Judi Friedman and Jerry Lankin
We’re two SaddleBrooke foodies forever seeking great places to eat! We’ll review two restaurants each month for taste and presentation, service, price, value, and ambiance. If you have a favorite eatery and would like to spread the word, please send us an email at [email protected].
Kneller’s Delicatessen & Appetizing
St. Philips Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85718
We had a most interesting visit over two weekends at St. Philips Plaza sampling the food at the Craft/Artist/Entertainment market. Our main reason for going was to taste the pastrami from Kneller’s Delicatessen & Appetizing for an upcoming social event that we are planning. Jeremy, the owner, will soon be opening a brick-and-mortar shop at an as yet to be determined location. For the time being, he is applying his talents under a tent. He made us a really great Reuben sandwich on his portable grill. If he can produce such tasty and generous fare in these meager quarters, we can’t wait to try his new restaurant. He prides himself on his brined and smoked pastrami, corned beef, and turkey in the New York style. Also amazing were his potato knishes—hot, flakey, and so tasty. Well worth the trip across town. You have to go early, as he sells out fast. There are several other food vendors worth mentioning. Mei’s Bistro serves freshly made Chinese food. We tried the pork-filled steamed buns, which we took home—excellent soft buns filled with a sweet pork filling, reheated very easily by steaming. There is a bread vendor who had beautifully packaged craft breads and a Syrian baklava baker whose wonderful, sweet treats tempted us sorely, but for Judi’s tree nut allergy. All in all, it was a pleasant outing with lots to see and touch among the many talented artists.
Visit to St. Philips Plaza is highly recommended.
Tohono Chul
7366 N. Paseo Del Norte, Tucson, AZ 85704, 520-742-6455
It’s always a special afternoon when you eat in the garden at the bistro in the Tohono Chul. While it’s wonderful to be a member of these interesting and varied garden habitats, it’s delightful to go to the bistro, sit outside, and enjoy your late breakfast or lunch at “The Chul.” We enjoyed our lunches very much on one of those lovely afternoons we have here in the Northwest Tucson area in December! Jerry had the prickly pear chicken salad croissant, which had a large portion of delectable chicken, tart dried cherries, toasted local pecans, rocket lettuce, and tomato. It was a beautiful blend of texture and flavors, along with a crunchy croissant. Judi had the avocado toast with a poached egg. It was served on ciabatta with sliced avocado, roasted tomato, shaved radish, and tamarindo jicama slaw. We shared the refreshing prickly pear tea. The wait staff are attentive, prompt, and fun! While you can also sit inside if the weather isn’t our usual day of sunshine, sitting outside allows you to see small segments of the gardens while enjoying your meal.
Ambiance *****
Taste and Presentation ****
Service ****
Price $$$
Value ***
Tohono Chul Bistro is highly recommended.