Tucson, AZ----In the Sonoran Desert, over 80% of what grows natively is either edible or medicinal and is alive with flavor and healing. That’s the spirit behind Desert Magic, a new one-night event hosted by Tucson Foodie at Tohono Chul Park on Monday, August 25th at 6pm. In partnership with Salus (a members-only space for wellness professionals to trade services, join peer groups, attend events, and nurture their own wellbeing) and Local First Arizona, Desert Magic will feature some of Tucson’s most talented chefs and wellness practitioners to create a unique experience that celebrates both the culinary and medicinal properties of native desert plants. From a welcome botanical cocktail to exceptionally culinary creations, unique workshops and experiences, guests are in for a new and exciting way to appreciate the many gifts of the Sonoran Desert.  Tickets to attend are $44 per person and can be purchased at [http://desert%20magic.docx/]https://www.eventbrite.com/e/desert-magic-tickets-1527837676619

 

Desert Magic is a lead into the Good Food Forum on the following day at the El Conquistador Hotel where change makers in Arizona’s food economy come to connect, collaborate and drive real solutions. From producers and chefs to advocates and educators, this one-day event brings together voices from every corner of the region to build a more resilient, inclusive and accessible local food future. For Additional information visit: (https://www.goodfoodfinderaz.com/forum)

 

Grounding, Connecting, Tasting, Learning, and Celebrating the Magic of the Sonoran Desert

 

THE FOOD

 

After receiving a botanical welcome cocktail, guests are free to wander through the beautiful grounds of Tohono Chul to a variety of tasting stations where acclaimed Tucson chefs will create dishes that highlight Sonoran Desert’s native components like chiltepin, mesquite, prickly pear, native corn and squash, in combination with other locally sourced ingredients.

 

THE CHEFS

 

  • Chef Ryan Clark – Loews Ventana Canyon
  • Chef David Salazaro – Agustin Kitchen
  • Chef McKenzie O’Leary – Tanque Verde Ranch
  • Chef Tanner Fleming – The Coronet
  • Chef Tyler Fenton – BATA
  • Chef David Marks – Tohono Chul Bistro
  • Chef Pablo Valencia – Scratching The Plate
  • Chef Kelzi Bartholomaei
     

THE MEDICINE
 

A variety of wellness and herbalism practitioners will offer hands-on stations and ceremonies where attendees can engage with desert plants in unexpected ways:
 

  • Medicinal Herb Walks with John Slatterly
  • Making Desert Flower Essences with Mimi Kamp
  • Connecting with Plants with Mimi Kamp
  • Energetic Herbal Cleansing with Dr. Angela Wojtowicz
  • Crazy Facts About Sonoran Plants with Jim Koweek
  • Cacao Ceremony
  • Encounters with Yerba Mansa
  • Bath Salt Bar – by Di Luna Candles
  • Make Your Own Salves + Tinctures
  • Creosote Sachets Workshop with Monsoon Mystics
  • Gemstones and Geode Cracking with Aquamarine Daydream
  • More TBA

THE SOUNDS

The music and sound work are woven into the evening, creating an inviting atmosphere to help guests slow down, tune in, and feel the desert in a different way:

  • Sacred Songs with Música Nidito
  • Ambient Desert Soundscapes from Naim Amor
  • Healing Chants with Rachel Strong
  • Somatic Experiencing
  • Sound Healing

THE PLANTS

This is a great opportunity to explore Tohono Chul’s Greenhouse – all plants will be available for sale at Desert Magic

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All experiences are included. Additional handcrafted goods including salves, tinctures, body care products, candles, herbal products, art and other items from these practitioners will also be available for purchase. A no host bar will be available throughout the evening. Space Is limited -this event is expected to sell out.  Tohono Chul | Gardens, Galleries, and Bistro is located at 7366 North Paseo Del Norte Tucson, AZ 85704.

 

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