Why did I keep driving past this Sonoran seafood food truck?
Was it because we are 380 miles from the Sea of Cortez deep in the landlocked desert of Tucson? Was it because it is located at a busy, noisy intersection that is a gateway to the I-10 freeway?
Was it because right across the street is one of my all-time favorite Sonoran hot dog carts, Ruiz Hot Dogs Los Chipilones, so that every time I approach that intersection, I am wondering if I have any cash on me to get a hot dog; wondering if I should really be eating a hot dog; rationalizing that the hot dog ain’t gonna eat itself … etc.
So, for literally years, I was ignorant of my own backyard and was self deprived of the excellence that is Cocteleria La Palma Mariscos Y Mas, 1143 S. Sixth Ave.
Anyone driving by will have to admit that it looks super cool and is totally decked out as far as corner dirt lot food trucks go. They have a really styling truck and a large permanent concrete pad to set up the tables. They rig a good shade covering each day to keep us safe from our sun. This care and attention is wonderful, but what is really wonderful is the food.
The shade is nice at Cocteleria La Palma Mariscos Y Mas, 1143 S. Sixth Ave., but the food makes this a place not to miss.
The tostada de jaiba (crab) is sublime. I know you think I am exaggerating, but I am not. Really. Every time I eat it, I am overcome with how perfect it is. As with all of the offerings here, it is as fresh as fresh can be. I don’t ask how because I don’t want any delusions I have shattered. I imagine the crabs hitchhike each night from the sea and are waiting patiently each morning to be dropped silently into the boil. Shhh, nighty night crabbies.
La Palma opened seven years ago and is lovingly owned and operated by the Romero family — Esther, Mario and Eddie. You can taste the love they put into the slow cooked complex seafood broth of the caldos, the citrus forward brightness of the ceviches, in the homemade lemonade and horchata and in the enthusiasm and patience they show when asked questions or for suggestions.
I’m not going to spend a lot of time intimately describing food. I love food, I live for it in the way that I think about it most of the time. If I am practicing yoga or hiking I am really just thinking about food and making up recipes. I lay in bed thinking about food, leafing through cookbooks, and I spend my days playing restaurant … and even if I can never make my way through even one food article. Ugh.
My goal is to get you to put it in your mouth. To help you find a groove bisecting your rut. A different path to support our town and bolster our mom and pop shops.
Do yourself a favor and visit Cocteleria La Palma Mariscos Y Mas. They are a part of our fabric. They are a family business. They are Tucson.
Related gallery: Restaurants that opened in 2020:
The Tucson area welcomed these restaurants and bars in 2020
81 Hong Kong Cafe
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The Pork Bento Don, $12.99, featured bone-in pork tenderloin in a sweet black pepper sauce, with Spam, a hot dog and a fried egg.
This cafe at 625 E. Wetmore Road, features an extensive menu of Cantonese classics.
Banhdicted
UpdatedBanhdicted, 1980 W. Orange Grove Road, says it brings Banh Mi with a "modern twist" to Tucson.
Bawker Bawker
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Bawker Bawker cider house is named after the sound a chicken makes, which has nothing to do with cider, but it sure does make us laugh.
This cider house, 400 N. 4th Ave., is named for the sound chickens make — and it's the first cider house in Tucson.
Bellissimo Ristorante Italiano
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Casino Del Sol Resort
The restaurant inside Casino del Sol has reopened with some contemporary updates using local sources.
Boulevard Barbecue & Fixins
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Customers Steve Cesare, left, Thomas Cooper and Kurt Campbell wait for their order during Boulevard Barbecue and Fixins on Monday, the official opening day at 5737 E. Speedway.
The team behind Serial Grillers opened its barbecue restaurant at 5737 E. Speedway in October. Travis and William Miller have four Serial Grillers locations and two other restaurants.
Bumsted's
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Scot Shuman, left, his wife Barbara Shuman and Tony Diaz hope to have Bumsted’s at Wonderwall open in July.
Anyone old enough to have regularly read the comic strip, "Blondie," know that a Bumsted is an overloaded sandwich. The sandwich shop has moved and is now called Bumsted's at Wonderwall, 1003 N. Stone Ave. The menu is the same and karaoke has been added.
Cafe Maggie
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Maggies Breakfast Sandy with scrambled egg, bacon, cheese, caramelized onion on a bagel, $6.75, at Cafe Maggie.
The coffee shop Epic Cafe was almost a goner. The business was permanently closed and put on the market earlier this year, when it was saved by new owner George Shaar. He gave the place a once-over and renamed it Cafe Maggie, 745 N. Fourth Ave.
Donut Bar
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The glorious French toast doughnut at Donut Bar.
This Southern California chain, which opened at 33 N. Sixth Ave., features some unusual offerings that has people lining up for the treats.
eHotPot
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The pork chop bento, $12, at eHotPot came with two vegetable sides and a cup of soup as well as a free drink.
eHotPot, 243 E. Speedway, serves up Taiwanese food from curry chicken and Taiwan sausage to pinched dough beef soup and pork chop.
El Chapo
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Watermelon agua fresca, $4.99, on the patio of El Chapo.
The restaurant at 1108 W. St. Mary's Road specializes in raspados and has drive-thru service. Of course there are other menu items.
El Rustico
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El Rustico's parillada, or meat platter, comes with three types of meat for $23. I chose tripas, al pastor and carne asada. Eaten on my porch.
When they closed the Tohono O'odham Swapmeet due to the COVID-19 pandemic, one of its food vendors struck out on his own to open his first brick and mortar restaurant. El Rustico, 2281 N. Oracle Road, serves grilled meats like carne asada, tripas and roast cabrito (goat), a specialty of Coahuila, Mexico where chef Juan Almanza is from.
Firetruck Brewing
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Taylor Carter, CEO of FireTruck Brewing Company, sits next to the company’s new still at 4746 E. Grant Road.
Firetruck Brewing Company opened at 9630 N. Oracle Road in November. The company was formerly known as Sentinel Peak Brewing Company. Two other locations already open include 4746 E. Grant Road and 9155 E. Tanque Verde Road, and others are planned.
Frankie's Cheesesteaks
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Frankie’s famous Philly-style roast pork sandwich is another popular item on the Frankie’s South Philly Cheesesteaks menu.
Frankie's South Philly Cheesesteaks opened a second location in Marana at 3780 W. Ina Road, between Mod Pizza and a new Lucky Wishbone.
Gamar Family Market
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Gamar Family Market carries Middle Eastern goods, and now has a takeout counter in the back.
This Middle Eastern grocery now has a takeout counter in the back of the shop. The menu is simple but growing. It's at 1800 E. Fort Lowell Road.
Habanero’s Steak and Wings
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The owner of Habanero’s Steak and Wings Restaurant in Tubac has opened an additional location in Tucson.
The owner of Habanero’s Steak and Wings Restaurant in Tubac opened an additional location at 6910 E. Tanque Verde Road. Owner Armando Gill says the restaurant walks the line between casual and fine dining with a menu that covers dishes ranging from mole poblano chicken and enchiladas suizas to lamb shank and osso bucco.
King Churros
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A freshly-made churro with sprinkles and chocolate, from King Churros on Campbell and Fort Lowell.
If you want fresh churros made to order, this is the place to go. You can even get your churro customized with additional ingredients. It is at 1800 E. Fort Lowell Road.
Kiwami Ramen
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My takeout spread from Kiwami Ramen, clockwise from top: salmon poke bowl, spicy curry tonkotsu ramen, spicy Gyokai tsukemen ramen and a softhsell crab bun.
Owner Amane Shakuchi opened Kiwami Ramen in the former Jack in the Box at 4610 E. Speedway. Shakuchi found the location earlier this year before COVID-19 had even started, but decided to keep the drive-thru for safety reasons when the pandemic hit.
L Station
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The original A-Frame roof is visible inside the bar area at L Station Cafe & Bar on Fourth Avenue.
The kitchen at L Station, 500 N. Fourth Ave., is headed up by Adrian Castillo, formerly of Lodge on the Desert, who's doing a mix of Spanish small bites like garlic mushrooms and blistered shishito peppers, as well as some flatbreads and salads.
La Chaiteria by Tumerico
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Plant-based al pastor tacos at La Chaiteria by Tumerico. You’ve got to put some of that green cuban salsa from the salsa bar on there. The menu changes daily, and all of it is cooked from a taco cart parked in front of the restaurant.
Wendy Garcia, owner of Tumerico restaurant opened La Chaiteria in an old convenience store at 1002 W. Congress St. It's part restaurant and part vegan market.
La Chingada Cocina Mexicana
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Enchiladas suizas at La Chingada
La Chingada Cocina Mexicana is a new effort by the owner of the popular southside sports bar The Neighborhood. The space at 31 N. Scott Ave. looks nothing like it was before, when it housed the casual burrito joint Alejandro's Cafe until it closed in 2018.
And there's a long bar area, which will serve custom margaritas and The Neighborhood's award-winning specialty, the michelada.
Lemongrass
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The vegan tofu curry rice bowl, $10.99, from Lemongrass was packed with veggies such as carrots, bell peppers and Brussels sprouts.
In a spot on Fourth Avenue that once sold crepes is now Lemongrass, which bills itself as an eastern Asian health food restaurant. Find it at 344 N. Fourth Ave.
Locale Neighborhood Italian
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Jesse Barrios, husband of restaurant owner Deborah Tenino, hangs curtains in the new Locale Neighborhood Italian at 60 N. Alvernon Way — former site of the Old Pueblo Grille and Lunt Avenue Marble Club.
Locale Neighborhood Italian, 60 N. Alvernon Way, comes from restaurateurs Deborah Tenino and Nick Kreutz. This is the second restaurant for the pair, who are partners in Contigo Latin Kitchen at 3770 E. Sunrise Drive.
Med Cuisine
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The Mixed Grill platter at Med Cuisine includes chicken, beef tenderloin and a kofta kebab over saffron rice.
Med Cuisine's second location, 1763 E. Prince Road, serves classic Middle Eastern dishes and has drive-thru service.
MotoSonora Brewing Co.
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Karyn DeConcini at MotoSonora Brewing, which opened as the city called for a shutdown of dine-in restaurants and bars due to the coronavirus.
After more than a year of hard work, heavy investment, and planning, brothers Jeff and Jeremy DeConcini were eager to see their new venture, MotoSonora Brewing Co., 1015 S. Park Ave., get off the ground.
Ni Hao Tea
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Jen and I had so much fun during this week's visit to Ni Hao Tea, where we sipped on a fresh taro smoothie and a cheese tea with matcha powder.
No longer a sandwich shop, this location at 4726 E. Broadway, has a wide variety of teas and other beverages.
Opa's Grill
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Above: Opa’s Grill on 4th Ave., at 500 N. Fourth Ave., quietly opened last week.
Left: The Greek Alfredo with salmon from Opa’s Grill on 4th Ave.
This is owned by the same Qais Papoutsis as Opa's Best in East Broadway. The menu at this restaurant on Fourth Avenue is much the same.
Phở Ngân
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Phở Ngân is at 4951 E. Grant Road.
This restaurant, at 4951 E. Grant Road, serves flavorful Vietnamese dishes and also offers takeout and delivery via several delivery services.
Portal Cocktails
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Portal is a new cocktail bar located behind the main dining room at Ermanos Craft Beer and Wine Bar. Its team is headed up by Ryne Hoffman, mostly recently from the AC Marriott.
Located behind the main dining room of Ermanos Creft Beer and Wine Bar, at 220 N. Fourth Ave., is a feat of modern engineering and serves modern cocktails.
Postino
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Bartender Davis Hubbell holds a bruschetta board at the new Postino on East Grant Road and North Tucson Boulevard.
Lauren Bailey opened her wine cafe in the 2500 block of East Grant Road with several other new restaurants.
Posto Sano
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Restaurateur Daniel Scordato envisions “a full-scale restaurant or an upscale restaurant minus steak and veal.” Cured meats and cheeses will be imported from Italy, he says.
Healthy fast food may seem like an oxymoron. but restaurateur Daniel Scordato is trying to make it a reality. The new restaurant at 6370 N. Campbell Ave., serves salads, sandwiches, healthful bowls and made-to-order pizza.
Public Taphouse
UpdatedPublic Brewhouse has opened its second location at 6720 E. Camino Principal, Public Taphouse. It offers beer on tap, wine and other craft beers in cans.
Pure Poke and Prep
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Like the other fast casual poke places that have come and gone in Tucson, Pure Poke and Prep, 6501 E. Grand Road, will let customers assemble their own poke bowls with fresh ingredients. The restaurant will also have a menu of set bowls.
Hoki Poki closed, but now Pure Poke and Prep has opened in the same location, 6501 E. Grant Road, so poke is still available. The restaurant focuses on traditional Hawaiian poke methods.
Rae's Classics Burgers, Fries & Pies
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Ramon and Linda Gonzales launched a ghost kitchen in their Fat Noodle ramen restaurant to help them survive COVID-19.
The mother and son team behind Fat Noodle ramen shop opened a "ghost" kitchen to sell classic burgers, fries and pies, as the name implies. The burgers are fresh and the takeout business will supplement lagging income from the restaurant that is serving at 25 percent capacity.
Raspados el Paraiso
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Repeat customers, and the fact that they make a good product, keeps Raspados el Paraiso, one of only a handful of raspado shops on Tucson’s east side, busy during the pandemic.
The family-owned shop, which has been selling raspados, Tostilocos and other Mexican delights for the last five years, is one of only a handful of raspado shops on the east side of town. In 2020, the shop opened a second location at 7701 E. Golf Links Road.
Slice and Ice
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Slice & Ice has a lime Italian ice option on its menu.
One of the original founders of Eegee's, Ed Irving, opened this restaurant at 1905 W. Grant Road, selling pizza, sandwiches and Italian ice.
Snooze
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Snooze adds a green or red chile to its breakfast burritos. Pineapple upside-down pancakes are the house specialty.
Snooze delayed its opening by three months after coronavirus hit and opened in July. The restaurant, at 2500 E. Grant Road, serves breakfast and lunch.
So Fresh Salads at American Eat Co.
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The Greek salad with chicken, $12, from So Fresh has fresh feta along with cucumbers, olives, pepperoncini and more.
One can find a simple menu of fresh salads here, some customizable.
Spice Garden
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Cook Deep Shetty, in the kitchen at the Indian restaurant Spice Garden, 5815 W. Arizona Pavilions Drive.
This Indian restaurant opened in Marana mid-April, in the suburban shopping area Arizona Pavilions Marketplace, 5815 N. Arizona Pavilions Drive. Spice Garden is also the only place in town to serve South Indian food like dosas, the spongy Indian crepes eaten with coconut chutney.
Sydney's Sweet Shoppe
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Owner Sydney Adams holds a freshly-baked pumpkin pie at her new bakery, Sydney's Sweet Shoppe.
This new spot can fulfill the wishes of any sweet tooth, especially if that tooth craves pie. The shop sells pies and cakes at 8969 E. Tanque Verde Road.
Tacos Apson
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A sign on the future location of Tacos Apson at 6741 N. Thornydale Road in Marana.
The Marana location of this restaurant, 6741 N. Thornydale Road, will feature the same menu as the southside location: tortas, burritos, caramelos, and of course, tacos.
The Blacktop Grill
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The Shanghai hot dog (left) and the Sonoran dog with chorizo refried beans, $7.25 each, from Blacktop Grill, eaten on a friend's porch.
A former food cart, the restaurant, 8300 N. Thornydale Road, is owned by Gabe Ceniceros, whose crazy hot dog combinations include The Elotero with fire roasted corn, lime and Cotija cheese on top. The menu is a greatest hits of all the best stuff from his cart, and includes some sandwiches and quesadillas in addition to his all-beef hot dogs.
The Dapper Doughnut
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The Dapper Doughnut on North First Avenue specializes in mini doughnuts.
With a name like The Dapper Doughnut, it must be a gourmet doughnut shop. This one opened at First Avenue and East Roger Road.
The Korean Rose and Taegukgi Korean BBQ House
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The Korean Rose is located in the front of Taegukgi Korean BBQ House at 6118 E. Speedway. The two are sister businesses from San Diego.
Taegukgi, 6118 E. Speedway, is an import from San Diego, and is also the first all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue joint in Tucson. There's also a tea and boba spot in the front.
The Moonstone
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The Graduate Hotel, 930 E. Second St., is a new University of Arizona area hotel that opened this week with 164 rooms, two dining options, a coffee shop and rooftop pool and bar. October 14, 2020.
This rooftop bar is at the top of the new Graduate hotel at 930 E. Second St. The view from the patio bar is stellar.
Toss Fried Chicken and Ramen
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The spicy chicken sandwich, $5.25, at Toss has crunchy chicken breast with pickles, housemade mayo and a buttered bun.
Toss Fried Chicken and Ramen at 1655 S. Alvernon Way is owned by the same family as Izumi sushi bar on Speedway. Chef and co-owner Jake Lin said that his wife Cooky came up with the idea to pair fried chicken and ramen together because both of those items are trendy and well-liked by American restaurant-goers.
Toto's Taco Restaurant
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A plate of tacos with carne asada, carnitas and tripas, as well as the Chakoloso Sonoran dog at Toto's.
This restaurant is part taqueria and part homey Mexican restaurant serving breakfast and lunch. It is at 1118 W. St. Mary's Road.
Tuk Tuk Thai
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Hoy Joh meatballs, $8.95, have that ugly delicious look, because they're wrapped in tofu skin that's fried to a crisp.
This restaurant serves what it calls Thai street food. Owner Bud Sayso came to Tucson in 2020 from Portland, Ore., where he owned a Thai restaurant.
Voltron Brewing Company
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The entrance to Voltron Brewing Co. is tucked back behind the Rocks and Ropes warehouse on Toole Avenue.
Named after a Japanese cartoon and the colaboration of two brewing companies, Voltron Brewing Company, 330 S. Toole Ave., began in 2018. In January, the colaborators opened their tasting room to the public.
