Central Tucson Dining
Opa! Greek Cuisine & Fun: A Review.
April 2013 The ancient Roman poet we call Virgil (70 BC – 19 BC) taught us an important lesson when he wrote the epic Aeneid. “Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.” I was reminded of that proverb recently. I had just been seated by the hostess at Opa! Greek Cuisine & Fun on N. Campbell when the “gift” was place on my table. It consisted of a rather large plate of sliced pita bread and two dips: one hummus and the other cucumber. Generally I don’t much care for hummus and I had all the cucumbers I’ll ever want when we were in Egypt. I inquired of the hostess as to why I was being served this “appetizer” since I had not ordered it. “Oh,” said she, “it’s complimentary. Try it. You’ll like it.” What was I to do? Since I was dining at Opa! to write a dining review, I … Continue reading
Does The Dish Bistro & Wine Bar Serve The Best Steaks In Tucson?
I have been searching for a steakhouse that serves a better ribeye than I can BBQ at home. I almost always purchase my ribeyes from Costco. They are ALWAYS better than any of the big-name grocery stores. If you know what you’re looking for, you can pick up a generous package of prime-cut ribeye’s for the cost of U.S.D.A. choice.
Continue readingWhat’s Up With Old Pueblo Grille?
February 2013 Last Labor Day, Ms. Karen & I had lunch at Old Pueblo Grille. If you read my review, you know our meal was disappointing, although the Rattlesnake Eggs were delicious (jalapeno peppers with cream cheese wrapped in bacon). When I write a negative review, I try to go back when management thinks I will have a good experience. So, this is a re-review. About once a month, my friend Jeff & I dine somewhere I can review a restaurant for the Dining Section. So it was back to the Old Pueblo Grille in the hope that I could write a positive review. I really wish I could. The place was packed, so obviously a lot of Tucsonans think it’s OK. But in all honesty, I cannot wholeheartedly recommend it to my friends & family – which is our base criterion for either a four or five saguaro rating. While waiting for Jeff … Continue reading
Gourmet Girls Gluten-Free Bakery & Bistro: A Review
There I was, in this quaint little bakery on North Oracle, munching on an open-face turkey sandwich on French bread with a side of potato salad – all gluten-free – and enjoying the meal immensely. This was unexpected. Like most people who have tried gluten-free bread and other gluten-free foods, my limited experience was that [...]
Continue readingOld Pueblo Grille: A Review
First, right there on the Metro Restaurants website, it says they are partners with El Charro Café, one of the very few places (the original downtown) in all of Southern Arizona that has earned a 5-Saguaro rating from us. By association, Old Pueblo Grille was sure to be a great dining experience.
Continue readingLiv Cafe’ & Bistro: A Review
There’s nothing about the general appearance of Liv Café & Bistro to suggest anything but ordinary. I mean, inside it sorta looks like just another Starbucks, only more sparse. The patio seating is OK, but it’s not like there’s a great view or anything. But…
Continue readingThe Dish Bistro & Wine Bar – Good Until The End!
The Dish is just a tiny back area in the Rumrunner, a wine, spirits, & deli place just off Speedway & Country Club on 1st Street. It may have 10 small tables tucked into various nooks and crannies.
Continue readingVivace – Fine Italian Dining
Scott & Sheryl Reed are friends from Wisconsin who have stayed with Ms. Karen and me several times. Last year they dined at Vivace and thought the experience so exceptional they wanted to go again and this time write a review. With those I know to have discriminating tastes, I will occasionally invite them to [...]
Continue readingTucson Tamale Company, Are Their Tamales The Best?
Last week (April 2012) I had a most pleasant business lunch. My dining companion was Paul Hopman, a local artist whose specialty is scratchboard. If you have not had the pleasure of seeing Paul’s work, go to his website. He suggested the Tucson Tamale Company on Broadway. That worked for me ‘cause (1) I had [...]
Continue readingOM Modern Asian Kitchen – Tucson
In the spirit of honesty, Asian food is not my favorite, although I do enjoy some for a little variety … little being the operative word. Raw fish and seaweed just do not appeal to me. And the Oriental food I do like, Sweet & Sour Pork, Kung Pao Chicken, etc., isn’t particularly healthy.
That, and I had yet to experience a really good Oriental restaurant in Tucson.
Jax Kitchen On North Oracle
January 2021. I had heard good things about Jax Kitchen on North Oracle and so, when I received a Groupon offering Lunch for 4, I was reasonably certain I could talk three friends into dining with me. With me for lunch last week were Ms. Karen, Ms. Sue, and Ms. Marcia. Always pleasant to dine [...]
Continue readingGee’s Garden Bistro – From Chinese Medicine to Chinese Cuisine in Tucson
One day a few weeks ago I was lying face down in “The Torture Room” of my acupuncturist, Dr. Yuan Clare Zhang. Dr. Clare might be 4’7” tall and might weigh 75 pounds dripping wet. To say that Dr. Clare is petite is like saying a teacup Poodle is small. Rather redundant. I’m sure she [...]
Continue readingFive Guys Burgers & Fries – On Oracle, Tucson
I recall a news story back in 2009 about President Obama executing a daring White House breakout and heading, without warning, to a D.C. burger joint called Five Guys. I used to live in Maryland about 40 minutes from the Mall. I truly loved to visit our Capitol and enjoyed taking visiting friends and family to the many museums and monuments.
Continue readingAnthony’s In The Catalinas – Tucson Foothills
We three arrived early just as Anthony’s was opening at 5:30PM. We entered through a small bar. The maitre d’ greeted us and I asked to be seated near the very large window on the south overlooking Metropolitan Tucson. On the way to our window table we took note of the large patio that would have been inviting if the weather had been warmer.
Continue readingScordatos Pizzeria (formerly Pizzeria Vivace )- Central Tucson
September, 2011 updated July 2012 Recently renamed Scordatos, after the owner, because people kept confusing it with Vivace, I had never heard of Pizzeria Vivace (pronounced Va-Vaa’-Chee) until I was looking though some other restaurant reviews recently and found that it was rated very highly. It’s located in the St. Philip’s Plaza. St. Philip’s is a moderately high-end commercial center at the busy intersection of Campbell and River. Lodging, restaurants, shops, professional suites, etc. Scordatos Pizzeria is hidden at the southwest corner … so hidden they have to put out a sandwich board with a directional arrow in the parking lot so visitors can find it. 4280 N. Campbell Ave. Tucson, AZ … Continue reading
El Corral Steakhouse
El Corral Steakhouse on River Road in Tucson is hugely popular. Their specialty is prime rib enjoyed in a casual dining atmosphere.
Continue readingEvening at the Hacienda Del Sol
Afternoon at Hacienda del Sol. Cocktails, Fine Dining, & Lodging in Central Tucson
The Hacienda del Sol offers old Tucson resort comfort. The best in Fine Dining and Lodging in Central Tucson
Continue readingMiss Saigon Bar & Grill – Tucson
Vietnamese. I hear good things about Miss Saigon. Some say it’s average, but other say it’s way above average.Yelp rates it a 4-star. TripAdvisor says it’s #35 out of 652 Tucson restaurants reviewed. I’ll check it out soon. Two locations: 4650 West Ina Road & 1072 N Campbell, Tucson Hours: Sun 11:30am–9:30pm; Mon-Sat 10:30am–9:30pm Visit the website … Continue reading
Blue Willow-Breakfast – Tucson
First, Blue Willow Restaurant on Campbell is a bakery: fresh-out-of-the-oven cakes, pies, muffins, cookies, you-name-it.
Continue readingZinBurger Wine & Burger Bar
I know it sounds weird, but a really good burger and a really good glass of wine really do go together.
Continue readingThe Grill at Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch – Tucson
July, 2011 Is the Grill at Hacienda del Sol the best non-Mexican restaurant in Tucson? I’m trying to think of where I have had a better dining experience and nothing comes to mind. But then, I haven’t dined at every Tucson restaurant yet. We’ll see… Executive Chef Evan Philips is a master. The veggies are picked fresh every day from the Andrew Weil Garden behind the kitchen. Dinner is accompanied by pleasant live piano music. Service is great. And the view of the mountains is specular. … Continue reading
Cup Cafe at the Hotel Congress
The Cup Cafe is a downtown tradition enjoyed by visitors and locals alike. Creative dishes, eclectic wine list, freshly baked desserts, full bar, indoor or patio seating.
Continue reading