We’re closing in towards the end of our winter stay in Arizona, so I’m going to devote this post to what we’ve experienced at some of the restaurants we’ve visited while in Tucson. 

More than a few folks told me that Tucson was a “foodie town” before we made this trip. I agree with that, but only as it relates to Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. While you can find just about any cuisine in this town, the Mexican and Southwestern food is what stands apart from the rest. 

I’ve struggled a bit as to how best to present these thoughts, gathered over the past three months, and finally decided to list ‘em out with commentary. I’ve interspersed some stories regarding dishes I’ve cooked while in Arizona that have been influenced by the local cuisine.

Seis Kitchen – I have to start off with the best Southwestern food we’ve eaten here. Perhaps the best food overall. As of this writing, the family has visited Seis five times across two of their three Tucson-area locations. Fabulous food; no disappointments. This local chain is noted for tacos, and I can attest they are fabulous after sampling pretty much all of them. You can mix types on their taco plates- my favorites are the Chicken Tinga and Adobo Steak. The Smashed (refried) Beans are the best I’ve ever had. Thumbs up to the enchiladas, taquitos and chips & salsa, too!

The service model at Seis Kitchen is worth mentioning. As you enter the restaurant you place your order at the counter and pay. If you are eating in, you’re assigned a table at that time. When the food is ready, it’s delivered to your table and that’s that. Staff drop by and check to make sure all is well, but that’s the extent of the table service. When you’re done, you leave.

This system is effective at Seis, and I think other restaurants should consider it. Wait staff are the weakest link these days in the restaurant industry, and service models like this reduce the reliance upon them.

Roma Imports – I discovered this little gem when looking for some genuine Italian cold cuts early during our stay here, along with ingredients to make a lasagna. The local supermarkets unsurprisingly don’t offer much choice in this area. 

It’s located near downtown and is more of an Italian grocery store than restaurant, but they do have a kitchen churning out quite a menu. Although much of it is for takeout, there is a small seating area in the rear of the store. It’s perfect for a quick lunch. Wife and I have now visited twice for lunch, enjoying freshly made paninis. The best was turkey & havarti served on freshly made focaccia. Delicious!

Hana Tokyo – I know, I know- you don’t come to Arizona to eat sushi! But Son & I really do enjoy it, and have found a way to enjoy it wherever we’ve been. Tucson doesn’t disappoint, either. We’ve been to several places in this city, and have settled on Hana Tokyo as our go-to. It’s relatively close to home, and the food quality has been consistently good. Wife enjoys their salmon teriyaki, too.

While food quality is good at Hana Tokyo, there are service issues. In a nutshell, it takes way too long for drinks to show up from the bar, and the food comes out too quickly. It is disappointing for the entrees to show up immediately after the appetizers are delivered while you’re still waiting for the beverages ordered when you were seated. But the food is good, so…..

While on the subject of sushi, a shout out to Sakari Sushi. They offer all-you-can-eat sushi rolls, and Son & I spent an epic evening there last October when I visited.

Culinary Dropout – Early on in our visit we decided to try this place out based upon the menu we saw online. Son had been here before, but decided to sandbag the parents and not tell us what we failed to see in the research.

This bar & restaurant is part of a regional chain. It’s huge, very loud and obviously geared towards, let’s say, a younger crowd. But the food was very good, the beer cold and the service right on. I really enjoyed the evening people watching and eating the fried chicken entree, which was wonderfully prepared. Son had a burger and Wife the fish & chips, which were reported as excellent. The loud music was tolerable, even though I did not recognize many of the songs.

La Yaquesita – I’ve enjoyed a couple of lunches at this restaurant located near the University. Very friendly staff and fast service. The food was very good, especially their take on the Sonoran Hot Dog. 

Time for a bit of a digression regarding Sonoran Hot Dogs. I’d never heard of them before this trip. The first weekend we were here Son introduced us to them at Mr. Toto’s Food Truck, just down the street from his house. There doesn’t seem to be any standard Sonoran Hot Dog, but they all seem to involve a hot dog, bacon, a roll, sauces and condiments. I’ve experimented making these, and after several attempts I think I’ve come up with a contender.

Starting with a good quality all-beef dog, spiral wrap it with bacon. Sautee this at medium-low heat until the bacon is crispy. While this is cooking, prepare the bun by layering in ripe avocado slices and chopped onions. Use a sausage sized bun- room is needed for all of the goodies. The cooked dog is dropped in and then garnished with a finely chopped mix of peppers and diced tomatoes. I’ve used bell, jalapenos and yellow peppers- choose the spice level desired. Finally the sandwich gets yellow mustard, some dots of ketchup and a healthy stripe of spicy mayo. That’s it- bet you can’t eat just one!

I mentioned above that I found Roma Imports when looking for lasagna ingredients. Despite my Irish heritage, I’m told I make a really good lasagna, and cooked one up not long after arriving in Tucson. After visiting some of the local restaurants I got to thinking about adding and replacing some ingredients to add a little Sonoran flavor to the casserole.

I replaced the Italian sausage with chorizo, added a variety of roasted peppers to the sauce and replaced basil with cilantro in the ricotta mix. Then a little bit of this and that from the spice rack.

I’ve made two of these to date, and the leftovers didn’t hang around for long. I think it’s good. If anyone is interested in the whole recipe, let me know and I’ll write it up and post it.

Last item for the notable list is Barrio Bread. It’s a bakery, not a restaurant, delivering some of the best bread I’ve ever eaten. And I do loves my bread.

Primarily featuring sourdough loaves baked fresh daily, the Tucson Barrio Bread shop is located off East Broadway. Each time I’ve visited the line is out the door and down the sidewalk as people patiently wait to pick up a loaf. The scene reminds me of the old Seinfeld episode where folks queued up for the Soup Nazi. No bread for you!

Everything I’ve tried there has been excellent. Not to be missed when in Tucson.

There have been a few disappointments in our dining adventures, but not too many. We’ve eaten at most of the “Top 5” Mexican/ Southwestern restaurants- you know, the ones at the top of all the lists and “highly recommended”- and other than Seis Kitchen found them underwhelming. I found most of the food uninspired and generic, along with indifferent service. Combine that with high prices, and it’s hard to understand the appeal. 

That wraps up my impressions so far of the food scene in Tucson. More later, I’m sure.

NOTE:  Thanks to the Foodies of Tucson Facebook Group as that community pointed me in some good directions- much appreciated!