The caramel bonbons infused with a shot of Sonoran mezcal got us thinking: Tucson takes “eating local” to a level rarely seen anywhere else. Desert life makes all roots run deep, but Tucson’s culinary legacy shows special reach. The area, cultivated for 4,000 years, holds exceptional tenure in the United States. In fact, it’s the first American city (San Antonio is the only other) recognized internationally by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy.
Our crew, made up of both Arizonans and friends from across the country, designed a road trip specifically to explore what goes into such a legacy. In kitchens and beyond, we discovered how easy it is to make every day a tasting flight that crosses cultures. Tucson is the kind of town that invites you to spread your morning toast with prickly pear jelly, put a lunchtime hot dog on a sweet Mexican bun and toast the sunset with watermelon-infused tequila.
Few stops for drinks prove as memorable as Tucson’s Hotel Congress. The landmark hosts multiple patios, five bars, an indie radio station, a live-music venue and a guy named Tiger who’s been tending the bar since 1959. Follow along on our road trip by clicking through the slideshow below.