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Greetings!
As a cab driver, a lot of passengers ask me for information about where to eat, or for my recommendations. This newsletter is the result of shared information and personal experience, driven by my passion for not only the great food scene in this town, but for Tucson in general. I hope you find this effort useful, and perhaps it helps you to experience something new and different. Please feel free to share this newsletter with your friends as well.
This week begins a series of features on the upcoming Tucson Culinary Festival, one Tucson's premier food events. Having attended last year, I can't say enough good things about the food, wine, attendees, and participants that made the weekend absolutely delightful. Can't attend the entire weekend? Any one of the events can stand on their own, so consider supporting Tucson's great culinary culture by attending at least one event. Another event going on this week through the 25th is Arizona Restaurant Week. This is another wonderful opportunity to try a new restaurant, or reacquaint yourself with an old favorite, at budget-stretching prices. 29 Tucson establishments are participating - links to the list are in the event section below! To celebrate, we have a giveaway! Fans of our Tucson Notebook Facebook page and newsletter subscribers can win a $50 gift card provided by the good folks at Arizona Restaurant Week. I'll pull two names after 12 pm this Wednesday - if you are on both lists then you have 2 chances to win! |
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Tucson Culinary Festival
Tasting Some of the Best of Tucson  The 9th Annual Tucson Culinary Festival, sponsored by the Tucson Originals restaurant group, will be held this October 27th through 30th. If you've never attended, then this event needs to on your to-do list next month. There's no other event in Tucson that let's you sample food from over 50 of some of the best locally owned and independently operated eateries. And what's more, part of the proceeds support important local non-profit organizations: Arizona's Children Association, UMC Diamond Children's Medical Center, and New Beginnings for Women and Children. I'll cover each of the events in more detail in the following weeks, but here's the schedule:
6th Annual World Margarita Championship™ Thursday 10/27 ~ 6:00PM-9:00PMOn the patio at Maynards Market and Kitchen at the Historic Train Depot Ticket Cost: $40 in advance, $45 at the door Benefiting Arizona's Children Association An "Originals" AdventureFriday 10/28Experience a taste of a wide variety of Tucson Originals special offerings from breakfast to late night all over town. The Reserve and Grand TastingSaturday 10/29 ~ 6:00PM-9:00PMIn Grand Ballroom & Grand Lounge at Loews Ventana Canyon Reserve Tasting ~ 5:00PM-6:00PM Ticket Cost: $90 in advance, $100 at the door (includes Grand Tasting admission) Grand Tasting ~ 6:00PM-9:00PM Ticket Cost: $65 in advance, $75 at the door Benefiting UMC Diamond Childrens Medical Center Copper Chef Challenge and BBQSunday 10/30 ~ 11AM-3PMKiva Patio and Kiva Ballroom at Loews Ventana Canyon Ticket Cost: (Adults): $35 in advance, $40 at the door ~ $10 for kids under 16 Benefiting New Beginnings for Women and Children This year's event will be a bit different in a couple of respects. One, invitations to the competition have been extended to include mixologists from other "originals" groups in other cities, as well as independent restaurants in Sonora, Mexico. And two, on Friday from breakfast to late night festival attendees will be able to sample great food and wine at their leisure by visiting participating restaurants, experiencing both the cuisine and ambiance that each Tucson Originals member has to offer.
Next week: Meet the judges |
Openings, Closings & More
 Openings
Cora's Cafe, 4525 S Park, recently Closings
In progress
Jalopy's Grillville and Brewery, 4230 N Oracle, website says that they are shooting for a late fall opening. Mircobrewery with pizza, sandwiches, and burgers. |
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On The Menu
Dry River Company has added a number of items available on the weekends only during football season, Gridiron Menu that will run all day Saturday and Sunday. The menu will always include Classic Buffalo Wings and Wood-Fired Burgers, with all your favorite fixins'. They will also run additional pizza and drink specials throughout the weekend. Info at dryriverco.com or 298-5555. I had the burger last week, with cheddar, green chilies, and bacon - it was spectacular!
 | | Huevos rancheros at TTC |
Tucson Tamale Company is now open on Sundays from 7:30 am to 3 pm, with a breakfast menu available 7:30 am to 1 pm. Breakfast items include tamale, eggs, potatoes, and beans ($7), TTC huevos rancheros (two eggs on top of grilled masa cake, beans, eggs, green chili sauce, and cheese, $7), and a three egg tamale omelet ($8). I had the huevos rancheros yesterday - the grilled masa cake was a nice twist, the portion was just right, and the whole plate was presented well.
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Upcoming Events
Arizona Restaurant Week, September 17-25, statewide, 3 course meals offered at special prices, Tucson restaurants participating in AZ Restaurant Week restaurants participating
Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley Oktoberfest, weekends, started September 17, through October 9
Tucson Oktoberfest, Hi Corbett Field, September 29-October 2
Tucson Greek Festival, 36th Annual, St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 1145 E Ft. Lowell, September 22-25
Tucson Originals gift certificate sale, September 21
Tucson Spanish & Flamenco Festival, September 22-25, Casa Vicente Restaurante Espanol, 375 S Stone
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Media Round-up
Recently published news & blog articles
TucsonCitizen.com article on Wilcox area wineries, September 19
Tucson Weekly review of Curry Leaf on September 15, with an interesting reader comment
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Good Deeds
It's worthy to note that even before they opened for business, the new Paradise Bakery & Cafe hosted a benefit luncheon on Sunday, September 11th. In part to commemorate the Heroes of 9/11, the event was also a collaboration with the UMC Foundation to raise money for the UMC Level 1 Trauma Center. Over $2,000 was raised for the Trauma Center. |
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Your comments about this newsletter are greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Denis Fabbrini
Editor
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