
Mint Juleps & Big Hats: Kentucky Derby Watch Parties in Tucson
A few local spots are saddling up with themed watch parties, Derby-inspired eats, and plenty of mint juleps.
Matt SternerApr 30, 2025
Follow along for daily food inspiration, event updates, and behind-the-scenes looks at Tucson's culinary scene.
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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!
The Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️
Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado.
MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN:
@agustinkitchen
@seiskitchen
@prestacoffee
@laestrella_tucson
@dolcepastellocakes
@zumitosjuicebar
@santacruzriverfm
MSA ANNEX:
@decibelcoffeeworks
@kukai___
@bosburger__
@hidden_hearth
@rolliestucson
@westbound_tapandbottle
THE MONIER:
@wholeslvcepizza
@81barbersofficial
Share your favorite stops with us!
More details on Tucsonfoodie.com
#tucson #tucsonfoodie
Two days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort.
The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu.
Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞
#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie
How many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛
From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio.
ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS.
WEEK 6 WINNERS
Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week:
* Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia
* Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival
* arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
* donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe
* Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card
* Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card
PRIZES
This week’s prize pool includes:
* Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets
* $100 Visa gift card
* @eljefecatcafe pass
* $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe
* @desertmuseum passes
Presenting sponsor: @visittucson
Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollectiveTag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!

A few local spots are saddling up with themed watch parties, Derby-inspired eats, and plenty of mint juleps.
Matt SternerApr 30, 2025

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Also, you can always check out our Events section on the website to see what’s going on any day of the week.
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