Dining Out

Spring/summer focus is on light dining, locally sourced ingredients

Spicing up new menus for summer dining often means lighter fare, especially in Tucson’s sweltering heat, and healthy eating has become de rigueur everywhere. Even for meat-eaters, the mantra has become smaller is better. “Portions have gotten out of control. Really good, grass-fed beef has gotten very expensive,” says… Read more »

Budapest bistro Matzah Soldier drawing trendy clientele with a fresh take on grandma’s cooking

David Popovits, owner of the Matzah Soldier, sits down for a meal at his upscale restaurant in Budapest, March 2013. (Canaan Liphshiz/JTA)

BUDAPEST, Hungary (JTA) — On a corner in the heart of the former Jewish ghetto here, David Popovits sits down for some matzah ball soup and super-sized dumplings at his newly opened kosher-style restaurant. A burly, 40-year-old Hungarian Jewish businessman, Popovits used to eat in the restaurant as a… Read more »

‘Made from scratch’ is rallying cry of Tucson restaurants this autumn

High-quality ingredients, local specialties and seasonal cuisine are on tap for new fall menus in Tucson. Everything is “fresh, homemade” at Tavolino Ristorante Italiano, says owner and chef Massimo Tenino. “Coming from Italy, I take for granted that every day we bake fresh bread in our pecan wood-burning oven.”… Read more »

Smaller portions spice up Tucson restaurants for spring and summer dining

  As Tucson temperatures soar to a sizzle point, local restaurants are marking the change in seasons by offering menus with lighter fare. Pizza is perennially popular but Rocco’s Little Chicago Pizza on Broadway has added gazpacho and lighter beers to its menu specials. “We make everything from scratch,”… Read more »

From classic favorites to international cuisines, local restaurants have it all

  Although restaurants that cater to new trends are always popping up in Tucson, many diners still crave traditional Italian, Mexican or French cuisine. Luckily, whatever the dining preferences, Tucson restaurants satisfy myriad tastes. After travels to Paris or Montreal, locals can come home to enjoy paté or chateau… Read more »

Local, fresh ingredients blossom for spring dining out

Whether it’s Northern Italian, spicy Southwestern dishes, or gluten-free pizza, Tucson restaurants are concocting adventurous, affordable cuisine this spring. “We’re introducing Northern Italian dishes that are light and fresh, like pappardelle pasta with green beans and basil-dominated pesto,” says Larissa Capizzano, Tavolino Ristorante Italiano event coordinator. “Our pasta is… Read more »

With good works, delicious food, local restaurateurs nurture community

Spectacular views of the Catalina Mountains, live nightly music and globe-spanning cuisines all contribute to Tucson’s trendy dining out scene. Many local restaurants are also extending their role in the community beyond the creation of sumptuous dishes. Fire + Spice: An Arizona Grill at the Sheraton Tucson Hotel and… Read more »

Tucson’s eclectic restaurants tout their specialties — and their history

    Restaurants come and go, as do food trends. This spring, Tucson restaurants are extolling their use of the freshest ingredients, locally grown produce — and their place in Tucson “dining out” history.     Papagayo Mexican Restaurant and Cantina, says owner Bryan Mazon, is a family affair that… Read more »