Allen's Organics
If you like fresh organic vegetables from local farms you'll want to check out Allen's Organics at 741 S. Campbell Ave. The business sells organic produce sourced from growers across Southern Arizona, and the selection is truly beyond compare. Nancy Dudney, who runs the company with several members of her family, says the operation is expanding, too, and that the farm they contract with on the Tohono O'odham Nation is quadrupling the number of acres they plant next year. The produce can be found at several farmers' markets around town, and the warehouse is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday; 4 to 8 p.m., Friday; and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday; allensorganics.com.
Raspados and Pizza
One of my new favorite places for a quick bite is Sonoran Delights at 921 W. Congress St., just east of Grande Avenue. It's hard to beat their raspados on hot summer days, but if you prefer milkshakes or ice cream cones, they've got those, too. The little restaurant also has a huge selection of tostino preparados, an interesting street food made by cutting open a bag of chips and adding ingredients ranging from fresh fruit to cheese sauce. Tacos, burritos and a nice selection of other Sonoran-style fare are also available. A sign on the building next to Sonoran Delights says a pizzeria called The Olive is opening there soon. A peek inside showed that construction is still underway. No opening date is posted.
Mexico City Kitchen
A food truck just east of Grant and Country Club roads is serving some unique Mexico City-style food. Mexico City Kitchen used to be parked outside of Danny's Baboquivari Lounge on Fort Lowell Road, but relocated a few months ago. Here you find alambre, a fajita-style dish made with ham, steak, bacon and vegetables and topped with fresh cilantro, and other dishes with origins in Mexico's capital city. Many items get gourmet treatment, too, with items like mango relish and Bordelaise sauce popping up in unexpected places; 358-1237.
New Series: Pub Grubbing
I've kicked off a new series about bar food called Pub Grubbing on the Range, the Tucson Weekly's online daily dispatch. Our first stop included a conversation with Dave "Tacklebox" Carroll, kitchen manager of the Surly Wench Pub on Fourth Avenue. Check it out, and check back often. Your neighborhood bar could be next.
