To understand the Tucson dining scene, you have to go back 4,000 years.The surrounding Sonoran Desert is the most biodiverse region of North America, and the Santa Cruz River, which runs through Tucson, is the longest continuously cultivated area of North America. The Tohono O’odham tribe’s predecessors, the Hohokam, settled along the river and developed irrigation canals to water their “three sisters” crops of corn, squash and beans. “Generation after generation have gone to the banks of the Santa Cruz River to plant and harvest their food,” Janos Wilder, a James Beard Award-winning chef and president of Tucson City of…

On Tucson’s south side, on the corner Third Avenue and 25th Street, sits a little shack with a roof of solar panels. At the front, behind its chain link fence, a fading hand-painted picture of La Virgen de Guadalupe greets all who approach. It’s Saturday, and Casa Maria welcomes anyone in need of a meal. Outside, volunteers form themselves into a human assembly line: a church volunteer with graying hair, a University of Arizona student and locals from the barrio, some sporting baseball caps, others cowboy hats. They begin to unload box after box of donated food — tomatoes, a…

Mesquite wood, cactus paddles, beans, chiltepin, and Sonoran flour are a few of the building blocks of the dynamic and delicious Sonoran cuisine that focuses on chili-laden sauces, smoky grilled meats, and large flour tortillas. The Sonoran Desert is a sprawling geographical region that encompasses Southern Arizona up to the Mogollon Rim, the southeastern corner of California, the entire state of Sonora, Mexico, the Baja California peninsula of Mexico, and the Gulf of California and its islands. So it tracks that Tucson, Arizona, is one of the best places in the United States to sample Sonoran cuisine. In fact, in…

Maynard’s Market & Kitchen Maynard’s offers a welcoming blend of comfort and innovation, which is reflective in its menu. Whether you’re seeking a quick bite on the go or a relaxed atmosphere to unwind with friends, Maynard’s caters to all tastes. From breakfast delights like the Baconeggandchez and Greenchorizoeggandchez to a selection of freshly baked pastries, artisan coffee, salads, sandwiches, and charcuterie snack packs, each dish reflects a commitment to quality and flavor. The morning menu transitions into an array of beverage options, including premium whiskies, curated cocktails, and an impressive selection of beer and wine, proving that Maynard’s is…

Mama Louisa’s Italian Restaurant Mama Louisa’s has been a beloved Tucson landmark since 1956. They offer a traditional Italian dining experience with a Southwestern twist, serving classic Italian dishes passed down through generations. They are known for making homemade pasta with locally grown wheat, and source meats, produce, and herbs from Southern Arizona producers. Their operations also show a strong commitment to sustainability. They divert food and water waste to on-site foliage or recycle it into compost on-site or through a service. They also recycle all their cooking oil. To reduce the use of plastic and Styrofoam, the restaurant uses…

Mountain biking is becoming more popular here, and the southwest’s stunning landscape. If you’re just starting out, scope out the terrain at the Sweetwater Preserve Trailhead in the eastern foothills of Tucson Mountains and Honeybee Canyon in the Oro Valley. Both feature relatively milder pitches that usually appeal to novices. More advanced riding awaits on Mount Lemmon. Expertise aside, you should hire a guide anyway to ensure a seamless and safe adventure. The folks at Homegrown are some of the most dedicated. Its owner Art is a founding member of the Tucson Off-Road Cyclists and Activists, a non-profit that advocates…

The new shop, which is open 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Tuesday – Sunday, is dedicated to sourcing their beans responsibly, making sure they’re ethical and easy on the environment. On the menu, they have multiple beverages including an Americano, cortado, cappuccino, cafe latte, double espresso, chai latte, and more. However, if you’re in the market of brewing your own coffee at home, Talego Coffee Co. has you covered. They’re currently selling their own roasts: Costa Rica, Brazil, Mexico, and a Latin Blend — all of which are sold online, too. This article was originally published by a tucsonfoodie.com…

Hungry for more local restaurants in Tucson? We’ve scoped out the scene and spotted four you’ll want to try. In 2015, Tucson was designated as an official City of Gastronomy by UNESCO, the first city in the United States to earn such a recognition. Tucson earned this designation due to having the “longest agriculture history of any city in the United States.”  Seeing as Tucson has such a rich culinary heritage, it’s only fitting that southern Arizona’s largest city would be home to a plethora of farm-to-table restaurants. Here are four that you should consider checking out.  All of the…

Mission Gardens in Tucson ArizonaKarthika Gupta Located in the heart of Tucson, Arizona, Mission Gardens is a living testament to the region’s culturally rich cuisine and history. Spread over four acres, it boasts meticulously restored garden plots that celebrate the area’s agricultural past. Mission Garden is located at the foot of Sentinel Peak, at the site of the Native American village of S-cuk Son (pronounced Chuk Shon), a place sacred to the Tohono O’odham. It offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of desert farming and the story of the region’s first inhabitants. A huge part of the garden’s mission…

Diablo Burger A list of the Best Restaurants in Flagstaff without Diablo Burger would be incomplete.   The restaurant has been dominating the “best burger” scene since its doors opened in 2009. The menu boasts 11 combos, with the “Señor Smoke” proving a crowd favorite — topped with ancho grilled onions, grilled avocado, bacon, cilantro, and sriracha mayo.  If you’re feeling like a burger architect, you’ve also got the choice to BYOB (build your own burger) from an array of ingredients, including beets, chimichurri, and coffee barbecue sauce.  Owner Derrick Widmark’s passion extends beyond the kitchen as he sources his grass-fed…