro at Charro Steak & Del Rey (Photo by Jackie Tran)
NY Strip estillo Charro at Charro Steak & Del Rey (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Whether you want a saucy, tender filet mignon, a hefty mesquite-grilled cowboy rib-eye, or classy and comforting steak frites, here are some places to get the best steak in Tucson.

Read the guide: Best Steaks in Tucson.

Foodie Events

Easter Dine-In and To-Go Options in Tucson

Easter Brunch (Photo courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton at Dove Mountain)
Easter Brunch (Photo courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton at Dove Mountain)

Whether you’re looking for a morning meal, an evening of elegance, or a quick bite with the family, there’s no need to hunt down the perfect event by yourself. We’re here to fill your Easter basket with options. With that being said, one of the following restaurants should do just the trick for Sunday, April 20.

Read the full article: Easter Dine-In and To-Go Options In Tucson.

Tucson’s New 420 Fest Blends Food, Music & Cannabis

Pollinator Festival (Photo courtesy of Community Gardens of Tucson)

What if you found a golden Easter egg — and it was filled with joints or worth $100 in dispensary gift cards?

That’s just one of the surprises waiting for you at the first-ever 420 Fest, presented by Earth’s Healing, a brand-new cannabis, food, and music experience created by Tucson Foodie, Tucson Doobie, and Earth’s Healing. This exciting event takes place on Saturday, April 19, from 2–8 p.m. at the Whistle Stop Depot, a unique venue that’s been revitalized to give Tucson a fresh and exciting space to gather.

Read the article: Tucson’s New 420 Fest Blends Food, Music & Cannabis.

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