On a Friday in late May 2022, Neighbor Roy and I headed to Tucson, there to dine at Blue Willow on Campbell Avenue because TripAdvisor claimed that they have the best meatloaf in Tucson. The day before I had asked Roy what he wanted to eat for our next lunch and he wrote back, “Meatloaf”.
When we arrived at Blue Willow, the parking lot was chock full and a waiting line emanated from their front door. So we turned around and headed north on Campbell about a block to Prep & Pastry. (1) there was ample parking there and (2) no waiting line at all. We were immediately seated indoors.
The first thing Roy and I both noticed was how loud it was. Roy commented that most of the people seated inside were young and those on the patio were older. When we dined here a year or two ago, we ate outside and didn’t notice any loud noise. But today it was hot out and inside seemed more comfortable, loud as it was.
Our server came and we ordered lunch. Roy ordered the turkey club sandwich with fries. This was turkey, house bacon, pickles, lettuce, onion, avocado, and herbed lemon aioli on sourdough ($14).
I ordered Iced Tea and a Monte Christo. This was honey roasted ham, swiss cheese, pineapple, jalapeno mascarpone, herbed brioche French toast ($13) add an egg (+2). I added a scrambled egg.
I’ll let Roy tell you about his experience.
This week, Jim and I started out for a restaurant to sate my periodic lust for a good place to get a meatloaf.  The parking lot was full, with a waiting line outside in the 90’s weather–we made a wise decision to go elsewhere for lunch.  Jim recommended the PREP & PASTRY on N. Campbell, we were able to park easily. The restaurant was not crowded–first impression is negative for “mature adults” the music and patron talking loudly is a  turn-off.  We did notice after seating that the younger patrons were sitting inside and noticed the older patrons were seated outside.
Our server was prompt, menus were presented and drink orders were taken. I ordered hot tea, and another waiter appeared and told me they have a variety of teas. When I looked, there were a dozen or more teas listed–a first for any Tucson restaurant. I finally chose a Madagascar White tea, never had I even heard of white tea. I was curious as to what it would be. I also ordered a Turkey club sandwich.  As the tea came in a small pot, I let it steep, while I started my lunch.  One glance at the plate and I knew I would never finish the lunch and would have a second lunch for tomorrow.  The sandwich featured obvious homemade bread and was so thick, I could barely get it in my mouth.  In addition to the turkey were strips of bacon, lettuce, tomato, and pickles, with a heavenly good avocado sauce–never remember having such a good Turkey sandwich. My tea turned out to have a vague vanilla taste–very unique and tasty,  Were it not for the almost painful noise level–I would give it 4  saguaros. As it is,  I do not recommend inside dining–go for the patio–order a turkey club sandwich, and white tea and enjoy one of the best lunches I’ve had in years. I give it 3 and a half saguaros, reduce the noise level and I would  give it a 4 saguaros rating.”
I enjoyed my Monte Christo with fried potatoes. Like Roy, I rate Prep and Pastry three and a half Saguaros. It would definitely be a four except for the almost unbearable noise level. They do have a very extensive menu and would be a good place for breakfast with fresh housemade pastries. Better go there before the word gets out that they have great lunches too.
Prep and Pastry
2660 N Campbell Ave
and
6450 E Grant Rd
Open from 7 am – 3 pm daily
