Tucson Dining

Within the past few years, increasing emphasis has been place on sustainability and renewable resources as a way to green up our planet. In addition, organic and locally grown foods have seen a surge in popularity, and for good reason—it is a delicious and healthy way to eat. Contributing to this cause is Slow Food Tucson and the Santa Cruz Heritage Alliance, who will be introducing the first in a brand-new event series featuring locally raised food, wine, olive oil and much more.

Say the names Signature Grill, Catalina Steakhouse, Plunge and Salud Bar to any Tucson food lover and peaceful, luxury-filled visions of the JW Marriott Starr Pass will begin to dance in their heads. These restaurants, along with Melissa Kelly’s Primo, form the culinary options at the Tucson-located JW Marriott, and with the help of Executive Chef Ryan Littman, all also known for their local, organic ingredients.

Wednesday, May 20th marked the start of the 8th annual Primavera Cooks! fundraising series in collaboration with Tucson Originals restaurants. This summer-long event series offers up the chance for Tucsonans to dine out for a good cause, or even help prepare meals as an apprentice chef or an apprentice sommelier at some of Tucson’s favorite restaurants. Even better? All of the proceeds from this fun-and-food-filled series of cooking and dining events goes toward the Primavera Foundation, a local nonprofit organization providing resources, education and outreach programs for the homelessness and poverty-stricken in southern Arizona.

Summertime is all about kicking back and relaxing—which almost always includes a nice glass of wine. The next time you’re thinking about popping the cork on your favorite red or white, give your patio chairs a rest and head to one of Tucson’s most beloved venues in which to wine and dine.