
From Line Cook to Pastry Chef: Kayla Draper’s Sweet Journey
She’s even worked at Walt Disney World — one of the happiest places on Earth — so it’s safe to say she has a knack for creating joy.
Matt SternerSep 25, 2024
Follow along for daily food inspiration, event updates, and behind-the-scenes looks at Tucson's culinary scene.
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Foodie Dinner at @sonoranhouse_samhughes!
Executive Chef Gabriella “Gabby” Alba showcased delicious new dishes while guests enjoyed tastings and shared feedback. Thank you to Chef Gabby, @sonoranhouse_samhughes, and everyone who joined us!🥂
Want in on more foodie experiences?
Here’s what Tucson Foodie Members get:
• $6,000+ in gift cards & perks
• Free monthly Foodie Hours
• Exclusive R&D dinners
• Festival discounts
• Help keep Tucson Foodie free
#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie
Italian Week runs now through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝🍕
Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.
🎉 Week 5 Winners
• Libby: $50 North Italia gift card
• Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets
• arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes
• Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card
• Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards
Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply.
🏆 This Week’s Prizes
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• $100 Visa gift card
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card
• @desertmuseum passes
More details in bio
@Theironcheftucson returns to Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita this Saturday, July 18!
Two-time reigning champion @chef_antbanks of @obonsushi is back to defend his title against AJ Mortazavi of @barnyard_az, winner of the 2026 Meet the Chefs competition. Once the secret ingredient is revealed, both chefs will race against the clock to create dishes judged on taste, creativity, and presentation.
The event begins with the Culinary Experience from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring three hours of food and drink sampling, cooking demos, and classes, followed by the live Iron Chef Competition from 5 to 8 p.m. This is a 21+ event.
More details and tickets at Tucsonfoodie.com🏆🎉
José Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57.
The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org.
Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉
Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com
#tucsonaz #tucsonnews
Italian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her.
Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️🩹🐶
Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝
Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.
🎉 Week 5 Winners
• Libby: $50 North Italia gift card
• Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets
• arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes
• Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card
• Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards
Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply.
🏆 This Week’s Prizes
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• $100 Visa gift card
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card
• @desertmuseum passes
More details in bio!Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!

She’s even worked at Walt Disney World — one of the happiest places on Earth — so it’s safe to say she has a knack for creating joy.
Matt SternerSep 25, 2024

Chef Dave Valencia of 5 Points is hosting a multi-course pop-up dinner under the name ZOE at the Carriage House on Friday, June 28.
Shane ReiserJun 16, 2024

We’ll update this list as events continue to pop up make sure to pay attention to the dates (some of these are happening sooner than others).
Matt SternerSep 18, 2024

Four-course dinner with Asian ingredients and flavor profiles in Italian dishes, plus Italian components in traditional Chinese preparations.
Addie IbarraJul 16, 2024

Now until Friday, August 30, Tap & Bottle Downtown, Corbett’s, and The Royal Room will be hosting the Drinking Club.
Addie IbarraJun 11, 2024

It’s a great time for local restaurants to showcase what they’re great at, which is serving some of the best food in the country!
Matt SternerSep 14, 2024

The new book features recipes from the UNESCO desert cities of gastronomy as well as nine other desert countries in Asia and North Africa.
Matt SternerSep 10, 2024

It’s a great time for local restaurants to showcase what they’re great at, which is serving some of the best food in the country!
Matt SternerSep 10, 2024

It’s a great time for local restaurants to showcase what they’re great at, which is serving some of the best food in the country!
Matt SternerSep 10, 2024

It’s safe to say the industry has been bustling. Here are some of the new restaurants, bars, and other local spots that have opened.
Jun 5, 2024

It’s a great time for local restaurants to showcase what they’re great at, which is serving some of the best food in the country!
Matt SternerSep 8, 2024

It’s a great time for local restaurants to showcase what they’re great at, which is serving some of the best food in the country!
Matt SternerSep 7, 2024

To kick off the special dinner series, Charro Steak & Del Rey is hosting a Tomahawk Flambé dinner for two on Saturday, September 7.
Matt SternerSep 6, 2024

Up north, Queen Creek Olive Mill is offering a few specials this summer that both your stomach and wallet will love!
Addie IbarraJul 2, 2024

From 6 – 10 p.m. on Sunday, September 22, Ermanos Bar is hosting a multi-course Sabor de Oaxaca Mezcal Dinner at 220 N. Fourth Ave.
Matt SternerSep 4, 2024

Now, in its sixth year, Sonoran Restaurant Week has seen its fair share of incredible menus and edible experiences.
Matt SternerSep 3, 2024

The restaurant is planning to open in the historic building at 72 E. Congress St. — a space that’s been vacant for more than 20 years.
Matt SternerAug 30, 2024

The good times are in full swing at the Arizona Renaissance Festival, which is happening each weekend from now until Sunday, March 31.
Matt SternerMar 12, 2024

North Italia is serving a limited-time brunch prix fixe menu available only on weekends throughout the end of August at 2995 E Skyline Dr.
Matt SternerAug 23, 2024

“We’ve survived so far by the strength of the quality of our food and the good graces of the Tucson dining public. But we’ve had to evolve.”
Edie JarolimApr 17, 2024