07/15/2020 – Jim and I don’t go out much any more. Southern Arizona is not much fun right now. We love bringing the great things about Southern Arizona to light but in this time there is not much good news to share. Sure, we love to take a drive out to some of the places we love. Gas is cheaper than it has been in years. But, I must admit. It’s just not the same. This pandemic is putting a damper on everyone’s lives and livelihood.

Jim and Neighbor Roy use to venture out on Friday’s to explore the culinary scene. Tucson had recently been named City of Gastronomy, meaning GOOD FOOD, and a good variety of it. Well, that came to a screeching halt when Covid-19 took over and restaurants had to close their doors to dine in customers. Some closed for good, some stayed open with a limited staff. Many lost their jobs. But you know all this by now.

We have hunkered down for many months, watching our readership die down. Who wants to read about all the fun things to do when you can’t do them. We decided to focus on history; reading and writing about it. Reviews of books about Southern Arizona take up much of our time.

And then there is the food. Everyone must eat, but as the restaurants open back up, the numbers of cases are rising too. Coincidence? Only time will tell. Last month we cautiously ventured out to Patagonia to see how it had changed since a mining operation opened up 5 miles away in Harshaw. The Velvet Elvis Pizza restaurant was nearly empty. We opted for take out. Not nearly as scary as I had imagined, we ate our pie at the nearby city park, which was populated by one other family some distance away. In fact, all the picnic tables in the park were well placed for social distancing.

This week, we ordered a Quiche Special from the Gourmet Girls Gluten Free Restaurant. Yes, they are gluten free, AND they have the best pizza crust I have ever eaten, gluten free or not. And the crust on the quiche is a little sweet, crispy and flaky, even when you microwave it. Order a quiche from the Gourmet Girls, pick it up and enjoy. Be sure to tell them we sent you.

There are several other restaurants offering specials over the summer, some takeout, some eat-in only. I am not ready for dining in. Not with Arizona being #1. But we will be doing take out and writing about it. Jim and Neighbor Roy will be at it again. Next week, more Pizza!

P.S. Reneé’s Organic Oven also serves Gourmet Girl’s pizza crust if the east side is closer.