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Tucson Foodie’s Week in Review: What You Missed (March 8-14)

Tucson Foodie’s Week in Review: What You Missed (March 8-14)

Mar 14, 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 Foodie Club members, this is your go-to guide to staying in the loop.

Let’s dig in!

Top Stories & Articles

Q&A with Claudia Vindiola, owner of La Frida Mexican Grill & Seafood
La Frida Mexican Grill & Seafood owner Claudia Vindiola (Photo courtesy of Claudia Vindiola)
La Frida Mexican Grill & Seafood owner Claudia Vindiola (Photo courtesy of Claudia Vindiola)

“It took us a year to design La Frida—the building, the dishes, the menu, and the bar. Everything was planned exactly as it is today. Every dish has its own plate, and every drink has its own glass. It’s important to highlight that our kitchen is very meticulous—everything is cooked from scratch.”

Read the full article: Q&A with Claudia Vindiola.

Q&A with Sally Kane of the Coronet
Sally Kane of the Coronet (Photo by Anna Smirnova)
Sally Kane of the Coronet (Photo by Anna Smirnova)

“I come from a family that was in the restaurant business. We dined out often and the dinner conversation centered around the business of the restaurant. When I was grown, there was nothing I loved more than discovering a wonderful restaurant that had charm and enjoying a meal prepared with love. After living in many places, I finally came home to my hometown of Tucson.”

Read the full article: Q&A with Sally Kane.

2 Tucson Coffee Shops Make ‘World’s 100 Best’ List
(Photo courtesy of Savaya Coffee Market)
(Photo courtesy of Savaya Coffee Market)

Savaya Coffee Market and Presta Coffee Roasters have landed spots on The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops — an international ranking that highlights top-notch cafés from across the globe.

This is a huge win for Tucson’s coffee scene. Over the years, the city has become a thriving coffee culture and now two shops are featured on a list that includes renowned coffeehouses in cities like Tokyo, Paris, and Melbourne.

Read the full article: 2 Tucson Coffee Shops Make ‘World’s 100 Best’ List.

Tucson’s first wine-blending bar

COMING SOON: Experience the art of wine blending at Vertigo Wines, Tucson’s first wine-blending bar. Founded by Kristel Johnson, this intimate space invites you to craft your own perfect blend in the heart of downtown.

New Foodie Guides

Sports Bars in Tucson: Beer, Bites & Plenty of TVs
The Dugout Sports Bar and Grill (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Nothing says “sports” like being surrounded by multiple televisions, eating fried food, hearing hoots and hollers from people nearby, drinking cold beer, and then getting the food and beer stains out of your shirt the following day.

Read the guide: Sports Bars in Tucson.

Best Pies in Tucson (Whole or by the Slice)
a plate of food on a table
Apple Pie (Photo courtesy of Village Bakehouse)

With National Pie Day landing on January 23 and Pi Day on March 14, it’s the perfect time to chomp down on the cozy, celebratory comfort food that’ll put a smile on anyone’s face. However, you don’t need a holiday to try all of the delicious baked options around Tucson. For all things pie, you’ve come to the right place!

Read the guide: Best Pies in Tucson.

St. Phattie’s Day: Tucson’s Ultimate Cannabis Celebration
Monday, March 17
(Photo courtesy of Hampton Water)

Get ready, Tucson! St. Phattie’s Day: Pot O’ Gold is just around the corner, and it’s shaping up to be the highest celebration of the season. Tucson Doobie is bringing the green vibes to life with this one-of-a-kind cannabis event that blends the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day with the best of the cannabis community. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just curious to explore, this event promises something for everyone.

Read the article: St. Phattie’s Day.

Five-Course Vegan Wine Dinner at The National
Thursday, March 20

Coming up on Thursday, March 20: an exclusive five-course vegan wine dinner at The National, 98 E. Congress St.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m., and in the darkly lit dining area between the cafe and Wooden Tooth Records, Chef Christian Padilla will serve a seasonal menu paired with wines curated by local wine guru Josh Osteen.

Read the article: Five-Course Vegan Wine Dinner at The National.

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