Thursday, March 19, 2020
The order also prohibits all restaurants from serving on-site, and encourages the use of delivery, curbside and take out service.
The restriction does not apply to grocery stores, markets, convenience stores, pharmacies, food banks and several other establishments.
The move follows this morning's vote by the Pima County Board of Supervisors to adopt similar measures. On Tuesday, Tucson was the first city in the region to close bars, gyms and other businesses were people congregate and limit restaurants to take-out and delivery.
“While each community has unique needs, our goal as a region is to bring Pima County into alignment with the management of COVID-19,” said Mayor Joe Winfield. “As this crisis continues to unfold, community leaders are having to constantly reassess current guidelines and determine when to take new measures. Our County Board of Supervisors has determined that this next level of precaution is necessary, so the Town of Oro Valley will follow their lead and adjust our local recommendations accordingly.”
The Town of Marana issued the following statement:
To further protect the safety of our residents, businesses, faith-based groups and non-profit organizations, Mayor Ed Honea has issued an amendment to the Town of Marana Mayoral Proclamation of Emergency which will order all bars, gyms, and places of public gathering to close, and will prohibit all restaurants from being open for on-site consumption. The amendment also encourages the use of restaurant delivery service, curbside-service, or drive-through service, and to use other appropriate precautions so as to mitigate the potential transmission of COVID-19. This amendment serves to aggressively assist in flattening the curve of the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and keeping our hospitals from becoming overwhelmed.As of today, Arizona Department of Health Services report, seven people in Pima County have tested tested positive for COVID-19. In Arizona, a total of 44 people have tested positive. Among state tests, 130 cases are still pending and 175 have been ruled out. Private labs are testing people for COVID-19. Statewide numbers updated here.
According to the CDC, COVID-19 symptoms typically occur two to 14 days after exposure, and include fever, cough and shortness of breath. However, some cases of the virus are entirely asymptomatic. Practices to avoid infection include social distancing (of at least six feet), washing your hands, avoiding unnecessary trips and not touching your face. COVID-19 can survive on cardboard for up to 24 hours, and on stainless steel and plastic surfaces up to three days. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Tags: Marana , Pima County , tucson news , restaurants , bars , closure , covid-19 , coronavirus , Image
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
The order would not affect grocery stories, pharmacies, food banks, banks and some cafeterias located inside hospitals, nursing homes or food vendors at Tucson International Airport.
The declaration would also encourage churches and the houses of worship to limit gatherings on their premises.
The board meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, 130 W. Congress St.
The Board's plan to have an emergency meeting follows Tucson Mayor Regina Romero's emergency declaration yesterday closing similar establishments and limiting restaurants to take-out and drive-thru service.
Restaurants in Oro Valley and Marana remain open, with officials in those towns saying they are waiting to see what Pima County does.
As of today's Arizona Department of Health Services report, Pima County has five confirmed cases of COVID-19. A total of 265 people have been tested for COVID-19; total of 15 people have tested positive, 102 cases are still pending and 148 have been ruled out. Statewide numbers updated here.
While Tucson restaurants are only offering to-go and drive-thru service, eateries in Marana, Oro Valley and unincorporated Pima County remain open, although that situation could change.
The mayors of Oro Valley and Marana both issued emergency declarations on Tuesday, strongly advising local businesses and restaurants to institute social distancing procedures, and for the latter to move to carry-out and deliver-only services.
The two municipalities' decision comes after Tucson Mayor Regina Romero issued a proclomation calling for the closure of all bars, gyms "and other specific venues stated in the proclamation where groups of people congregate" beginning at 8 p.m. Tuesday. Romero also ordered restaurants to move to carry-out or delivery services.
“I want to reiterate that food being served by our restaurants is safe," Romero stated. "It is the congregation of individuals in a dine-in setting that is unsafe.”
While Tucson has closed establishments, Oro Valley and Marana have not.
Oro Valley spokesperson Misti Nowak said the town is following the guidelines currently laid out by the county, but are constantly evaluating its procedures.
If the county calls for mandated closures, Oro Valley will follow suit, Nowak said.
Marana spokesperson Vic Hathaway says the situation in the town is "very fluid" and procedures may change at any time.
Pima County is expected to soon issue recommendations regarding local restaurants and bars. Pima County spokesman Mark Evans told Tucson Local Media that the Pima County Health Department leadership and the Health Department’s Consumer Health and Food Safety Division has met this week with representatives from the food and beverage sector “to discuss strategies for restaurants and bars to meet the social distancing guidelines from the state and federal government and still remain in business. That discussion will inform the Health Department's and County Administration's recommended social distancing guidance for restaurants and bars in Pima County, which should be announced soon.”
As of today's Arizona Department of Health Services report, Pima County has five confirmed cases of COVID-19. A total of 265 people have been tested for COVID-19; total of 15 people have tested positive, 102 cases are still pending and 148 have been ruled out. Statewide numbers updated here.
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Mayor Regina Romero announced on March 17 that all restaurants and bars in the City of Tucson will be closed except for take-out and delivery orders. In addition, food courts, gyms and other venues where more than 10 people gather will also be closed through the end of the month.
“My top priority, above all else, is to protect public health,” Romero said. “This is a painful decision that I do not take lightly. Several restaurants have already stopped dine-in service and transitioned to all drive through and curb-side pick-up.”
Restaurants in Oro Valley, Marana, Sahuarita, South Tucson and unincorporated Pima County remain open as of now.
In addition to the restaurant and bar closures, the City of Tucson also mandated that all service counters and lobbies within city buildings, including Ward offices and City Hall, will be closed through the end of March, but they will continue services and operations electronically. Romero says there will be no interruption in trash, recycling, landfill, or water services; all evictions on city-owned public housing will be suspended through the end of April; and there will be no water shutoffs through the end of April.
Romero said her decision was in conjuncture with closures throughout the City of Phoenix.
These closures follow increasingly strict recommendations by the federal government and the Centers for Disease Control aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19. Nationally, the virus’ cases have spiked from the single digits in February to more than 5,000 confirmed cases as of Tuesday, March 17—though this number is believed to be far lower than the total count as many people may not yet be showing symptoms and testing kits remain in short supply.
“I want to reiterate that food being served by our restaurants is safe. It is the congregation of individuals in a dine-in setting that is unsafe,” Romero said. “At this time, the best thing we can do is come together as a community and take care of each other. We’re all in this together. We will get through this.”
Fred Ronstadt, the executive director of the Fourth Avenue Merchant's Association and a former City Council member, expressed frustration that a meeting to discuss options for restaurants and nonprofits did not include his organization or many other stakeholders.
He said today's decision to limit restaurants and bars to take-out and drive-thru service was done despite little consultation with the restaurant community or coordination other local governments such as Oro Valley or Marana.
But Ray Flores, the CEO of Flores Concepts (aka the El Charro empire) who attended yesterday's meeting with Romero, said he supported the decision.
"We understand the severity and gravity of the situation you are navigating in regards to the COVID-19 outbreak and we are here to stand by you and our beloved community during this most difficult time."
Flores' letter listed a number of other restaurants that also supported the decision, including DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails, Todd Hanley of Hotel Congress, Beyond Bread, Tito and Pep Restaurant, American Eat Co., Penca, Rocco's Pizza, Reilly Pizza, Diablo Burger and others.
"
More details:I have decided that it is in the best interest of maintaining public health to close restaurants, bars, food courts, gyms, and other venues where groups of people congregate through the end of the month, effective 8pm this evening.
— Regina Romero (@TucsonRomero) March 17, 2020
I am joined by @CityofPhoenixAZ in this effort
Release from Mayor Romero:This order only applies to dine-in services, not delivery/ take-out. More details to follow. https://t.co/hcL9qSiwUL
— Regina Romero (@TucsonRomero) March 17, 2020
Mayor Romero Declares Local Emergency
Mayor Romero made the following statement declaring a local emergency and announcing a new set of actions the City of Tucson will be taking to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and preserve public health:
“This morning, after consulting with business stakeholders, the City Attorney, and City Manager, I have made the determination that it is in the best interest of maintaining public health to suspend dine-in services in restaurants and food courts, and transition to delivery/pick-up only services. Bars, gyms, and other specific venues stated in the proclamation where groups of people congregate are directed to be closed through the end of the month.”
Tags: regina romero , closures , covid19
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Maria Mazon, owner and chef of Boca Tacos y Tequila is up for the Best Chef (Southwest Region) category. She said she found out about her nomination from Dan Gibson, director of communications at Visit Tucson, at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday morning.
"I thought he was playing a practical joke on me," Mazon said. "I'm speechless. I'm happy. I'm everything."
Other local semi-finalists are Mi Nidito for Outstanding Hospitality, Don Guerra of Barrio Bread for Outstanding Baker and Stephen Paul of Hamilton Distillers for Outstanding Wine, Spirits or Beer Producer.
Finalists will be announced on Wednesday, March 25 at 7:00 a.m. M.S.T. Winners of the 2020 James Beard Award will be announced at their gala in Chicago on Sunday, May 3.
The James Beard Award is the most prestigious culinary award in the United States and is coveted by chefs and service industry aficionados alike.
Tags: James Beard Award , Tucson , semi-finalists , food , Barrio Bread , Boca , Mi Nidito , Hamilton Distillers , Image
Thursday, February 6, 2020
Tucson chef, Jeronimo "Mo" Madril, owner of Geronimo's Revenge food truck, wins the top prize on last night's Guy's Grocery Games, hosted by Guy Fieri. Madril and his team partner will be taking home $16,000.
The episode's theme was World Fusion, where contestants were teamed up with another chef representing a different country. The match ups were China and India, Philippines and France, Mexico and Singapore -Madril represented Mexico.
Madril's team easily got through to the second round, sending home the China/India team.
"I felt India and China had it. It's a winning combination that has been going together since the dawn of time," Madril said in regards to his feelings starting the first round. "We felt privileged to be in that position."
Madril and his partner went head to head against the Philippines/French team in the second round, where the challenge was to have a creative take on a traditional dish. Since Mo's team won the first round they got to choose their dish - fish and chips.
Mo's team created a Sapporo-battered fish, marinated in green curry and tamarindo, with yucca tots on the side. With less than 10 minutes to go, disaster struck for Mo's team - the tot's turned to mush in the fryer.
"Everything shattered, and I knew taking on those tots would be a big challenge," said Madril. "We just looked at each other can came up with our next best option of yucca chips."
Madril said he and his partner had discussed making yucca chips from the start, but opted to do something a bit more challenging to WOW the judges.
"Taking on fish and chips, we wanted to present something that was a challenge and not do basic stuff," Madril said. "But yucca chips was the way to go at the last minute."
The judges agreed and Mo's team beat out Philippines/France to win the show and $16,000.
You can congratulate Madril at his food truck usually parked at Che's Lounge on any given weekend night. Jim Vancza, co-owner of Che's Lounge, said the whole staff and the bar's regular patrons are very proud of Madril. Madril, who was a barback for many years at Che's, got his start hosting pop-up dinners on Thursday nights at the bar.
"He was a very dedicated employee and we saw his potential in the culinary arts," Vancza said. "We've been proud to support him through all of his ventures and very proud of his accomplishments."
Tags: Jeronimo "Mo" Madril , chef , Geronimo's Revenge food truck , Guy's Grocery Games , Che's , Guy Fieri , Image
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Break out the chips and frost those tips because Tucson chef, Mo Madril of Geronimo’s Revenge food truck is appearing on Guy Fieri’s Guy’s "Grocery Games" this Wednesday night on Food Network at 8 p.m. MST.
If you’ve never seen the show, the best way to describe it is as a reboot of legendary '80s daytime game show, "Supermarket Sweep," but with a cooking element. It stars flaming-rayon-shirt enthusiast, Guy Feiri.
“It was quite an experience,” Madril said. “I needed to learn where everything was and you get like 30 minutes to figure everything out.”
World Fusion is the title of the upcoming episode. While Madril can’t discuss too much about the show or what he made due to contractual obligations, he did say he “definitely represented Mexico."
“We got teamed up with another person from a different country and we had to work together,” Madril said. “We didn’t know who we were being paired with until we got there.”
Madril can talk about meeting Fieri. He said His Flamed Highness is just as boisterous as you would expect but a “really nice guy” who is actually concerned about how well the show’s contestants do.
“(Fieri) wants you to win, he really wants you to go for it,” Madril said. “It’s not like he can tell you much, but if you need anything he’s there to help.”
There will be a viewing party at Che’s Lounge located at 350 N. 4th Ave. on Wednesday, starting at 7 p.m. Madril said he’ll be recreating the signature dish he made on the show for guests to try, but he still can’t talk about what the actual dish is.
“I got my start at Che’s, building up my reputation doing pop-up dinners on Thursday nights,” Madril said. “I definitely have to pay tribute to my home base.”
Tags: Mo Madril , Geronimo’s Revenge , Che's , Food Network , Guy Fieri , Image
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
That’s where the drama unfolds.
Tucson Foodie understands this and will present their 2nd annual Art of Plating competition at the Copenhagen Furniture Store on Thursday, January 30. The best chefs from across the Old Pueblo will showcase their plating skills and duke it out for bragging rights. Proceeds benefit the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
“It's a fast-paced competition that’s a combination of delicious food that has to be beautiful,” said Jennifer Teufel Schoenberger, event organizer and partner at Tucson Foodie. “It has to be beautiful, interesting and have a creative presentation, but at the same time it has to taste delicious.”
Chefs will be paired up and compete head to head in five-minute rounds until the top plating chef emerges. This year’s event will feature 11 chefs, such as last year’s Art of Plating winner, Chef Gina Skelton of First We Eat Catering and Confections, and Dominique Stoller, owner of Doma’s Delights, who won last year’s Knife Fight, a local underground culinary competition.
Newcomer to the competition, Wendy Gauthier, owner of Chef Chic Catering and Events, says she’s a little nervous since the best of the best in Tucson’s culinary community will be competing, but she’s also excited to show what she can bring to the table.
“We’ve been playing with how to plate it and I think we’re ready,” Gauthier said.
Her staff at Chef Chic helped her come up with their dish, a goat cheese custard with a celery sorbet and roasted beets. While they may be ready, Gauthier said they’re still testing things out just to see if anything can be visually improved.
“No matter what I think in my head of how something is going to look, it’s never how it turns out,” Gauthier said with a chuckle. "In our heads we were going to put this one component on, and then we put it on and we were all like...no...no."
Guests at the event will be able to view the dishes in their full culinary glory before sampling the beautiful creations. Drinks from Sand-Reckoner Vineyard and Ten55 Brewing Company will also be complementary to attendees.
The event will be judged by international food and beverage writer Edie Jarolim, Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona CEO Michael McDonald and Tucson Museum of Art CEO Jeremy Mikolajczak.
This year’s Art of Plating will start at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 30. Tickets are $55 and can be purchased at eventbrite.com/e/the-art-of-plating-tickets-72735330331. Copenhagen Furniture Store is located at 3660 E. Fort Lowell Road.
Tags: Tucson Foodie , food plating , food competitions , things to do , culinary competitions , Art of Plating , Copenhagen , Image
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Davis Dominguez, a long-running gallery of contemporary art and a respected venue that shows many local artists, will close its doors at the end of June.
After that, the gallery’s elegant warehouse space at 154 E. Sixth St. may house the popular Mexican restaurant Lerua’s, which lost its own longtime space to the Broadway widening, Lerua’s is in negotiations, says building owner Mark Berman, but no contract has been signed.
Wife and husband gallerists, Candice Davis, age 72, and Mike Dominguez, age 73, say that they had been considering closing the gallery for some time.
“Candy and I have been semi-retired for the last couple of years,” Dominguez said Wednesday afternoon, with painter Juan Enriquez(cq) running the gallery several days a week. The two owners are devoted hikers and, Davis added, “We’re in good shape. There are lots of things we can do.”
Berman said that their current lease actually ends March 1, but he’s allowing the pair to keep the gallery going until June 30, when Davis Dominquez typically ends its season.
The gallery will stage three more shows, including Pure Abstract: Paintings by Joanne Kerrihard, collage and paintings by Amy Metier and sculpture by Steve Murphy, which opens with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday night. (See info on all three shows below.)
It will be a scramble to clear out the gallery in the short time after the final exhibition ends June 13. Among the many tasks, the owners will have to ship years of artworks back to the artists.
“I’m nervous about getting it all done,” Davis says.
Dominguez and Davis have rented the space from Berman for some 20 years, and they say they’ve had a productive relationship.
“Mark is the finest landlord and a great supporter of the arts,” Dominguez said.
Tags: Davis Dominguez , Lerua’s , Image
