Tucson's food scene is getting a lot of love these days, now that our city has been recognized as something of a culinary hotspot.
But things are heating up even more, now that two Tucson chefs and one restaurant just made it onto the Matador Network's "white-hot" list.
Earlier this month, the travel and culture website published its story, "12 white-hot chefs and restaurants to check out in Arizona NOW."
At the very top of the chef list is Michael Powell of downtown spot Simplicit, who apparently set a record with how fast he opened the restaurant.
"Don’t let the laid-back attitude fool you — Tucson chef Michael Powell started serving patrons at Simplicit less than a week after completing the paperwork to start his new restaurant at Tucson’s Temple of Music and Art," the article says, adding that the Mediterranean food at Simplicit is inspired by his grandfather's home cooking.
Next up for Tucson chef is Barrio Bread's Don Guerra, who the article calls (and we know you'll agree) more than just a baker.
"Part cook, part artist, and part food-scientist, he uses slow fermentation processes and locally sourced grains to craft fresh-baked breads in the tradition of his mother and grandmother at Tucson’s Barrio Bread."
Surprisingly, there's only one Tucson spot on the must-try restaurant list, but it's a classic.
Despite an unexpected closure, Contigo Latin Kitchen reopened at the Westin La Paloma resort last year, and according to Matador Network, it's back and better than ever.
"Look for chimichurri-marinated lamb, chorizo-stuffed dates, and flavorful tapas, washed down with a glass of sangria. Enough said"
Check out the full article here.
