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Tucson Foodie’s Week in Review: What You Missed (March 22-28)

Tucson Foodie’s Week in Review: What You Missed (March 22-28)

Mar 28, 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

Inside Gatz Deli: Where Online Fame Meets Sandwich Craft

Sean Gatz and Lamar Chairez at Gatz Deli (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Sean Gatz and Lamar Chairez at Gatz Deli (Photo by Jackie Tran)

When visiting the website for Gatz Deli, scroll past spicy premium content links to find the sandwich menus. Why do they coexist?

Co-owner and chef Sean Gatz didn’t earn his 3.3 million TikTok followers for sandwiches. There, he shares DIY projects and personal anecdotes. His premium content serves as an additional income stream.

Read the full article: Inside Gatz Deli: Where Online Fame Meets Sandwich Craft.

Tucson’s Tandem American Eatery Focuses on From-Scratch Cooking

Bacon Loaded Fries at Tandem American Eatery (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Bacon Loaded Fries at Tandem American Eatery (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Nestled in the Bear Canyon area on Tucson’s east side, Tandem American Eatery has established itself as a neighborhood favorite. Co-owners Patrick and Ayana Malarchik blend house-made comfort food with a commitment to community.

While the restaurant features a bicycle logo in a nod to a tandem bicycle, the name has other origins.

Read the full article: Tandem American Eatery Focuses on From-Scratch Cooking.

4 Seasons Restaurant Returns — Reopens as ‘Seasons Eats’

Seasons Eats (Formerly 4 Seasons Restaurant) (Photo courtesy of Seasons Eats)
Seasons Eats (Formerly 4 Seasons Restaurant) (Photo courtesy of Seasons Eats)

Many hearts were broken back in December 2022 when 4 Seasons Restaurant permanently closed at 1423 W. Miracle Mile. Now, with a fresh name and new location, 4 Seasons is back in action as Seasons Eats at 1710 E. Speedway Blvd. Geographically, this is one of the spaces in the strip near Noodies and right next to the former 1702/The Address Brewing.

Read the full article: 4 Seasons Restaurant Returns — Reopens as ‘Seasons Eats’.

Nearly 100-Year-Old Arizona Inn is For Sale in Midtown Tucson

After nearly a century, the historic Arizona Inn is on the market. Opened in 1930 by Arizona’s first congresswoman, Isabella Greenway, the Midtown boutique hotel has hosted locals, travelers, and Hollywood icons like Katharine Hepburn and Clark Gable. Spanning 14 acres, it features timeless amenities, including handcrafted furniture made by WWI veterans.

Read the full article: Arizona Inn is For Sale in Midtown Tucson.

New & Updated Foodie Guides

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)

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: New Restaurants, Bars & Coffee Shops in Tucson.

Guide to the Agave Heritage Festival’s Noche De Mezcal

(Photo courtesy of the Agave Heritage Festival)

Noche de Mezcal (formerly Mezcrawl) returns on Thursday, April 10 from 5 – 11 p.m. Folks will be given a mezcal toast and a tasting adventure from 11 participating local bars and restaurants. Some of the participating mezcal brands include Cambio Tequila, Lost Explorer, Alma del Jaguar, and NETA Mezcal.

Read the guide: Guide to the Agave Heritage Festival’s Noche De Mezcal.

Foodie Event

What to Eat & Drink at the Made in Tucson Market (March 30)

Made in Tucson Market (Photo by @catsphotoshoot on Instagram)
Made in Tucson Market (Photo by @catsphotoshoot on Instagram)

Tucson has been buzzing as of late when it comes to local events. Recently, we’ve been treated to the Tucson Festival of Books and the Fourth Avenue Street Fair, and now it’s time for the Made in Tucson Market.

The giant street market takes place along Seventh Street near Fourth Avenue on Sunday, March 30, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Read the guide: What to Eat & Drink at the Made in Tucson Market (March 30).

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