El Charro | wellfedfoodieblog

And Now For Something Completely Different

Posted on March 9, 2022 by ritaconnelly

Quite the accomplishment for someone to own one of Tucson’s oldest restaurants AND one of its newest eateries, but the Flores family can proudly claim that title.

El Charro Café was established in 1922 (that’s one hundred years ago for all the math challenged folks out there) and has been run by the Flores family ever since. The Monica opened last week. The Monica is named after Monica Flin, the family’s great aunt who open El Charro way back when.

The two restaurants couldn’t be more different in both food offerings and space design. El Charro is located in the Flin family home on a quiet side street near downtown. The space is cozy and colorful.

The Monica is a huge open space with clean lines and a big city buzz.

El Charro’s menu is strictly Sonoran with all the old favorites. The Monica – where you order at the counter – has burgers made with a hint of mushrooms, breads from Barrio Bread, pizzas and pastas and plenty more. There is a nice wine list and a full-range of cocktails. Chef Danny Perez heads the kitchen sith a fine hand and much creativity.

We ate at The Monica last night and had a most enjoyable time. We ordered some shareables, a couple of burgers, a couple of entrees, desserts and took home two slices of pie.

The shareables included the panecito, a huge hunk of focaccia from Barrio Bread (Don Guerra is a partner in this new venture) with balsamic dipping sauce, an olive tapenade, goat cheese and wilted spinach. The focaccia was soft and warm and lightly seasoned and served as a great base for the other items.

Grilled Brussels sprouts were paired nicely with El Charro’s famous carne seca. The combination is clever and decidedly different. The mini chimis – another El Charro claim to fame – were filled with green chile cheddar and topped with three sauces – a red, a green and Bechamel queso. I loved all of them but thought the last one was top notch.

Heads up on the Responsible Burgers: Because they are comprised of 30% mushrooms and 70% grass-fed beef, the kitchen doesn’t cook them to temperature( i.e., rare, medium and well) so you won’t get that bloody burger found elsewhere. The Jules, which was the choice of the burger eaters at our table, is served on some of that tasty focaccia and topped with a three-cheese blend, grilled onions, arugula and a Dijon mayo. A true winner.

I didn’t get a chance to try the citron salmon but my friend, Norma, loved it. I enjoyed my meltingly tender short ribs that came with mashed potatoes topped with a French onion gravy, wilted spinach and wild rice. The taters were especially tasty with a perfect texture – not too thick, not too soupy.

The desserts were rich and wonderful. A devilishly good chocolate cake called ‘the ticket cake’ had creamy center and chocolate ganache topping. The tiramisu held a Mexican spin with a Mexican wafer and hints of coffee, orange and clove. Its name? Café de Olla. I think that translates to coffee pot.

Sorry, I have no pics of the marguritte pizza that I took home. I ate it cold for breakfast this morning. Styled after Roman pizza, this was a thick square of more of the focaccia, with cherry tomatoes, cheese and tiny leaves of basil and the house tomato sauce – a great way to start my day.

There are several menus at The Monica: The Pantry Menu – perfect for lunch to eat there or to go. The pizzas are available then as well as salads, soup of the day, chili and cornbread and more.

The Breakfast menu comes either from the Pantry or a full menu of intriguing breakfast items. The Lunch menu can also come from the Pantry or bigger plates. There’s even a Happy Hour menu and pantry items like loaves of Barrio Bread, El Charro tamales and other food items to take back to the office or home for dinner.

I want to go back for lunch and sit on the beautiful patio. What I’ll order who knows, but if I know that if I worked Downtown, I would eat at The Monica several times a week and never really repeat myself.

The Monica is a wonderful addition to the Tucson restaurant scene. Gracias, Chef Danny Perez and his hard-working team. Gracias, Flores family.

Si Charro Summer Specials

Posted on July 16, 2021 by ritaconnelly

The Si Charro family of restaurants is launching their summer specials..

Each restaurant has a long list of tasty summer dishes,

If you plan carefully you just might get to try all of them,

El Charro Café 99TH SUMMER CELEBRATION! 6/15/21 thru 8/15/21

CHARROS Y CAMARONES just $9.99 each

ADD charro rice, choice of frijoles, & calabacitas + $4.95

Shrimp Poblano Enchilada Elegante GF Grilled shrimp, peppers & bacon in twice rolled corn tortillas and baked in our Poblano Crema with queso oaxaca, avocado salsa, & marinated pink onion

Grilled Shrimp Fajita Lettuce Cups (2) GF Grilled shrimp & peppers mixta with lettuce leaves, queso cotija, chipotle crema, avocado salsa & margarita lime vinaigrette

Mojo de Ajo Shrimp Tamale GF Grilled garlic chimichurri shrimp over our delicious handmade corn tamal with tomatillo sauce & queso oaxaca (add 2nd tamal for $5.95)

99th CHARRO SUMMER “MARGS & ‘RITAS

“El Grande” size for just $5.99! All Summer Long (6/15 – 8/15)

Modelo Splash

A delicious margarita made with organic tamarindo nectar, fresh citrus, rocks, and a refreshing splash of ice-cold Negra Modelo

Mangopeño

Mango Margarita with mango nectar, muddled jalapeño, tamarindo dash, citrus & agave. Served with tajín dusted rim

Charro Island

Margarita with fresh coconut, pineapple, and lime nectar and a float of tropical pea flower tea with a toasted coconut rim

Watermelon Fresca

Perfectly cool way to wind down with our watermelon nectar margarita featuring agave, fresh mint & sea salt rim

El Charro Cafes are located at 311 N Court Ave · (520) 622-1922); 7725 N Oracle Rd #101 (520) 229-1922) and 6910 E Sunrise Dr, (520) 514-1922). All are open Tuesday through Sunday from 11am to 8:30pm. For details visit https://www.sicharro.com/safety-guidelines/

CHARRO STEAK & DEL REY

The popular grill kits are back. These take- home selections created during the pandemic to serve a mostly stay at home population have become a must- have option. This season’s “Teach ‘em to Grill…But only with Grass-Fed Beef” summer promo offers the finest of ingredients, sustainably raised products, house made accompaniments. Two options are offered along with a terrific in-house “Meat Me” daily Happy Hour special featuring 1/2 priced Burgers and Carne Asada Fries, as well as all aperitivos, house wines, well spirits, drafts and bottled cervezas.

Teach ‘em to Grill Options

The Cala – Charro Burger – Feeds 6

6x ½ lb grass fed beef patties, queso Manchego, pint of charro sauce

6x Barrio Charro Handmade local buns, Chip & Salsa, 49.95

The Terna “Sampler” – Feeds 6-8

10 oz grass fed carne asada, 12 oz new York strip, 14 oz grass fed boneless rib-eye, marinated ½ chicken, 12 oz Duroc pork chop, charro beans (2 pints), local tortillas (2 doz), chips & sals 49.95

Order at 520-495-1922 or meat@charrosteak.com

Charro Steak & Del Rey is located at 188 E Broadway Blvd. and is open daily from 3-9pm. Phone 520-485-1922. For details visit .barriocharro.com

CHARROVIDA PLANT+

Offering Tucson’s finest vegan (plus protein upon request) menu, Charrovida has become a top Tucson destination for eaters of all varieties. The summer menu features a delectable mix of salads, desserts, cool classic beverages and half off a dazzling array of Mimosas offered by the glass, bottle or flights. Summer specials are offered along with the regular menu.

SUMMER OF VIDA ’21 stay cool with this fresh mix of summer recipes

Summer of Ceviche brightly marinated garden of vegetables 9 add + marinated shrimp* +6

Caesar Tostita Salad plant-based caesar on avocado tostitas with charred cauli, vegan feta, pink onion, pepitas, cucumber & radish 9 add + chimichurri grilled shrimp* +6

Diablos Tacos charred diablo cauliflower with vegan taco crema, greens, pico salsa & pink onion 9 (2) add + diablo grilled shrimp* +6

Chef’s Brulėe & Berries plant-based recipe with vanilla & fresh berries 9

CHARRO & CHILL

MOJITO MIST sparkling bubbles rum & mint 9

CABANA CAFÉCITO chilled coffee. coconut rum & nectar 10

THE DEL CHARRO rocks. del bac whiskey. agave. prickly pear. citrus 13

LA PLAYA ROSA pink lemon, Titos. prickly pear. citrus. mint. agave. 1

½ OFF MIMOSAS ALL SUMMER LONG!

Legend has it they were first made in Paris in 1925, and another story says famed movie director Alfred Hitchcock mixed ‘em up in San Fran in the 1940’s. Either way, mimosas are iconic, and we hope you enjoy ours in a single glass or as a bottle flight with your choice of nectar & bubbles: classic with fresh orange juice superfruit high antioxidant berry mix watermelon agua fresca nectar prickly pear natural cactus nectar grapefruit fresh grapefruit juice mango tropical fruit nectar cranberry not just for vodka anymore

SINGLE GLASS 9 BOTTLE FLIGHT 39* pick 3 flavors 2-4 persons

VEGAN MIMOSA FLIGHT add for vegan bubbles +15* *half off price shown. n/a half off for vegan bottle & n/a as single flute

Promotion valid 6/1 thru 8/1 No combining of offers or delivery

Charrovida Plant+ is located at 7109 North Oracle Road in the Casas Adobes center and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11am -8pm. For reservations visit charrovida.com . Phone 520-779-1922

BARRIO CHARRO

Barrio Charro continues to delight Tucsonans with its innovative menu of offerings created by one of Tucson’s most acclaimed Chefs Carlotta Flores and James Beard Nominated Don Guerra of the multi award-winning Barrio Bakery. Summer additions to the lineup like Wilshire’s Watermelon salad, join the group of other iconic Tucson neighborhood named dishes on the menu. Made with juicy fresh watermelon, spiced pepitas, queso fresco, served over balsamic kale with sweet chile vinaigrette, this dish is a delight. Other dishes like Street Roasted Corn, Barrio Burritos and Enchilada El Cortez are destined to be keepers.

Wilshire’s Watermelon fresh watermelon, spiced pepitas, queso fresco, pink onion & sweet chile vinaigrette over balsamic kale 11.95

Enchanted Elote roasted street corn, queso cotija, avocado, iceberg, lime, cilantro, crema, tajín spiced pepitas & pink onion 11.95

add: grilled chicken +3.95

Barrio Burritos choice of recipe with grilled calabacitas, peppers & queso oaxaca

wrapped in a barrio grains flour tortilla with salsa rojo, lettuce, cilantro & pink onion papa & egg*8.95 veggie or vegan*9.95 pollo asado 11.95 carne asada 12.95 frijoles & queso*7.95 charro birria 12.95 pork carnitas 11.95 chicken tinga 11.95 add: avocado +2.95 chorizo +2.95 enchi-style melted queso, red & green sauce +3.95

Enchiladas el Cortez

layered enchilada recipes with calabacitas, red & green sauce, queso, crema, fresh greens & frijoles veggie or vegan*12.95 pollo asado 14.95 carne asada 16.95 pork carnitas 14.95 add: avocado +2.95*vegan recipes +1.25

Barrio Charro is located at 3699 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719 Phone: (520) 372-1922. For additional information visit barriocharro.com

CHARRO STEAK & DEL REY

Meanwhile, downtown at Charro Steak & Del Rey a whole lotta grillin’ is going on with the very popular summer take home grill kits.

The Cala (feeds 6)

The Charro Burger 6 -1/2 lb grass-fed beef patties, queso Manchego, pint of charro sauce, 6x Barrio Charro handmade local buns, chips and salsa $49.95

The Terna “Sampler” (feeds 6-8)

10 oz grass-fed Carne Asada, 12 oz New York Strip, 14 oz grass-fed boneless ribeye, marinated half chicken, 12 oz Duroc pork chop, Charro Beans (2 pints), local tortillas (2 doz), chips and salsa $149

Charro Steak & Del Rey are located in downtown Tucson at 188 E Broadway and are open Tuesday through Sunday from 12pm to 7pm. Thanksgiving hours 11am- 6pm. As at all Flores Concepts restaurants, their comprehensive 100 Point Plan for Safety is in full effect. For details visit https://www.sicharro.com/safety-guidelines/

XMAS IN JULY – Coming Soon!

Buy a $100 Charro Card and get a $100 Charro Card! It is certainly the best deal around and the perfect gift for year- round giving and dining. Cards can be pre- ordered online at www.sicharro.com/xmasinjuly between July 1st and 22^nd and will be on sale online and at all locations (excluding Barrio Charro) on July 24^t and 25. The Charro Card can be used at El Charro Café, Charro Steak & Del Rey, CharroVida Plant+, and Pub 1922 in Sahuarita. Certain limits and processing fees may apply.

ONE LAST NOTE

Recently, popular food vlogger Mark Wiens was in Tucson to visit the original El Charro Café in downtown Tucson and explore the world of authentic Carne Seca and the birthplace of the Chimichanga. His YouTube channel has over 6.72 million subscribers and over 1 billion views to date. … The full-time travel eater travels around the world to eat delicious food and share his meals and discoveries. View the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTzIkTh580o .

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Just Say ‘No!’

Posted on May 26, 2021 by ritaconnelly

For a large restaurant corporation to open a taco restaurant in Tucson, is a little bit like bringing coals to Newcastle.

Tucson has some of the best tacos in the country and the options are endless.

So, when I heard Phoenix based Barrio Queen was opening a large space in Oro Valley, I was curious.

The Barrio Queen story is interesting, but more about that later. Let’s just say that a lot of their hype needs to be scrutinized for authenticity. And you reads know I seldom use that word.

Even more shocking is that Barrio Queen is not only the soon to be opened, if not already opened, corporate Mexican restaurant in town.

One, El Mesquite is located in the new Doubletree Hotel Downtown, just a stone’s throw away from long-time local favorite, El Minuto and a hop and skip away from El Charro. Their schtick involves bringing a “desire to work these flavors (agave, cactus, pre-Hispanic tomatoes, squash and corn and the smoke of mesquite) into a fresh modern interpretation of desert dining and present Tucson with a new lens to view Mexican cuisine.” Apparently, they haven’t heard about our City of Gastronomy designation.

One has to question our city elders when it comes to their judgement about not insisting on a different kind of restaurant. Rather than promote all the local places within walking distance they condone a ‘modern’ corporate Mexican restaurant.

The other, Ojos Locos, is on the Southside near Irvington and I-19 located among a mass of other chain restaurants. It’s been described as a Mexican Hooters but the website leans a little more redneck than anything Latino (that’s the word they use.) The company is out of Dallas, which explains a lot. The website reads like a gringo trying hard to not sound racist as he talks Spanglish with his Mexican neighbors.

The question is: Do these big shots really think they can serve us anything that comes anywhere close all the wonderful Mexican food we have here?

Simply put, NO!

Tucson Mexican food is some of the best on the planet and these days can be found citywide. From tiny taquerias and food trucks to elegant sit-down dining rooms, Mexican food in Tucson is a treasure.

Our Mexican food comes in many iterations. Too many types of tacos to mention all beautifully presented. Casa Molina’s tacos are almost too pretty to eat- but DO eat them!.

Flat enchiladas at Rollies Mexican Patio

Carne seca heading to the roof at El Charro.

Tortillas, both flour and corn, come to the table hot off the grill like at Taqueria Pico de Gallo or the huge flour ones at St. Mary’s. Birria (have you at the birria at Rollies Mexican Patio?) and carne seca (El Charro‘s comes to mind) take beef beyond the limits of flavor.

Pollo and mariscos are prepared by with care and skill. El Guero Canelo made the Sonoran hot dog famous. We’re the home of the chimichanga and topopo and almendrado for christ’s sake.

And salsas? Just check out Boca Taco for examples of what’s out there.

The biggest pretender of all is Barrio Queen.

In an article in a Phoenix business magazine, the owners claim they created Barrio Queen to ‘bring to the valley the history and culture of Mexico…using traditional recipes from the barrios of Mexico’.

In reality, Barrio Queen was the brainchild of Silvana Salcido Esparza, a most talented and creative chef in Phoenix. Her Barrio Café has won numerous accolades from food professionals and the national press. She won a James Beard Award. Politicians stop by as part of their campaign tours.

She’s her own woman, no cookie cutter chef is she.

Silvana opened Barrio Queen in 2012 in partnership with Steve Rosenfield and his wife, Linda Nash of Rosenfield Restaurants LLC. They own hundreds of chain fast-food restaurants in a half dozen states.

Before the year was out Silvana was no longer involved. The reason for the change is very murky, but the fact that she is not ‘allowed to comment’ on anything says more than any comment she could ever make.

The landlord of the building where Barrio Queen will be situated was quoted in the Star saying, “We think Barrio Queen will be the perfect addition to Oro Valley.”

Really? Charro Vida is two minutes away. Tucson Tamale and Guadalajara Grill are across the street. Each offers different takes on Mexican food and all are LOCALLY OWNED!

Do you remember in Peter Pan when Peter tells Wendy that every time a child stops believing in fairies, another fairy dies? That’s how I feel when these corporate Mexican restaurants set up shop in town, another bit of Tucson’s soul dies.

I’m not going to tell you what to do…. but if you cherish Tucson flavors, local businesses and the vast talent Tucson restaurants have to offer, you know where to dine.

A word or two to your city councilperson or county administrator probably wouldn’t hurt. In fact, take them to lunch for some real, local Mexican fare. You have plenty of choices.

The Mexican food in Tucson is real food made by real people.

We don’t need out of town pretenders coming in to town thinking they’re going to show us how to do Mexican food right.

Local is as Local Does

Posted on March 3, 2021 by ritaconnelly

The other day I got into a kerfuffle with some people on a page that celebrates LOCAL Tucson restaurants about a restaurant, they were promoting as local that was in actuality owned by a corporation in Scottsdale.

They were of the mind that as long as a company had local jobs that I shouldn’t make such an issue over it.

I have to say they were kind of rude about it, telling me that I didn’t know what I was talking about and that how could I nor support local chefs and if woman traveled here from Sierra Vista to work as a waitress does that mean we shouldn’t eat there? They even BLOCKED me, which means now that I can’t find the whole discussion anywhere. In trying to find the page that I thought it was on, there is no record, so either I have the wrong name or the moderators of the page removed the mess and let me stay on while BLOCKING them.

To accuse me of not being supportive of Tucson chefs is ludicrous considering my long history of writing about the culinary scene in Tucson. Still, I reached out to others on line to see what they considered Local Dining,

The response was quick and passionate and I have to say backed my argument. People talked about “investing in friends and neighbors instead of sending our dollars off to anonymous corporate shareholders” and “sharing the same values” and “Not making price or convenience the first priorities”. They cheered the concepts of “locally owned and local HQ” and “keeping my money in the local economy.” I quote them and apologize for not seeking permission, but no names are used so I hope they understand.

I get my detractors argument to a point. Any job is better than no job. But supporting true local businesses does more for the community both in terms of emotional support as well as financial support.

And those points are exactly what my detractors didn’t get.

Studies have shown that for every dollar spent at a locally owned and operated business 67¢ cents stays in the community as opposed to 43¢. That’s almost a quarter difference. 25%!

Plus, every dollar spent at local establishments results in 50¢ in additional local business activity. Businesses spend that money with a local PR firm, they buy business cards from a local printer, local suppliers for bread and beef: the ways local businesses buy local are numerous and varied. Add the fact that employees spend their paychecks locally and the impact is huge.

This is not a fly-by-night information. The facts were gathered by American Express in their Small Business Economic Business Study. Other data over the years says pretty much the same thing. Money spent at local businesses benefits the local economy in numerous ways.

I know it isn’t always possible to shop locally but I try my best to do so. I know that all the people who responded to my query do too and that there are thousands of Tucsonans out there who understand the importance of supporting our many wonderful local businesses.

A weird side point comes when we travel. Shopping and eating at local businesses in whatever city or town you visit also helps that community. There was an article on line about Jill Biden, who while traveling with the President, has a habit of popping in to small businesses wherever she is. Keep that in mind on your next trip.

I promise to increase my local shopping, especially once I get my second vaccine shot.

And I will continue to promote all our wonderful, locally owned restaurants in my writing and in my dollars spent.

That’s the least I can do.

Time to Celebrate

Posted on March 2, 2021 by ritaconnelly

For a business to still be in operation for 99 years is quite an accomplishment. For a restaurant to be open that long is almost unheard of, but fortunately we Tucsonans have one of the finest and oldest restaurants right in our midst.

This year El Charro Café will be celebrating 99 years in business. And in anticipation for next year’s 100^th Anniversary, the Flores family is kicking off ‘A Legacy of Excellence for 99 years’ with a full menu of food and fun.

Surely, when Monica Flin opened her tiny little restaurant in 1922, she had no idea how far her dream would go. Today Flores Concepts has expanded with several El Charro Cafe restaurants, Charro Steak and its sister restaurant, Charro del Ray, Charro Vida with its nod to sustainability and healthful eating and their newest concept, Barrio Charro, a most casual eatery that is packing folks in.

The Flores family has been a part of Tucson since the beginning but not just in the culinary sense. Their contributions in community service and philanthropy are to be admired. They were steps ahead of keeping the restaurants safe for diners with their 100 point plan during this pandemic. All their restaurants are “Ready for You” and are certified by the Tucson City of Gastronomy office.

Today begins a celebration of their legacy with 99^th Year Menu, featuring the best of old and new in many delicious ways.

Available at all El Charro Café sights, the following menu is just the beginning of a year-long celebration.

Stay tuned for more events.

El Charro Café 99th Anniversary Menu

Combo #Ninety-NineGF

A collection of recipes from years past and present including a pollo pipian enchilada topped with mole pipian, queso casero, l

toasted pepitas, and fresh avocado with our handmade corn tamal prepared quesabirria style with new slow cooked Charro Birria Rojo, queso casero, and pico salsa. Served with sides of roasted corn esquites, arroz & frijoles 19.99

99th Aniversario Rellenos

Whole roasted poblano stuffed with choice of chicken or famous Carne Seca & finished in our house recipe green chile “raja” crema.

Garnished with fresh avocado corn salsa & cilantro. Served with sides of roasted corn esquites, arroz & frijoles

Fajita Chicken 15.99 or El Charro Carne Seca 18.99

AZ BowlsGF

In celebration of another local tradition, our AZ Bowl is filled with delicious arroz sonora, frijoles charros, roasted corn esquites, and topped with fresh avocado, queso casero & pico de charro, and your choice of: Chicken Tinga or New Charro Birria Rojo 13.99

Tamale of The Month RecipesGF

Introducing two delicious new tamales from our online store!

Choice of:

Sunflower Chicken or Jackfruit Red ChilePB

with pico de charro, arroz blanco & frijoles charros 14.99

Remember, www.tamaleofthemonth.com ships Chef Carlotta’s

delicious handmade tamales anywhere in the USA!

www.elcharrocafe.com

Historic Restaurants of Tucson…hot off the press

Posted on February 12, 2018 by ritaconnelly

Well, folks here it is….

HISTORIC RESTAURANTS OF TUCSON – Rita Connelly

Publisher: The History Press
Date: 02/12/2018
Tucson’s culinary journey began thousands of years ago, when Native American tribes developed an agricultural base along the Santa Cruz River. In modern times, restaurants ranging from tiny taquerias to fine dining spaces all contributed to the local food culture. El Charro, serving Mexican cuisine since 1922, still attracts crowds from all over. Folks head straight to Pat’s for a hot dog, Lucky Wishbone for some fried chicken or eegee’s for a grinder and a cold, frosty drink. On any given night, the patio at El Corral is filled with diners anticipating their famous prime rib and tamale pie. Local food writer Rita Connelly brings to life the stories of beloved eateries that have endured for decades and continue to delight with incredible flavors.

Rita Connelly has lived in Tucson since 1979 with her husband, John, and daughter, Riene. Somewhere in her travels, she earned a BA in education from the University of Arizona. She worked as a restaurant reviewer for the Tucson Weekly for ten years. During that time, she acted as a judge for hot dog, wine, tequila, salsa, chocolate and pie competitions. Her book, Lost Restaurants of Tucson, was published in 2015. She chronicles her food adventures in her blog, thewellfedfoodieblog@wordpress.com.

Rita will be on the Buckmaster Show on KVOI – The Voice 1030AM on Tuesday 2/13 around 12:30 pm and on Morning Blend on KGUN Channel 9 on Friday sometime after 11:00 am

EVENTS:

Sunday February 18. 2018

Noon

El Charro Cafe Downtown

Book Signing

Saturday, February 24, 2018

1pm-3pm

Mostly Books

6208 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85712

Friday March 2, 2018

5pm-7pm

Trail Dust Town

6541 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85715

Friday March 9, 2018

7pm

Antigone Books

411 N 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705

Sunday March 11

Tucson Festival of Books

11:30 – Mini meet the author talk

2:00 book Signing and sales

Nacho, Nacho, Nacho

Posted on January 1, 2017 by ritaconnelly

On Friday, as a kickoff to the Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl, there was a most fitting tailgate party on the University of Arizona Mall. The Nacho Average Tailgate Party offered a nice assortment of the popular snack without any of that day-glo cheese in sight. Not only was the event a party, it was a competition.

A handful of restaurants and other food establishments created a wild assortment of tasty nachos. Pork nachos, beef nachos, chicken nachos, tuna nachos, black bean nachos, cinnamon sugar nachos, you name it, were all there for the tasting. No two were alike. There was Asian influence nachos and sweet nachos. Chiles of every ilk could be found and Modelo Beer was a sponsor so there was plenty of beer to accompany all those flavors.

My fave was the pulled pork nachos from Brushfire BBQ with its full-flavored cheese sauce, perfectly prepped pulled pork and a cloud of candied bacon.

Lindy’s on 4th won the whole shebang. They had two types and I’m not sure if the sweet cinnamon and chocolate nachos won or if the black bean nachos won the prize.

Another treat was El Charro Steakhouse‘s poke nacho. The textures and flavors were in perfect balance. All three El Charro restaurants were represented. Sir Veza’s Taco Garage had carnitas nachos and El Charro had spicy chicken nachos.

Other representatives were: El Gorrion, Horseshoe Grill, Johnny Gibson’s Downtown Market, Hifalutin‘, Armando Duarte Catering and Mouth of the South Salsa.

I didn’t stay long but by time i left the crowds were pouring in. I left beyond satisfied. Thank you Matt Russell and Russell Communications.

Tucson 23

Posted on June 16, 2016 by ritaconnelly

In spite of 100° plus temperatures, Tucsonans still find a way to celebrate food and drink.

This Saturday is a prime example. Visit Tucson, Tucson’s convention and visitors bureau is partnering with Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance to present The Tucson 23 Mexican Food Festival. Based on an article my friend Edie Jarolim wrote for Visit Tucson called ‘The Best 23 Miles of Mexican Food in America’.

SAACA honors arts and culture through a wide variety of year round events. They feel food is an art, as well.

Visit Tucson celebrate Tucson is so many ways and is a perfect source to find out all that is happening in town whether you are a visitor or a local.

The event will be held at the JW Marriott Star Pass Resort and Spa and will have food from over 20 restaurants, food trucks and bakeries. The menu is tantalizing; tacos, tamales. Grilled shrimp, grilled pork, pan dulce, ceviche, carnitas e mas.

Libations include everything from raspados (Mexican sno-cones) to Mexican beers to fermented tea to American vodka and an assortment of tequilas.

Entertainment includes mariachis and folklorico dancers. There is a full day of events but I’m just going for the food….

Blanco Tacos & Tequila
Boca Tacos y Tequila

Calle Tepa
Crossroads Cafe
Dish for Dosha
El Charro Cafe
El Cisne
Gringo Grill + Cantina
La Estrella Bakery
La Indita
La Fresita
La Parilla Suiza
Leo’s Mexican Food
Marisco’s Chihuahua
Molina’s Midway Restaurant
Pasco Kitchen & Lounge
Penca
Rigos Restaurant
Reforma Cocina y Cantina
Seis Kitchen and Catering
Taco Giro
Sonoran Sno Cones
Tequila Factory at the Casino del Sol Resort

Bohemia
Dos Equis Amber
Dos Equis Lager
Roger Clyne’s Mexican Moonshine
Sonoran Sno-Cones*
Tecate Michelado Diablo

Tito’s Vodka
Fermented Tea Company

I can’t wait!’

Tacos, Tacos, Tacos

Posted on May 7, 2015 by ritaconnelly

Oh, that Tucson Foodie!

During the entire month of May, Tucson Foodie (aka Adam Lehrman) and media sponsors Zocolo and Edible Baja Arizona magazines, are sponsoring a new event in town called Taco de Mayo.

All you have to do is eat at one of the participating restaurants, snap a pic, enter with your Instagram account with the hashtag, #TacoDeMayo2015 and you could win a seat on the Grey Line tour of the three top Instagramed (is there such a word?) restaurants. The tour is on June 15 and The Tucson Foodie will be aboard. You can enter with every restaurant if you want (now that’s a challenge).

Go to the Tucson Foodie website for more details.

Visit these killer Taco Hot Spots:

Blanco Tacos + Tequila
BOCA Taco Y Tequila
El Charro
Fini’s Landing
Gringo Grill & Cantina
Lerua’s Fine Mexican Foods
Maico Restaurant
Reforma Cocina Y Cantina
Seis Kitchen
Sir Veza’s Taco Garage (either Tucson location)
Street Taco + Beer

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