Tuesday, April 3, 2018
The third annual Baja Beer Festival features more than 40 vendors, all from Arizona, with a special focus on India Pale Ales, or IPA’s, this year. In fact, the Tucson Homebrew Club recently judged the
first-ever statewide IPA competition, and the winners will be announced this weekend as well.
Another first? The fest has teamed up with the Gastronomic Union of Tucson (GUT) to keep your stomach full of something besides bubbles. No outside food is allowed, unless in the form of a stylish pretzel necklace.
The Baja Beer Festival takes place from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 7 at Armory Park.
A $35 general admission ticket includes 20 tasting tickets (one ticket gets you one 4 oz beer tasting). $60 VIP tickets get you in at 1 p.m., an extra hour early, include 25 tasting tickets and a food voucher. Both come with a commemorative tasting mug, so you’ll have something to remember the afternoon by, even if you forget everything that actually happens. Designated driver tickets are available for 10 bucks.
Check out the full list of beers available at the event.
For more information, visit BajaBeerFestival.com
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Sonoran Mushroom Company is hoping to land support from Greener Fields Together, which runs the Cultivating Change grant program. Sonoran Mushroom Company is one of the finalists for the award, with online voting continuing through Wednesday, Jan. 31.
Greener Fields Together is hosting two different contests: In one, the grant winner is determined by popular vote and in the other, the winner is determined by a panel of six judges. All applicants are qualified for the popular vote, but only Greener Fields Together partners are qualified for panel voting. Winners for the popular vote can win as much as $10,000, while the panel voting contestants can win as much as $20,000.
Sonoran Mushroom Company is a produce company that has successfully grown mushrooms in Tucson—a challenging task because, in order to flourish, shrooms need a lot of water. With a lot of time and effort, farm founders John Jacobs and John Jacobs Sr. invested in a facility to grow them indoors.
"We chose mushrooms because they take up less space and you can grow them indoors, which is cool," said Jacobs Sr.
Mushrooms can be harvested every day of the year and, because they can be grown indoors, the environment they're in can be controlled. Jacobs said the biggest obstacle is keeping the humidity up since it's so dry in Tucson.
"It's easy to grow a mushroom, but it's not easy to grow a lot of mushrooms," said Jacobs Sr. "We're still tweaking and perfecting our systems."
Tags: mushrooms , Tucson farm , Image
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 16. 510 N Seventh Ave, Unit 170. $27
Fifth Annual Arizona Bacon Fest. Did you know eating bacon actually makes you lose weight? Well, that’s not true, but you might feel like flying after having an awesome time at the fifth annual Arizona Bacon Fest. Tucson’s best chefs converge for one day to make some of the tastiest plates, and they all include bacon! And if you thought there wasn’t going to be beer, congratulations: you just proved you’ve never been to this festival before, so now you have no excuse not to come. In addition to craft beers, there will be live music and NFL games. Honestly, what more could you ask for? 2 p.m on Sunday, Nov. 19. At 260 S. Church Ave. $38. Purchase tickets beforehand.
Chili Cook Off and Car Show. Yes, you read that title right. The only thing hotter than the homemade chili will be the cars, trucks and motorcycles. Once the car show and chili tasting are finished, it’s time for the awards. So whether you want to eat, hang out, or battle it out for the chili bragging rights, this is your place. And if none of that has convinced you, there’s also a swap meet! What won’t be taking place there? 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 19. Fred’s Arena Bar and Steakhouse. 9650 S Avra Road. Free entry.
Pints & Poses. If you have trouble maintaining your balance and poise while doing yoga, try adding beer to the mix. How would that help? Good question, it actually comes after the yoga as a reward. Pueblo Vida Brewing seems to have it all worked out for you. Do yoga and then once you’re tired and zen, get even more centered with their find craft beers. Say namaste and drink away. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 19. 115 E Broadway Blvd. $5 /21+
Pie Exchange. One pie enters, one pie leaves! (Or three, if you’re feeling ambitious.) Desert Dove Chapel is hosting a magical event to really bring the community together in harmony. Show up with a pie of your own and trade it for a totally new one. If your tastebuds are feeling adventurous, be sure to check this out. (Please, no store-bought pies.)
Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Desert Dove Chapel, 5385 E. Ironwood St.
Thursday, November 2, 2017
Gelato Festival Tucson 2017. Get ready for a lot o’ gelato, and a lot o’ authentic Italian artisanal gelato to boot. Gelato’s a huge deal over in Italy, but is starting to gain popularity in the U.S., and the benevolent Gelato Festival America is taking on the noble mission of raising awareness of the neat, sweet treat from across the pond. Try flavors from some of the world’s best gelato artisans, and learn how to make you own as well. To quote Gwen Stefani: Go Gelato! G-E-L-A-T-O Fest! 2 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3 and noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4 and Sunday, Nov. 5. La Encantada, 2905 E. Skyline Drive. $13.50-$40.
Murder Mystery Dinner. Let the games begin, and let the Game of Thrones begin first and foremost. Damascus Road Tucson presents this event, billed as a coronation for Queen Cersei, and everyone from Lord Marana to Lady South Tucson is invited. (Everyone is invited). Rincon Market will cater a formal dinner, so that guests will be plenty fueled up for part two of the evening: solving a mysterious murder (cue spooky music). Dress formally, but also dress ready to solve some crimes. 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4. University of Arizona, Institute of the Environment, ENR2 Building, 1064 E. Lowell St. $20.
Tags: Gelato festival , gelato , Italian , PINK YOUR DRINK Cocktail Competition , pink , breast cancer , Save The Ta-Tas , Martin Drug Co. Murdery Mystery Dinner , Game of Thrones , Crooked Tooth , brewery , birthday , brewthday , Maize to Menus: 4 , 000 Years of Harvesting the Desert , Hamilton Distillers , Noche de las Calaveras at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum , sugar skulls , Day of the Dead , Meatball Monday , meatballs , Spaghetti Western Steakhouse
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Tags: quick bites , yum japanese gardens tea ceremony , matcha , tea , grapes and goodies , chief joshua vineyards , trick or treat , trick and treat , trick , treat , old tom gin , three wells distilling company , Halloweekend , Halloween
Feast with the Dearly Departed. Take this opportunity to honor your loved ones without the solemnity. Celebrate life, appreciate the preciousness of the people you love and dance the night away to Tucson High School’s Mariachi Rayos del Sol. For the sixth iteration of this annual event, Tucson Botanical Gardens is bringing in face painters, pan de muerto, sugar skulls and a Dancing Skeleton exhibit—which will feature papier mâché skellies made by local artists, community groups, and even you, if you want to submit one (call 520-326-9686 ext. *10 for more info on that). Feast on the food available throughout the gardens, including tacos, tamales, pallets, refreshes and limeade. The community-made Ofrenda lies at the center of the event, and all guests are welcome to bring notes and mementos to place at the ofrenda. 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way. $13 GA, $7.50 children, $10 member adults, $4 member children.
Tags: Devil’s Night Dinner at Hotel Congress , Halloweekend , culinary , culin-scary , feast with the dearly departed , Casino del Sol Offal Beer Dinner , wake up the dead , 13th annual argentina heart and soul , chimichurri , wine tasting , spooky , Halloween
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Trunk or Treat! Cheers to 15 years of the Northwest YMCA’s festive and fun-filled event, which sounds like it might just be all treats and no tricks. Inflatable things! Candy! Costumes! Live entertainment! “Kid friendly” is an understatement; this is a kid’s paradise. Mj’s hotdogs, Bella’s Gelato Shoppe, Wilson’s Kettle Corn and The Blacktop Grill will be serving up eats to complement the inevitable bags full of treats. 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. Northwest YMCA, 7770 N. Shannon Road. $1 (ONE DOLLAR.)
Fall Brawl #1. The WWE Smackdown of Tucson’s culinary community continues with this heated competition over who can craft the best game-day appetizer. Will it be Johnny Gibson’s? The Drunken Chicken? Mulligan Sports Grill? Or Rincon Market itself? Everyone knows the appetizer is the most important part of a game-day spread, because it’s the point in the day where you’re most likely to be sober and still have some sort of discerning taste. So this is not to be taken lightly. Cast your vote carefully, because there can only be one! 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22. Rincon Market, 2513 E. Sixth St. $15.
Casino Del Sol Oktoberfest. It’s about to get German! And we’re not talking Weinerschnitzel. This 21+ Oktoberfest features Sam Adams and Paulaner beer, live music and German foods and desserts. Vendors will keep your belly full, live music will keep your heart full, and games and contests will keep your adrenaline reserves full. The event runs for 10 hours, and entry is free, so if you forget your lederhosen or your pint glass, there’s no worries about leaving and coming back (as long as you’re still okay to drive). Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. AVA Amphitheater, 5644 W. Valencia Road. Free.
Uncle Bob’s Popcorn Halloween Promotion. Check out some of terrifically tasty treats at a small business that is just as lovable as it is local. If you’ve ever been to the Shanty on Fourth Ave, you’ve probably had Uncle Bob’s. But, in honor of Halloween, they’re mixing things up. The Monster Mash mix comes with bright green, orange and purple kernels, and the Day of the Dead popcorn is white, silver and black. A smaller bag is $399, and an impressively large one is $9.99. Through Oct. 31. Uncle Bob’s Popcorn, 1147 N. Columbus Ave.
Tags: Salud 2017 , Gabriel’s Angels , Therapy Dogs , Trunk or Treat , Northwest YMCA , Fall Brawl , Rincon Market , Johnny Gibson’s , The Drunken Chicken , Mulligan Sports Grill , Casino Del Sol Oktoberfest , beer , lederhosen , pints , Uncle Bob’s Popcorn , Halloween , Trick or Treat , Day of the Dead , popcorn
Thursday, October 5, 2017
World Margarita Championship. Life is less hard when you have a marg, and furthermore… TEQUILA! Tucson Original Restaurants and the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance are teaming up to make your life a little less hard and a lot more spirited with this opportunity to sample local cocktails and cuisine. A panel of judges (including the Weekly’s own Chow writer, Mark Whitaker) will deliver their verdict on the best of the Southwest, and attendees can vote for the People’s Choice Award for best signature margarita. Proceeds from admission and raffle ticket sales go to SAACA to support local arts education, art therapy programs and Tucson Originals restaurants. 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6. Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort, 10000 N. Oracle Road. $55 in advance, $70 day of event.
Desert Foods Fiesta. Give a man a prickly pear, and he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man how to safely harvest prickly pear fruits and make jellies and syrups out of the juice, and he’ll eat for a lifetime. At this festival, enjoy learning about prickly pear delicacies, solar cooking with the Solar Guild of Tucson, viewing the sun through telescopes, and milling your mesquite pods into flour. David Yetman of “In the Americas with David Yetman” and “The Desert Speaks” will also give a special presentation. Vendors ranging from El Saguaro Restaurant to Prest Coffee to Native Seed/SEARCH will be present to prepare and sell foods. The whole shebang is hosted by the Cooper Center for Environmental Learning, or Camp Cooper, which teaches kids (and adults!) all about the Sonoran Desert and the environment. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. Cooper Center for Environmental Learning. 5403 W. Trails End Road. Free.
Tags: margaritas , pancakes , prickly pear , desert foods , sonoran snacks , pita jungle , kingfisher , fired pie , sour beer , sour candy , sour grapes , 1912 , chili cook-off , david yetman
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Flavor by Loews Hotels. Loews Ventana Canyon Resort is now participating in the hotel’s initiative to offer guests lovable local flavors by partnering with the companies behind some of Tucson’s tastiest treats. The hotel will be offering tamales from the Tucson Tamale Company (called “the best tamales in the USA” by Alton Brown of The Food Network), French toast made with bread from Barrio Bread and beer on tap from Dragoon Brewing Company throughout the resort. It’s the perfect place for visiting friends and relatives to stay to get a taste of the city, and many Tusconans will probably now be tempted to stay at the resort themselves. Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, 7000 N. Resort Drive.
Tags: Mr. Bing’s The Supper Club Experience , Hacienda del Sol , Loews Hotels , Tucson Tamale Company , Barrio Bread , Dragoon , Zinburgre , Butterfinger Shakes , Lock in Hope , PY Steakhouse , Casino del Sol , Dinner with Chefs , Ramiro Scavo , Red’s Smokehouse + Tap Room , chili , Southwest chili cook , dinner detective murder mystery show , born and brewed , hotel congress , beer , Beer , BEER , Jim Click , Arizona Wine Dinner , Maynards , Fourth Fridays , Tucson Botanical Gardens , Greek Fest , Farmer’s Market , what do you mean he DON’T EAT NO MEAT? , That’s okay , I make lamb , greek , Greek fest , My Big Fat Greek Festival
Thursday, September 14, 2017
16th Annual Roasted Chile Festival. The Rincon Institute hosts this chile and spice and everything nice event at the Rincon Valley Farmers and Artisans Market. Aside from fresh roasted chilies, locally grown produce and a beer garden, there will also be artisans and crafters, activities for kids and live music by John Grant & The Guilty Bystanders and Johnny Bencomo. Come get your metaphorical fill of local culture and your literal fill of hatch and poblano chilies. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. Rincon Valley Farmers & Artisans Market 12500 E. Old Spanish Trail. Free entry.
Born & Brewed Beer Battle at Hotel Congress. Which brewery produces the best pint in town and deserves the coveted 2017 Beer Cup? Help decide by casting your vote at Hotel Congress’s sixth annual event. It’s more local than ever this year, with beers strictly from Tucson breweries, who will compete in three categories: best flagship beer, best specialty beer and people’s choice. There will be panelists from Dragoon Brewing Co, Tucson Foodie, Tucson News Now and USBG Tucson. Beats, brews and eats abound with the tastings, food pairings and live music. 6 p.m. Saturday Sept. 23. Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.. $15 designated driver, $30 general admission, $50 VIP.
Tags: Primavera Cooks , Kingfisher , Roasted Chile Festival , John Grant & The Guilty Bystanders , Johnny Bencomo , chiles , Born & Brewed Beer Battle , Born & Brewed , born and brewed , Hotel Congress , hoco , Dragoon , Tucson Foodie , Tucson News Now , USBG Tucson , beer
