Best of Tucson 1996: Best Outdoor Dining

Best Outdoor Dining

Blue Willow Restaurant, Bakery & Poster Gallery
2616 N. Campbell Ave.

READERS' PICK: With its extensive menu of light, mostly vegetarian food, Blue Willow serves the kind of food that's meant to be eaten outdoors--salads, omelets and no-meat versions of Mexican favorites. The comfortable patio at the back of the building is surrounded by plants and vines and is wonderfully free from traffic noise. A shade roof keeps it cool in the summer; and in the winter, tall gas heaters provide cozy spheres of warmth.

READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: It may be right here in the Dumpy Pueblo, but the piazza-like setting of outdoor dining at Café Terra Cotta, 4310 N. Campbell Ave., is every bit as classy as that of a high-end Florentine bistro. Actually, on autumn evenings, we like it even better than Venice's San Marco plaza, if only because there are far fewer pigeons. The food's better, too. Try the wood-smoked pizzas and any damn chocolate dessert on the menu.

STAFF PICK: Situated in a remodeled former family residence on 48 acres of desert preserve, the Tohono Chul Tea Room, a darling of the travel guides nestled out of the way at 7366 N. Paseo del Norte, has the feel of a secluded weekend retreat. But while it merits a trip just for the ambiance, the food itself is worthy of note. Staple entrees like salmon, shrimp, beef tenderloin and grilled chicken are enlivened by a faintly nouvelle cuisine with a distinctly Southwestern flair, involving the judicious use of chiles, cilantro, black beans and other regional ingredients. There are seatings for breakfast and brunch, lunch, afternoon tea (naturally), and a twilight dinner that's become something of a tradition for knowledgeable locals.

Capping off your meal with a stroll through the park or gardens is highly recommended. At this writing a renovation of the kitchen was underway, but by early October full-service dining should be restored, and a new expanded menu on offer.