It's a good thing I like to cycle so much, because it seems that all of my blog posts are about eating. Tucson's culinary options are getting more and more mouth-watering (especially downtown) and my slowly-expanding waistline is beginning to prove it. I'd better ramp-up the miles on the bicycle if I plan to continue eating out like this!

My latest culinary venture was an evening meal at award-winning Janos Wilder's DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails. Tucked away on the east side of 6th Avenue, just south of Broadway Boulevard, DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails is something you really don't want to miss.

We showed up for a friend's birthday, and I was immediately struck by the great atmosphere. It's definitely urban-trendy but not too over-the-top. I was told that they're also known for their fantastic drink menu and that is not an exaggeration. If I had sampled all of the drinks that appealed to me, my poor liver would have been pickled quite quickly. Despite the temptation to be carried home because of over-indulgence, I stuck with a pre-dinner cocktail entitled "South 6th", which was a taste-explosion of Gin, cucumber, basil, simple syrup, and homemade ginger beer.

I had a very difficult time choosing my dinner entrée, but settled on the Coffee BBQ Beef Brisket, which was served with green chile grit cakes, sautéed greens and cucumber sambal. I don't even know what half of those words mean, but they certainly proved why Janos is award-winning. It was simply delicious, along with a glass of great red wine. My wife went with the Chicken Ras al Hanout and we both were equally impressed with her choice. I really don't think you can pick anything bad off this menu, though if you're a picky eater you may struggle a bit. No generic cheeseburger with fries will be found here.

Our particular waitress was attentive but a bit "distant" acting at times. I can't say that I would complain about the service, because she was around and making sure we were comfortable, but I just felt she was rather indifferent and odd-acting. Maybe she was having an off-night. On the other hand, Janos himself came by, and we were impressed with obvious passion for presenting a good meal.

I should mention that Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails has a few great events, including weekly Tuesday wine tastings, and a great "Summer Menu Around the Globe" which is a location-specific menu. Food inspired by Hanoi, Barcelona, and Tokyo are just a few examples.

As we were winding down our dinner, a band was beginning to set up, which is part of their "After Dark" live music and specials. Although we didn't stick around (my food-coma was setting in), I certainly plan on heading back, listening to some good music, and enjoying a couple more of those interesting cocktails. I've promised my liver I won't overdo it.

All in all, the experience was a very good one, with the exception being a slightly odd-acting but nevertheless attentive waitress. I'm adding this to my list of downtown restaurants to bring visitors to, because it certainly is a gem for both downtown and Tucson in general.

Downtown Tucson continues to grow in popularity, as shown by the expanding number of events, restaurants and businesses opening their doors. One which has been generating quite a bit of buzz lately is HUB Restaurant & Creamery, located on the South side of Congress Street, across from the new MLK building and just a short walk from the Rialto Theatre.

My wife also works downtown so we recently took the opportunity to check out HUB on our lunch hour, which turned out to be their second day of business. The doors were wide open on this balmy February day, and both music and the chatter of friendly patrons met us as we walked inside. The atmosphere of HUB is casual and modern, but also incorporates the age of the building with original wood flooring and rough brick walls. Low-slung, comfortable booths run along one side of the restaurant, as well as within the open bar area, while a window to the kitchen and their scrumptious ice-cream bar along the opposite wall. You can view their construction/remodeling photos on their facebook page.

We were greeted warmly, and waited in the bar/lounge area while a table became available. Considering it was HUB's second day of business, I was surprised at how busy they were, so it's probably best to get there early if you're looking for a lunch-break meal. After being shown to our table, we looked over the menu, which had a great selection of soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and vegetarian options. They even advertised pot pies, macaroni and cheese, and world-famous hot dogs. Their dinner menu looked even better, and they have a nice selection of wines and draft beers. I felt the prices were very reasonable.

After spending way too much time trying to choose, I ended up selecting the French Dip with turkey instead of beef, and it was truly quite tasty. My wife chose the rotisserie chicken with cranberry sauce, and both were served with uniquely-seasoned fries. Despite my full-stomach, I wanted to try some of their home-made ice cream. All of their selections looked great, but I was curious to try the salted caramel ice cream, and was not disappointed.

Overall I was very satisfied with my first experience at HUB, and I'm very happy to see another quality establishment find a home in Downtown Tucson. If you're downtown for an event at the Rialto or Fox Theaters, or the Tucson Convention Center, definitely consider HUB for a pre-show appetizer and drink, or for a post-show ice-cream dessert.

I'll definitely be dining there again.

I love being a tourist in my own city, and thanks to a recent visit from my delightful in-laws (from Erie, PA) I took some time out to explore!

Dining: Lucky for us, there is no shortage of great food in Tucson. We had a wonderful lunch at the newly inspired La Cocina in Old Town Artisans, and our server Eric, was friendly, timely and the food fresh and very tasty! Tis been two weeks and my mother-in-law is STILL salivating over the chocolate tofu pie....
Along with 100's of onlookers, we watched the bats emerge from under the Campbell Avenue bridge at the Rillito River, and afterwards we dined at one of my regular favorites: Zona 78 on River & Stone. The food is always great and the service always terrific.

Later in the week we dined at another downtown "must", Cafe Poca Cosa. Bonnie, our server. was excellent! She took such good care of us we almost succumbed to dessert even though we were beyond full of our amazing meal. Cafe Poca Cosa never ceases to amaze!

Excursions: We drove up to Mount Lemmon, marveling at the change of foliage and temperature. From saguaros and 93 degrees on the desert floor to pine trees and 69 degrees at the summit. Plenty of overlooks in all directions with breathtaking taking views from each one. Truly spectacular!

On a whim, we headed to Sonoita on a Sunday afternoon for some wine tasting. Our first stop was Callaghan Vineyards, where our hostess Lisa was busily and efficiently taking care of a full house of visitors. We purchased our glass and tasted through eight fun wines (many made from local fruit) before making a few purchases and heading off to Lightning Ridge Cellars. Lightning Ridge is a relatively new winery whose tasting room has incredible views, southwest hospitality and the largest vineyard dog I have ever seen; a beautiful Great Dane, Bruna. Owners Ron and Ann were terrific hosts and have some fabulous estate wines in the bottle, and in the barrel! If you want a VIP tasting opportunity, this would be a great call! Terrific wines and fun gadgets await.

For some southwestern retail therapy and gifts to take back to Erie, we dove into Tohono Chul Park's gift shops. Not enough time to stroll the grounds, but we will save that for next time.

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum never disappoints and this time we took a tour with docent Lynne, and got all kinds of welcome insight into the plants and back story on many of the animals. Then a first for me: Running Wild with George Carpenter, which was SO much fun. Who knew you could train a ringtail cat, a quail, a porcupine, a skunk, a pelican and a military McCaw? VERY educational and EXTREMELY entertaining! Thank you Lynne and George (and plant expert Jeff) for creating yet another extraordinary museum experience.

My family had a wonderful time, and even though I live in Tucson, I never cease to learn something new and exciting!

I know what you're thinking. "Vineyards in the desert?"

I'd be right there with you, if I didn't know better. That's the wonderful thing about Southern Arizona. It always surprises.

Turns out the Sonoita/Elgin winery region isn't really desert at all, but rolling grasslands, dotted with yucca, cottonwood trees, white oak and the occasional lazy bovine. From Tucson, it's a beautiful one-hour drive down scenic Highway 83, winding through ocotillo and mesquite trees, with hawks soaring above. It's a bit like driving back in time, and that is a good thing. As you near Sonoita, life seems suddenly simpler, unhurried, and you forget to look at your watch. Turning left and heading toward Elgin, the rolling green hills spread out before you, and if you're lucky, you'll catch a pronghorn antelope eyeing you suspiciously, as you stare back in wonder.

Now back to those vineyards. Though still relatively young, this grape growing locale has garnered enough respect to have its own official appellation: Sonoita. An appellation is a legally defined and protected geographical indication used to identify where the grapes for a wine were grown, and Sonoita is the only federally recognized appellation in Arizona.

It all started in 1973, when pioneering soil scientist, Dr. Gordon Dutt, planted an experimental vineyard on the Ignacio de Babocomari Ranch in Southern Arizona. His enological experiment took root (quite literally), and he planted Arizona's first commercial vineyard in 1979. Dutt opened the picturesque Sonoita Vineyards winery in 1983, and a winemaking region was born.

The newest winery on the scene is Lightning Ridge Cellars, a small family winery that specializes in wines celebrating their Italian heritage. They may be the new kids on the block, but they're already gaining recognition. Winemaker and Vineyard Manager Ann Roncone picked up a silver medal for her 2007 Zinfandel at the 2010 National Women's Wine Competition in Santa Rosa, California.

One of the older, and more recognized names laying claim to the Sonoita appellation is Callaghan Vineyards. Their vintages have been served at several White House dinners, and Robert Parker, noted writer for The Wine Advocate, calls Callaghan "one of the best kept wine secrets in America."

If you can't find time to visit the Sonoita/Elgin wineries, many of the wines produced there can be found in Tucson shops and Tucson Originals restaurants, but nothing beats sampling wine right where the grapes are grown.

Do you know the difference between peated and unpeated scotch? Lowland and highland malts? What does "double wood" mean? Maybe you thought all scotch was the same fire water that granddad drank, and they couldn't have the subtle differences that wine connoisseurs like to carry on about. Well, having recently attended the whisky tasting at Tucson Originals restaurant, Pastiche Modern Eatery, I can assure you they do, and I now speak more knowledgably as I savor the flavors from the land of my ancestors.

Pastiche owner (and whisky/whiskey lover) Pat Connors started a club that meets on the last Wednesday of every month to explore and celebrate the variety of spirits that make up the whisky/whiskey family. A certified whisky expert was on hand to guide about 40 of us through the wonderful world of single malt scotch and its regional flavor tendencies. We learned (and tasted!) that Highland malts are typically smooth, smokey and fruity, while those from the lowland tend to be a little lighter and sweeter. Scotch from Islay, a small island off the west coast, is known for heavily peated (read: not for beginners) malts that tend to have a more "medicinal" flavor to them. Believe it or not, iodine is one of the flavors often associated with the single malts from Islay.

Having worked up a hunger sampling those delicious drams, we went downstairs for dinner, which was another treat. I had the bourbon salmon and then bread pudding for dessert - a perfect ending to a whisky-soaked evening.

I have yet to attend a wine tasting, which happen every Friday, but it's certainly now on my list of things to do this summer. I suggest you put it on yours as well.

For information on future whisky/whiskey and wine tastings at Pastiche, call 520-325-3333.

With our reservations made and our gift certificate courtesy of Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau, we set out to revisit the Flying V and sample their new (just yesterday!) menu.

Arriving near sunset, we were seated in the front corner at a window facing the waterfall and pond just south of the resort entrance.

As long time Tucson residents we are acclimated to warmer temperatures, so we chose to sit inside rather than on the lovely patio overlooking the pond. The patio was a popular choice for some diners, who appeared to be enjoying the mild spring air on the deck outside. On our first visit there in 1998 we too sat out on the patio and enjoyed the setting sun, the wild birds and the sound of the falling water. This time, as the sun set the evening cooled, and we were happy we had made the indoor choice.

Our waiter brought us menus and explained that all of the dishes on the card were brand new today, so we were encouraged to comment on the quality and taste of our food. My wife, Carol, ordered a chopped Caesar Salad, grilled beef tenderloin with potato croquettes, followed by coffee with a hot chocolate soufflé. I chose a chilled tomato and piquillo pepper soup, baked ahi with red onion escabeche and coffee with crème brulee. The reverse side of the menu contained a generous wine and beverage list, including non alcoholic cocktails.

We were treated to baked cornbread with peppers and lavash with butter and a sweet spread, and our perfectly attentive servers brought water and a glass of house merlot for Carol while we waited for our salad and appetizer. The salad was crisp and fresh, and the soup was mildly peppery as advertised. Both were generous servings, and very tasty. When Aaron brought the entrees we dug in with enthusiasm, which was not feigned I would add, as the dishes were both well presented and delicious. The vinegary veggies included in mine were excellent and well prepared, as were Carol's. She sampled my fish and I her beef tenderloin. There was no fish left on my plate, nor beef on hers. The fish was fresh, flaky and mild. The beef was well seasoned, moist and tender.

As we ate and watched the sun go down through roll up sun screens, the screens were retracted and the full glory of the sunset over the Tucson Mountains was revealed, straight west from our window seat. Our wait staff did not hover, but was appropriately attentive, keeping water glasses filled and asking after our every need. Aaron brought us our coffee and dessert, and we finished our evening watching the darkness surround the patio and the outdoor lighting come up, hiding the view beyond our window. We regretted having to leave, and spent a few minutes outside in the clear night air, enjoying the sparkle of the Tucson cityscape. We felt this to be one of the most enjoyable evenings in our many times dining out in Tucson, and still think of the Flying V as one of our favorite and most memorable places.

Even though my fiancé and I live in Tucson, we decided to take a short break from our daily routine and stay the weekend at one of our local resorts. While there are many fantastic Tucson resorts to choose from, we finally decided on the Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa.

We arrived Saturday morning after requesting an early check-in, and were impressed by the atmosphere of the resort. Even though we are accustomed to Tucson's incredible scenery, it was obvious the Starr Pass Resort was designed to keep visitors entranced by the view. We immediately felt like we were truly on vacation! Our room was on the 4th floor and looked Northeast over the swimming pool, toward Tucson and the Catalina Mountains. For a while we just stood on our balcony and took in the view, but the day was gorgeous and the swimming pool beckoned.

Donning our bathing suits and towels, we meandered down to the huge pool and found a couple unoccupied lounge chairs to enjoy the day. We swam, basked in the sun, read our books and just enjoyed the day. As more guests appeared, we watched kids playing in the shallow upper pool as well as the "Dancing Springs" fountain. But from behind us, the laughter of children playing was even more intriguing and we followed the sound. What we found was the "Starr Pass River," a shallow, meandering, "river" of slowly moving water. Stacks of inflatable tubes were off to one side so we grabbed a two-person tube and joined in the fun.  The river pushed us along under jets of water, bridges, and even past a water slide. We spent the better part of the day just gazing at the mountains as we drifted lazily along.

But we couldn't stay too long, because I had booked us a couple's massage right at the Marriott's own Hashani Spa. We cleaned up and headed back downstairs to the quiet, relaxing ambiance of the spa. Before our massage, we were free to partake of the Spa pool (separate from the other swimming pool), but I just went into the men's area and enjoyed the hot tub, steam room and a huge, private shower. Bundled in a thick bathrobe and slippers, and relaxed from the steam room, I meandered into our designated massage room along with my fiancé. There, we both got incredible, hour-long massages. My fiancé opted for a lighter massage, while I chose (at times to my dismay) a deep-tissue massage. But even though the massage was a bit intense at times, I came away from it completely relaxed and rejuvenated.

After our spa and massage, we had to get ready for our dinner reservations at Primo. The Starr Pass Marriott actually has a few different restaurants from casual to fine dining, but we chose Primo because it specializes in using organic, locally grown ingredients. Well, that and we LOVE Italian food! Without a doubt, this was one of the best meals we've had in Tucson, and the service was unobtrusive, friendly, and prompt.  Our server was so aware of our needs we didn't have to ask for anything.

Full of wonderful food and good wine, we headed back upstairs to our room. We enjoyed the evening lights of Tucson and balmy night while enjoying some champagne. But the full day of relaxing and indulging had us wavering on the edge of sleep so we decided to call it a night.

Waking up late the next morning fully refreshed, we enjoyed a casual breakfast downstairs and lingered outside as much as we could. But soon enough we had to face reality, and headed back to our room to pack. We were checked out quickly by the friendly staff and soon enough, headed back across town to our own home, relishing the time well-spent in our weekend getaway.

There is no holiday tradition like preparing for the main meal served on Christmas Eve, which for my family is preparing tamales. I can't believe I am going to admit this, but making tamales is one of my favorite things to do for the holidays. When I was younger it was such a chore, but as I've gotten older I've realized that it's not making tamales but rather than the company who you make them with.  This year my grandmother, mother, six aunts, two uncles and I got together and made 59 dozen! All for family and friends to enjoy this holiday season! Preparing for this is a lot of hard work and takes all day, so we get started very early in the morning. It doesn't bother me that it takes the whole day because it gives us plenty of time to catch up on what we are missing in each other's lives. My family always makes the red chili beef tamales as well as my grandmother's recipe of ground beef tamales. The ground beef tamales are so delicious that they have become more popular within our family than the red chili. I hope to continue this tradition with my own two daughters.

If you don't know anybody who makes tamales but still want to sample what many hours of work and family tradition tastes like, try a tamale at one of Tucson's many amazing Mexican food Restaurants like Carlotta's, Guadalajara Grill, El Charro, or Mi Nidito. They're always better when they're made by friends and family!

Historic Hotel Congress in downtown Tucson is one of my favorite places. Built in 1919, the building features the quaint details of turn-of-the-century architecture with a Southwestern twist that makes it quintessentially Tucson. I love the setting, plus the hotel offers a variety of distinct areas to enjoy a drink and grab a bite to eat--the Cup Café, Lobby Bar, and Tap Room. You can even catch up-and-coming bands play almost every night inside Club Congress.

Recently, I had the opportunity to join my coworkers for a little celebration at the Cup Café. We were treated to Sangria and a sneak peak of some items that will soon be appearing on the menu. We sampled duck tacos, a carrot salad with cumin and citrus dressing, and pork with a delicious demi-glace. The carrot salad was my favorite, but I have to admit that cumin is one of my favorite spices, and the salad had a robust cumin flavor. We also sampled some old favorites: quesadilla with spicy black beans; "Thompson automatics," which are shredded chicken and gorgonzola wrapped in an egg roll with a little bit of something that tastes like hot wing sauce; and "the heartbreaker," which is baguette slices with roasted garlic, brie, artichoke hearts, and apple slices.

If you haven't had the opportunity to dine at the Cup Café and enjoy the ambience of Hotel Congress, I would highly recommend it. The hotel is truly a part of Tucson's history, and is the location where the notorious gangster John Dillinger hid out before his arrest in Tucson in 1934. The recent Johnny Depp movie Public Enemy tells the story of Dillinger's capture, but if you take a tour down the hall located just off the lobby and adjacent to the Cup Café, you can see artifacts from the real incident. There are news clippings from 1934 that tell the story of his arrest, as well as photos of Dillinger and his gang, and a copy of Dillinger's very long rap sheet.

Next time you are in downtown Tucson, immerse yourself in the sweet nostalgia of a bygone era and enjoy a break at the Hotel Congress. There's a good chance that I will be doing the same.

 

Pizza aficionados and novices alike are in for an experience at No Anchovies - just pull up a barstool, bench or lawn chair and try pizza as an art form, sans anchovies.

Midtown Tucson is home to nearly 37,000 graduate and undergrad students at the University of Arizona's 378-acre campus. The school educates, houses and entertains the student body, but many venture slightly off-campus to enjoy some of the most unique cuisine in town, and Tucson's grown-ups should consider taking a cue from the flip-flop-clad college crowd.

In Main Gate Square - just west of campus - No Anchovies! Gourmet Pizza serves up giant slices of one-of-a-kind pizza. While traditional toppings like pepperoni and sausage are popular menu items, this small, eclectic campus eatery is best known for its "specialty" pies.

Customers can try everything from the tabano - which comes with thick slices of fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, chunks of fresh tomato and large, fragrant basil leaves - to the popular hot wing pizza, with chunks of chicken marinated in wing sauce, with mozzarella, blue cheese and ranch drizzled on top.

The potato pizza is adorned with provolone cheese, thick red potato slices, bacon, cheddar cheese and green onion; while the chicken teriyaki pie is topped with mozzarella, teriyaki-marinated chicken breast, bell peppers, green onions, sesame seeds and thick, sweet teriyaki sauce.

Other favorites include chicken parm - No Anchovies!' ode to breaded parmesan chicken in pizza form - barbecue chicken, spinach tomato feta, spinach delight (with spinach, tomato, onion, artichoke, black olives, extra virgin olive oil, and roasted bell peppers and onion), Hawaiian, and many more.

For those not in the mood for peculiar pizza, No Anchovies! also serves up fresh, generously sized salads, hot and cold sandwiches, and appetizers. The restaurant also boasts a full bar, offering daily drink specials and featuring locally brewed Nimbus beer on tap, plus more than 50 bottled varieties.

Browse the menu online at www.noanchoviespizza.com, or drop by for a meal in person: 870 E. University Blvd., Tucson, AZ  85719. (520) 623-3333