Why Tucson's Desert Food Scene Is Unlike Anywhere Else in America | Bon Appétit

"Beloved in cattle country for largely vegan cooking, this vibrant, vegetarian spot topped Yelp’s best restaurants in 2024 and feels like a warm hug: a daily-changing menu anchored by jackfruit carnitas tamales with fresh salsa and a chile relleno stuffed with creamy mozzarella, served with vegetable turmeric rice and refried beans. I’ve had tepary beans cooked perfectly al dente with carrots and nopales, garnished with red chile sauce and salsa verde, along with tacos and other dishes featuring huitlacoche and flor de calabaza. The drinks carry the same nourishing vibe—think hibiscus agua fresca, turmeric lemonade, prickly pear horchata, and mesquite lattes—and chef Wendy Garcia’s chingona energy radiates in the dining room; she embraces regulars and might lead the whole kitchen out to sing “Happy Birthday,” making it easy to see why it’s so loved." - ByVon Diaz