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Chow
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
GUT Announces Summer Dinner Series
Posted By Tucson Weekly Staff on Tue, Jun 11, 2019 at 1:28 PM
The Gastronomic Union of Tucson, a collaboration between over three dozen local chefs and restaurateurs, recently announced their 2019 Summer Pop-Up Dinner series. The five-course dinners will take place on a monthly basis at The Carriage House through August. Each meal features a different theme and unique contributions by local chefs.
June 30 - El Tour de Kino
This first dinner highlights the travels of Father Eusebio Kino during the establishment of missions in Baja California. This cross-cultural dinner includes: Braised beef cheek, machaca flakes, Tohono O’odham squash purée, duck prosciutto, nopalitos, jicama, chiltepin masa and more.
July 28 - Time Warp
Paying homage to generations past, this evening's dinner includes modern chefs' interpretations of meals of bygone eras. Full meal details will be released in the not too distant future.
August 25 - Deception
The food at this meal is not as it seems! The chefs are going to use "culinary sleight of hand" for this dinner which promises both to delight and confound the senses.
Participating chefs include Nichole Correa of Batch, Eric Catalano of Hilton El Conquistador, Jose Almanza of El Taco Rustico, Anthony Rocco DiGrazia of Rocco’s Little Chicago, Brently Singletary of Zona 78, Janet Jones of Tanque Verde Ranch and more.
Tickets are available here.
June 30 - El Tour de Kino
This first dinner highlights the travels of Father Eusebio Kino during the establishment of missions in Baja California. This cross-cultural dinner includes: Braised beef cheek, machaca flakes, Tohono O’odham squash purée, duck prosciutto, nopalitos, jicama, chiltepin masa and more.
July 28 - Time Warp
Paying homage to generations past, this evening's dinner includes modern chefs' interpretations of meals of bygone eras. Full meal details will be released in the not too distant future.
August 25 - Deception
The food at this meal is not as it seems! The chefs are going to use "culinary sleight of hand" for this dinner which promises both to delight and confound the senses.
Participating chefs include Nichole Correa of Batch, Eric Catalano of Hilton El Conquistador, Jose Almanza of El Taco Rustico, Anthony Rocco DiGrazia of Rocco’s Little Chicago, Brently Singletary of Zona 78, Janet Jones of Tanque Verde Ranch and more.
Tickets are available here.
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
Postino WineCafé Opening Midtown Location
Posted By Tucson Weekly Staff on Tue, Jun 4, 2019 at 9:25 AM
Prepare your palate for Tucson’s newest restaurant concept, Postino WineCafe, set to open its doors early next year in midtown.
Located on the southeast corner of West Grant Road and North Tucson Boulevard, Postino will partner with longtime Tucsonans to introduce the first-ever Southern Arizona location.
"Postino has always been focused on serving our surrounding community and really becoming a part of the fabric of a neighborhood," said Postino CEO Lauren Bailey, in a statement. "So while we looked at dozens of potential sites over the years, it wasn't until we walked this site with (developer) Brian Frakes and explored the amazing neighborhood, including local favorite like Dante's Fire and Kingfisher, that we knew we'd found the perfect home for Postino in Tucson."
Postino, 2500 E. Grant Road, will be housed inside a 4,000-square-foot space that include a floor-to-ceiling windows and roll-up windows, and an outdoor patio tucked behind a living wall of plant vines. The establishment will open daily for lunch and dinner, with brunch offered every weekend.
The menu will feature bruschetta, soups, salads and Panini sandwiches, as well as an ever-changing selection of wines. Specials will include $5 mimosas every Saturday and Sunday, $5 before 5 p.m. deals and a $20 bottle of wine and bruschetta board deal every Monday and Tuesday evening.
Located on the southeast corner of West Grant Road and North Tucson Boulevard, Postino will partner with longtime Tucsonans to introduce the first-ever Southern Arizona location.
"Postino has always been focused on serving our surrounding community and really becoming a part of the fabric of a neighborhood," said Postino CEO Lauren Bailey, in a statement. "So while we looked at dozens of potential sites over the years, it wasn't until we walked this site with (developer) Brian Frakes and explored the amazing neighborhood, including local favorite like Dante's Fire and Kingfisher, that we knew we'd found the perfect home for Postino in Tucson."
Postino, 2500 E. Grant Road, will be housed inside a 4,000-square-foot space that include a floor-to-ceiling windows and roll-up windows, and an outdoor patio tucked behind a living wall of plant vines. The establishment will open daily for lunch and dinner, with brunch offered every weekend.
The menu will feature bruschetta, soups, salads and Panini sandwiches, as well as an ever-changing selection of wines. Specials will include $5 mimosas every Saturday and Sunday, $5 before 5 p.m. deals and a $20 bottle of wine and bruschetta board deal every Monday and Tuesday evening.
Monday, June 3, 2019
Downtown Kitchen Hosts "Happy Hour with Gary Nabhan"
Posted By Jeff Gardner on Mon, Jun 3, 2019 at 10:28 AM
Tucson's favorite ethnobotanist Gary Paul Nabhan will be mixing specialty cocktails at Downtown Kitchen for a happy hour benefiting the Tucson City of Gastronomy nonprofit on June 4. Serving as a "celebrity bartender," Nabhan will use his agricultural and ecological know-how to expertly make some drinks from pomegranate and prickly pear shrubs.
This is also an opportunity to meet board members from the Tucson City of Gastronomy and learn more about their upcoming programs.
Nabhan also recently wrote an article for Tucson Weekly examining the role agaves play in our local food and culture.
4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 4. 135 S. 6th Ave. Open to the public and free to attend.
This is also an opportunity to meet board members from the Tucson City of Gastronomy and learn more about their upcoming programs.
Nabhan also recently wrote an article for Tucson Weekly examining the role agaves play in our local food and culture.
4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 4. 135 S. 6th Ave. Open to the public and free to attend.
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
Where Love Lives: Charrovida Now Open
Posted By Matt Russell on Wed, May 29, 2019 at 11:04 AM
There was great wisdom in the prescription by Greek physician Hippocrates when he said, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.” Though he spoke these words thousands of years ago, their relevance remains at the newest restaurant to come from the Flores Concepts family, Charrovida.
I sat down with Ray Flores, the Chief of the Charrosphere himself, at a pre-open dinner last night. And just seconds into his story about this new concept, it was clear to me what he and his team were collectively embracing.
This is a place where love lives.
This love story weaves its way from the spirit of Salamanca, Spain, where family and cultural traditions were forged by Old Spain’s proud charros, to the soul of Sonora, Mexico, where inspiration was drawn from the blessings of the land. Food was life. Food was love. And food was the connection to health.
You might say that Charrovida’s thoughtful menu is a modern-day prelude to this love story. Its Food Por Vida (Food for Life) promise allows us the opportunity to love on ourselves, and our families and friends, just a little bit more. The chapters of this story highlight the benefits of plant-based eating, the ideal and sustainable proteins and their intentional preparations, the natural fats that our hearts crave, the most suitable of sweeteners, and other examples of foods that maximize the body’s inherent potential for self-healing.
The chapters of this love story are conveniently organized by category, including:
Viva Vegetales tapas (try the chile-charred cauliflower al pastor with grilled pineapple)
Comerjuntos for sharing (try the tableside avocado hummus with plantain tostones)
Bowls y Mas (try the frida salad with arugula, watermelon, and quesa frida)
Entrees (try the salmon de la costa with charred Brussels, hummus, pepitas, and chimichurri)
Dulces y Cafe (try the yes we did with vegan and gluten-free chocolate chip, peanut butter, and sugar cookies with ice cold almond milk)
Joining this loving lineup are a host of side dishes, organic and biodynamic wines, beers, cocktails, and a colorful array of alcohol-free refrescos.
You can take great comfort knowing that a group hug awaits you at the place where love lives.
Located in Casas Adobes Plaza on Ina and Oracle Roads, Charrovida opens its doors to the public today and will serve guests daily from 10:00 am – 9:00 pm.
Viva Vida!
Read more On the Menu Live articles here.
I sat down with Ray Flores, the Chief of the Charrosphere himself, at a pre-open dinner last night. And just seconds into his story about this new concept, it was clear to me what he and his team were collectively embracing.
This is a place where love lives.
This love story weaves its way from the spirit of Salamanca, Spain, where family and cultural traditions were forged by Old Spain’s proud charros, to the soul of Sonora, Mexico, where inspiration was drawn from the blessings of the land. Food was life. Food was love. And food was the connection to health.
You might say that Charrovida’s thoughtful menu is a modern-day prelude to this love story. Its Food Por Vida (Food for Life) promise allows us the opportunity to love on ourselves, and our families and friends, just a little bit more. The chapters of this story highlight the benefits of plant-based eating, the ideal and sustainable proteins and their intentional preparations, the natural fats that our hearts crave, the most suitable of sweeteners, and other examples of foods that maximize the body’s inherent potential for self-healing.
The chapters of this love story are conveniently organized by category, including:
Viva Vegetales tapas (try the chile-charred cauliflower al pastor with grilled pineapple)
Comerjuntos for sharing (try the tableside avocado hummus with plantain tostones)
Bowls y Mas (try the frida salad with arugula, watermelon, and quesa frida)
Entrees (try the salmon de la costa with charred Brussels, hummus, pepitas, and chimichurri)
Dulces y Cafe (try the yes we did with vegan and gluten-free chocolate chip, peanut butter, and sugar cookies with ice cold almond milk)
Joining this loving lineup are a host of side dishes, organic and biodynamic wines, beers, cocktails, and a colorful array of alcohol-free refrescos.
You can take great comfort knowing that a group hug awaits you at the place where love lives.
Located in Casas Adobes Plaza on Ina and Oracle Roads, Charrovida opens its doors to the public today and will serve guests daily from 10:00 am – 9:00 pm.
Viva Vida!
Read more On the Menu Live articles here.
Monday, April 29, 2019
Ice Cream Festival to Take Over Rillito Park This Weekend
Posted By TW Fun & Games Desk on Mon, Apr 29, 2019 at 1:58 PM
The weather is heating up and we can't think of a better way to cool down than with unlimited ice cream! It's time for a brain freeze!
This weekend, May 4 and 5, Rillito Park will be transformed into an ice cream lover's paradise, and pretty much every kid's dream world. Unlimited ice cream, face painting, obstacle courses, bouncy houses, foam parties, food trucks and brain freezes for everyone.
The Brain Freeze Ice Cream Festival will highlight 21 different flavors of Blue Bell Premium Ice Cream as well as tastings from The Screamery, root beer floats from BJ's Brewhouse and vegan options from Cashew Cow.
The festival is a fundraiser for the Southern Arizona Network for Down Syndrome, SANDS. Brain Freeze festivals work to raise money for local Down Syndrome networks and to raise awareness of organizations who provide jobs, health, financial and educational services to those with mental, physical and emotional disabilities. Read more about their commitment to Down Syndrome awareness and fundraising efforts here.
The event runs Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Ticket pricing is $12 for adults 13 and over, kids four through 12 are $10, and three and under are free. Find more information about the festival on their website and facebook page.
This weekend, May 4 and 5, Rillito Park will be transformed into an ice cream lover's paradise, and pretty much every kid's dream world. Unlimited ice cream, face painting, obstacle courses, bouncy houses, foam parties, food trucks and brain freezes for everyone.
The Brain Freeze Ice Cream Festival will highlight 21 different flavors of Blue Bell Premium Ice Cream as well as tastings from The Screamery, root beer floats from BJ's Brewhouse and vegan options from Cashew Cow.
The festival is a fundraiser for the Southern Arizona Network for Down Syndrome, SANDS. Brain Freeze festivals work to raise money for local Down Syndrome networks and to raise awareness of organizations who provide jobs, health, financial and educational services to those with mental, physical and emotional disabilities. Read more about their commitment to Down Syndrome awareness and fundraising efforts here.
The event runs Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Ticket pricing is $12 for adults 13 and over, kids four through 12 are $10, and three and under are free. Find more information about the festival on their website and facebook page.
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Trident IV to Open on Northwest Side
Posted By Christopher Boan on Tue, Apr 9, 2019 at 2:08 PM
Trident Grill is opening a location in northwest Tucson for the first time, joining the Tucson-based chain's three other grill locations and pizza pub.
The expansion, which was confirmed by Trident owner Danny Gallego, puts the chain into the 4,000 square foot former CiCi's Pizza location at 2912 W. Ina Road. Gallego said the company plans on opening their newest location by the end of June, featuring more than 15 TVs and a full bar with 30 beers on tap.
Expansion into the northwest has been in the works for a while, Gallego said, with the company looking for the perfect parcel of land.
"We have been trying to get to northwest Tucson for some time now and we felt this location would be the right fit," Gallego said via email. "The Ina and I-10 construction also weighed heavy on our decision, so the timing couldn’t be better with it opening soon."
Gallego said he's thrilled to have a chance to expand Trident into a part of the city that's growing rapidly, delivering high-quality food to Tucsonans of all ages.
"We like that northwest Tucson has many family neighborhoods, is growing and adding exciting new venues to the area," Gallego said. "We want to be a part of that growth and excitement."
Gallego added that Trident, which opened its first location at Speedway Boulevard, just east of Campbell in 2001, is ready to deliver their eclectic menu to the area.
"What we like to bring to any location is quality food and ingredients at a fair price. We believe that being consistent in all aspects of service creates a loyal following," Gallego said. "That has been the secret to our success. We consider guests family and have so for the last 18 years. We appreciate the love and support from them all."
The expansion, which was confirmed by Trident owner Danny Gallego, puts the chain into the 4,000 square foot former CiCi's Pizza location at 2912 W. Ina Road. Gallego said the company plans on opening their newest location by the end of June, featuring more than 15 TVs and a full bar with 30 beers on tap.
Expansion into the northwest has been in the works for a while, Gallego said, with the company looking for the perfect parcel of land.
"We have been trying to get to northwest Tucson for some time now and we felt this location would be the right fit," Gallego said via email. "The Ina and I-10 construction also weighed heavy on our decision, so the timing couldn’t be better with it opening soon."
Gallego said he's thrilled to have a chance to expand Trident into a part of the city that's growing rapidly, delivering high-quality food to Tucsonans of all ages.
"We like that northwest Tucson has many family neighborhoods, is growing and adding exciting new venues to the area," Gallego said. "We want to be a part of that growth and excitement."
Gallego added that Trident, which opened its first location at Speedway Boulevard, just east of Campbell in 2001, is ready to deliver their eclectic menu to the area.
"What we like to bring to any location is quality food and ingredients at a fair price. We believe that being consistent in all aspects of service creates a loyal following," Gallego said. "That has been the secret to our success. We consider guests family and have so for the last 18 years. We appreciate the love and support from them all."
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Tucson Favorites Nominated for James Beard Awards
Posted By Tirion Morris on Wed, Feb 27, 2019 at 10:12 AM
After El Güero Canelo won a James Beard award for American Classic Food last year, Tucson has two reasons to be excited for one of the highest honors in food this time around.
The semifinalist nominees for the 2019 awards were announced this morning, and two Tucson restaurants/chefs made the cut.
Don Guerra, the mastermind behind Tucson favorite Barrio Bread has been nominated for Outstanding Baker. Longtime Tucson classic El Charro has been nominated for Outstanding Restaurant.
Congratulations to all of the nominees, but especially to our local favorites!
Five finalists in each category will be announced on March 27, so keep an eye out for more foodie award news coming up.
The James Beard Award Gala will be held on May 6 in Chicago.
Check out our 2017 article on Don Guerra and Barrio Bread here.
Find the full list of James Beard Award semifinalist nominees here.
The semifinalist nominees for the 2019 awards were announced this morning, and two Tucson restaurants/chefs made the cut.
Don Guerra, the mastermind behind Tucson favorite Barrio Bread has been nominated for Outstanding Baker. Longtime Tucson classic El Charro has been nominated for Outstanding Restaurant.
Congratulations to all of the nominees, but especially to our local favorites!
Five finalists in each category will be announced on March 27, so keep an eye out for more foodie award news coming up.
The James Beard Award Gala will be held on May 6 in Chicago.
Check out our 2017 article on Don Guerra and Barrio Bread here.
Find the full list of James Beard Award semifinalist nominees here.
Monday, January 14, 2019
Saffron and Pastiche Offer Free Meals to Federal Workers
Posted By Christopher Boan on Mon, Jan 14, 2019 at 1:38 PM
Several Tucson eateries are offering free meals to those affected by the federal government's shutdown, including Saffron Indian Bistro and Pastiche Modern Eatery.
Saffron, which is located at 7607 N. Oracle Road, will continue its free lunch buffet offer that they originally offered on Jan. 11 indefinitely, according to the restaurant's Facebook page.
"We know there is a great need to help and there are many people out there still," the post, which went up on Sunday, states. "Thank you to all who have posted their kind comments and have come in to enjoy a meal. We loved meeting with you. We appreciate each and every person. We just want to spread love, compassion and bring a smile. Thank you again."
Pastiche, which is located on 3025 N. Campbell Avenue, is offering free Pastiche burgers or baked mac n' cheese plates from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday to all government employees affected by the shutdown.
The midtown kitchen is also offering free non-alcoholic beverages to those affected, stating their desire to help all affected in uncertain economic times.
Saffron, which is located at 7607 N. Oracle Road, will continue its free lunch buffet offer that they originally offered on Jan. 11 indefinitely, according to the restaurant's Facebook page.
"We know there is a great need to help and there are many people out there still," the post, which went up on Sunday, states. "Thank you to all who have posted their kind comments and have come in to enjoy a meal. We loved meeting with you. We appreciate each and every person. We just want to spread love, compassion and bring a smile. Thank you again."
Pastiche, which is located on 3025 N. Campbell Avenue, is offering free Pastiche burgers or baked mac n' cheese plates from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday to all government employees affected by the shutdown.
The midtown kitchen is also offering free non-alcoholic beverages to those affected, stating their desire to help all affected in uncertain economic times.
Staff Pick
DO(OM) Yoga
Slow & low will be the tempo in this yin-based yoga class, inspired by a doom metal… More
@ Floor Polish
Sundays, 8-9 p.m.
408 N 4th Avenue
