Tohono Chul Park, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte, Tucson, Arizona, United States
Recently I invited a friend to the Tohono Chul Tea Room for breakfast. Her boyfriend lives in Tucson and she's been coming to see him for several years but didn't know about the Tea Room! It is such an amazing ambiance. In the morning light, you can have a wonderful breakfast in a lush desert botanical garden setting. Many of the plants and flowers are designed to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Beautiful! I'm not a bird-watching type of person, but I saw some colors on those little birds that I've never seen before! It is such a relaxing and soothing place to be. AND the food is amazing too. Try the signature breakfast enchiladas. You won't regret it!
As a side note: In October, my friend got married at Tohono Chul. The ceremony and the reception were both beautiful. The ceremony took place in the courtyard as you enter the Tea Room as was the reception party after dinner. Something to seriously consider if you're getting married, or even just recommending a cool and unique party venue.
Keywords: Dress casual, Outdoor / Patio seating, Brunch, Restaurant, Scenic View, Everyone, No smoking, Moderate (US$ 11 - US$ 20), American, Lunch, Breakfast
Blue Willow, 2616 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, Arizona, United States
If you go to Blue Willow on the weekend be prepared to wait for a table, but it will be worth the extra effort. In fact, the fine people at Blue Willow have even provided a gift shop in which to wait for a table, so the is plenty to look at and multiple opportunities to buy more than just breakfast.
The most difficult part of a trip to Blue Willow id deciding what to order, however everything is great, so do not fret too much.
When in doubt just look around, likely someone at a neighboring table will have a dish that is exactly what you are craving.
Regardless of how much you eat while at the table do not leave without purchasing one of their delicious baked treats, even if you take it to go. If you leave without anything you will regret that decision at some point through out the day.
Keywords: Just you alone / As a single, Dress casual, With teens, Outdoor / Patio seating, Cafe / Tea House / Coffee Shop, Brunch, Restaurant, Everyone, With a group, Cheap (US$ 5 - US$ 10), With kids, American, As a senior citizen, As a couple, Lunch, Breakfast
Salty Senorita, 1860 S Stapley Dr, Mesa, Arizona, United States
This class is only held once a year at each location (in November).
This years class (11/5/08) was attended by about 20 people. We learned about the agave plant and the tequila making process. We learned the main ingredients to a yummy margarita and got to sample specialty food, inspired by/containing tequila.
Too bad this is event only held once a year.... but for the remainder of the year...
Stop in and try one or two of the over 51 versions of margaritas that the master mixologists at Salty have concocted.
Also my favorite food on the menu is the Fresh, Tableside Prepared Guacamole.
The Mesa location is currently working to expand thier patio, which should be completed the first of the year.
UPCOMING EVENTS: keep an eye out for the beginning of Margaritas & Manicure Thursdays, starting in mid-January.
Keywords: Just you alone / As a single, Dress casual, Outdoor / Patio seating, Brunch, Bar, Restaurant, Everyone, With a group, Happy Hour, Cheap (US$ 5 - US$ 10), Dinner, Moderate (US$ 11 - US$ 20), "In" place / People watching, With business partners, As a couple, Lunch, Mexican / Tex Mex / Central American, Eating late
RigaTony's, 223 E. Brown Road, Mesa, Arizona, United States
For lunch or dinner, Riga Tony's is a great place to satisfy your need for something Italian. They've got everything covered - sandwiches, salads, pizzas, pasta, seafood and Italian chops. Their Chicken Picatta is a local favorite and the house antipasto salad with their own baked bread will leave you cheering for more. You can even create your own pasta combination with a choice of pasta, sauce and topping for only $5.95. You can't find a better offer anywhere. If you're hungry for Italian - this is the place!
Keywords: Italian / Pizza, Dress casual, With teens, Outdoor / Patio seating, Good wine list, Restaurant, Everyone, No smoking, With a group, With kids, Dinner, Moderate (US$ 11 - US$ 20), With business partners, As a senior citizen, As a couple, Lunch
AJ's Fine Foods, 2805 E Skyline Dr, Tucson, Arizona, United States
If you are looking for the best apples in Southern Arizona, look no further than AJ's fine foods. Don't get me wrong there are many treats at AJ's, most of which are much fancier and more gourmet than an apple, but their selection of this simple and classic fruit will leave you pleasantly surprised.
As a native from the Pacific Northwest I was something of an apple snob when I moved to Arizona. Then I was introduced to AJ's apples and knew that I did not have to be home to enjoy one.
Just think if something as simple an apple from AJ's is worthy of such praise you can only imagine their other offerings. Don't even get me tarted on their bakery, I have been known to forgo lunch in favor of a piece of the delicious chocolate cake. Trust me the next time you want to treat yourself take a trip to AJ's.
Keywords: Local / Regional food, Dessert / Ice Cream, Just you alone / As a single, Dress casual, With teens, Outdoor / Patio seating, Other place to eat, Take out / Delivery, Vegetarian / Vegan, Coffee / Tea, Everyone, With a group, Cheap (US$ 5 - US$ 10), With kids, Dinner, American, As a senior citizen, As a couple, Lunch, Organic / Healthy Food, Breakfast