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Tucson Foodie’s Week in Review: What You Missed (March 15-21)

Tucson Foodie’s Week in Review: What You Missed (March 15-21)

Mar 21, 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

Jerk Chicken, Oxtail Shine at Kingston Kitchen Tucson
Curry chicken at Kingston Kitchen (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Curry chicken at Kingston Kitchen (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Kingston Kitchen, located at 5305 E. Speedway Blvd., stands as a vibrant celebration of authentic Jamaican cuisine. Co-owner and general manager Damion Williams took over the restaurant space in 2021, transforming what was formerly CeeDee Jamaican Kitchen into something entirely new.

Read the full article: Jerk Chicken, Oxtail Shine at Kingston Kitchen Tucson.

Wine Blending Urban Winery ‘Vertigo Wines’ to Open Downtown
Interior at Vertigo Wines (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Interior at Vertigo Wines (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Longtime Tucsonans may recognize owners Kristel and Dominic Johnson from their previous business, Isabella’s Ice Cream. Kristel also spent time as general manager for HUB Ice Cream Factory and business development manager for Sand-Reckoner Vineyard before working on opening Vertigo Wines. She landed on the name Vertigo Wines after a personal experience with vertigo.

Read the full article: Wine Blending Urban Winery ‘Vertigo Wines’ to Open Downtown.

‘Bakery By Ren’ Opens Next to Ren Coffeehouse
Bakery By Ren (Photo by Victoria Ciscneros)
Bakery By Ren (Photo by Victoria Ciscneros)

Earlier this month, Bakery By Ren relocated to 4300 N. Campbell Ave. #12 (formerly at 4320 N Campbell Ave. #43) Now, the new spot shares the wall with Ren Coffeehouse, allowing folks to easily wander from one spot to the other.

Read the full article: ‘Bakery By Ren’ Opens Next to Ren Coffeehouse.

Oasis Fruit Cones Closed After 41 Years

“After 41 wonderful years, it’s time for us to say goodbye. It’s with a mix of gratitude and bittersweet emotion that we announce the closing of Oasis Fruit Cones & Raspados as John and Julie step into a much-deserved retirement.”

Read the full article: Oasis Fruit Cones Closed After 41 Years.

New Foodie Guides

Guide to Locally Owned Groceries with Fresh Produce in Tucson
Produce at Time Market (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Produce at Time Market (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Locally owned groceries around Tucson carry an assortment of packaged foods, but how many carry fresh produce? As it turns out, not nearly as many as there are restaurants.

Read the guide: Guide to Locally Owned Groceries with Fresh Produce in Tucson.

Best Bars in Tucson, According to Wine Enthusiast
(Photo courtesy of Barbata)

“There are cocktail dens for every desire, cozy breweries in industrial shells and patios that satisfy the sun-seekers and shade-lovers,” said Rebecca Toy of Wine Enthusiast. “Try cocktails mixed with agave, prickly pear, and chiltepin chiles.”

Read the guide: Best Bars in Tucson, According to Wine Enthusiast.

Tucson Foodie Cookbook Club: ‘Wine Food’ at REVEL
Wednesday, March 26
Wine Food by by Dana Frank and Andrea Slonecker (Photo by Meg Baggott)
Wine Food by Dana Frank and Andrea Slonecker (Photo by Meg Baggott)

The next Cookbook Club is from 6 – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26 at REVEL, 416 E. Ninth St., featuring “Wine Food” by Dana Frank and Andrea Slonecker.

Read the article: Tucson Foodie Cookbook Club: ‘Wine Food’ at REVEL.

What to Eat & Drink at the Fourth Avenue Street Fair
Friday, March 21 – Sunday, March 23
Fourth Avenue Street Fair (Photo courtesy of Fourth Avenue Merchants Association)

The three-day event is happening on Friday, March 21 – Saturday, March 22 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and then 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 23.

Read the article: What to Eat & Drink at the Fourth Avenue Street Fair.

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