SAACA
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      • Desert Ridge Music and Murals
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      • PUBLIC ART & MURAL INSTALLATIONS
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TUCSON 23 MEXICAN
​FOOD FESTIVAL

EXPERIENCE THE TASTE OF THE BEST 23 MILES OF MEXICAN FOOD IN AMERICA

2020 & 2021 EVENTS CANCELLED

After close review with our venue and culinary partners and the current Public Health crisis, SAACA has decided to cancel the Tucson 23 Mexican Food Festival for Summer 2020 & 2021.  Check back often and look for updates on programming and events in 2022.  
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance partners with the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa for the fifth year to present a Mexican food festival celebrating Visit Tucson's Best 23 Miles of Mexican food in America campaign. The event will feature weekend stay-cation packages, food demos and education, live music and more.

Tucson is home to the most diverse Mexican food north of the border. The highest concentration of these restaurants is found within a 23-mile area that includes the City of South Tucson, downtown and lower midtown. At these terrific eateries, many of which are family-owned and decades old, the settings are casual, the ingredients are fresh and the experience is unforgettable.  

TASTE THE 23 
Experience the culture and traditional foods directly in their establishments with these specials and incentives to visit the restaurants that are part of "The Best 23 Miles of Mexican Food in America" campaign.
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EVENT PARTNER

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LOCATION

JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass 
3800 W Starr Pass Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85745
Surround yourself with natural beauty at our Tucson resort.  Nestled against the saguaro-covered foothills of Tucson Mountain Park, JW Marriott Starr Pass Tucson Resort & Spa offers a tranquil yet animated mountaintop setting as natural as the surrounding desert itself. Our resort in Tucson, AZ merges surpassing luxury and personal service with family-friendly recreation, an incredible array of dining options and three nine-hole desert golf courses.

GET INVOLVED

Opportunties to get involved in the event will be posted in 2022

​2019 PARTICIPANTS

The event will highlight some of the most authentic and delicious Mexican food offered in the United States-- sampling familiar favorites like tacos, fajitas, and molé to some possibly less familiar classics such raspados, sopes, and elotes.  Featured cocktails, beer and libations will complement the tasting experience.
RESTAURANTS & EATERIES
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Seis Kitchen
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La Estrella Bakery
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Reforma
Modern Mexican.
​Mezcal + Tequila.
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Crossroads Restaurant
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Charro Steak
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El Charro Cafe
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Charro Del Rey
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Charro Vida
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Calle Tepa
Mexican Street Grill
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The Grill at Quail Creek
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Pima Community College Hospitality Leadership
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Rigo's Restaurant
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Primo at JW Marriott Starr Pass
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[POPPED] Artisan Popcorn
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Taqueria Pico De Gallo
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Percheron Mexican Grill
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Pure Love Juice
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Penca Restaurante
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Mariscos Baja Mar 
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El Antojo Poblano
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Mariscos Chihuahua
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Ensenada Street Food
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Elvira's Restaurant. Bar. Tequila
LIBATIONS
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Roger Clyne's Mexican Moonshine Tequila
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Dragoon Brewing Company
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Mezcal Carreno
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1912 Brewing Company
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Borderlands Brewing Company
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Barrio Brewing Co. 
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Jugo Fuerte by Mike's Hard Lemonade
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PRP Wine International
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Dos Equis, Tecate
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Sol
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Tito's Handmade Vodka
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Fermented Tea Company Kombucha
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Spiked Seltzer
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Four Peaks Brewing Company
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Estrella Jalisco
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Creo Spirits

2019 Exhibitors

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Art By Eli
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Desert Designs Face Painting
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Sol Design Studio
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Consulate of Mexico in Tucson
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AT&T

2019 Entertainment

In addition to the culinary delights, The Tucson 23 Mexican Food Festival will feature traditional Latin music and beautiful dance performances as well as several hand-made murals, created by local artists, available for photo opportunities. ​

  • Live Painting with Art By Eli
  • Desert Designs Face Painting
  • Sol Design Studio
  • Consulate of Mexico in Tucson
  • Green Screen Photography
  • Mural Gallery featuring work by 12 Arizona muralists
  • Ballet Folklorico La Paloma Dance Performance (5 PM - 7 PM)
  • Live Mariachi Performance by Mariachi Valenzuela (5 PM - 6:30 PM)
  • Live Music by Cool Breeze on Salud Patio (7:30 PM - 9:30 PM)

JW Marriott Starr Pass Weekend Activations


Celebrity Chef Dinner- SOLD OUT
6-course, prix fixe dinner
Friday, June 14, 2019, 6:30 PM
Located in Signature Grill
$55 per person
To make a reservation, call Signature Grill at (520) 791-6064. Limited seats available.


Featuring Chef Emily Dillport, Executive Chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain and 3 wine makers from Mexico including Jorge Maciel from Cava Maciel, Santiago Cosio Pando from Bodega Santo Tomas & Paolo Paolini from Villa Montefiori. 


Educational Courses
Located in San Pedro and San Luis conference rooms on Saturday, June 15. Classes are complimentary for hotel guests and $5 for non-guests. No RSVP required. For wine and tequila classes, all attendees must be 21+; no children.

10:00 AM   Celebration of Mexican Bread- Israel Diaz, Baker and Chris Johnson, Pastry Chef
11:00 AM    The story of the Heirloom Tortilla in Southern Arizona- Chef Abel, 11-years old 
12:00 PM   Bodega Santo Thomas Wine
​1:00 PM     Villa Montefiori Wine
2:00 PM    Cava Macial Wines
3:00 PM    Tequila 101- Chris Santos, Tequila Master

Live Music
Live Classical and Latin Guitar by Dr. Eduardo Minozzi Costa for Salud Patio Brunch (Saturday, 9:30 AM - 12 PM)
Live Latin Percussion Music by Cool Breeze on Salud Patio (7:30 PM - 9:30 PM)

Taste the 23 Week
​This year's event will expand Tucson 23 into a week-long celebration of Visit Tucson's Best 23 Miles of Mexican Food directly from the source: the restaurants. In the week following the main event at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa, participating restaurants will provide specials with the theme of Taste the 23 Restaurant Week to celebrate the amazing culinary assets in Southern Arizona. Select restaurants will host additional arts & entertainment experiences as part of the Taste the 23 Week with $23-$2.30 in restaurant specials! Valid June 16-22, 2019
More info and details available at the link below
Taste the 23 Week Page
Boca Tacos y Tequila
(520) 777-8134
533 N. 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705
www.bocatacos.com
$23 SPECIAL
Chips + Salsa, 2 Tacos and 2 Beers for $23
Dine in only

Churros El Rey
(520) 282-8074
2565 E Commerce Center Pl, Tucson, AZ 85706
churroselreytucson@facebook.com
$2.30 SPECIAL
1 filled churro for $2.30- choice of fillings include, Caramel, Condensed milk, Chocolate, Strawberry, Pineapple, Cream Cheese, and Vanilla. (Normal price is $3.25)            

Crossroads Restaurant
(520) 624-0395
2602 S. 4th Ave, South Tucson, AZ 85713
$23 SPECIAL
Dinner for 2 includes 2 beef tacos, 2 cheese enchiladas, rice & beans and 2 soft drinks for $23

El Antojo Poblano
(520) 406-5905
1103 W Prince Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705
$23 SPECIAL & $2.30 SPECIAL
Family pack: 2 Huaraches and 1 Cemita for $23 /
1 Gordita for $2.30         

Elvira's Restaurant. Bar. Tequila
(520) 499-2302
256 E. Congress St, Tucson, AZ 85701
www.elvirasrestaurant.com
$23 SPECIAL
Summer wine + dine for $23, Only Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during Taste the 23 Week

Ensenada Street Food
(520) 245-6496
1602 S. Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85713
Facebook- Ensenada Street Food
$23 SPECIAL
Family combo includes pastor, asada y birria tacos for $23           

Mariscos Baja Mar
(520) 940-7784 
3541 S 12th Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85713
$23 SPECIAL & 2 items for $3 SPECIAL
2 shrimp tacos for $3 / Seafood Sampler and 2 Soft Drinks for $23            

Mariscos Chihuahua
(520) 225-8736
1009 Grande Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85745
www.mariscoschihuhua.com
$23 SPECIAL & $2.30 SPECIAL
2 Tacos Platters, 2 Tostadas and 2 drinks for $23/ 1 Tostada de Ceviche for $2.30              
Oasis Fruit Cones
(220) 490-9888
4126 S. 12th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85714
Facebook- Oasis Fruit Cones
$2.30 SPECIAL
Small natural fruit raspado for $2.30
Ice cream and additional toppings are an extra $.75 each. There is no extra charge for fruit combinations.

Penca Restaurante
(520) 203-7681
50 W Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85701 
www.pencarestaurante.com
$23 SPECIAL
Grilled marinated bistro tender, esquites, scallion corn cake, served with mole verde and queso fresco for $23 
     
Rigo's Restaurant
(520) 441-5237
5851 N. Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85704
www.rigosnorth.com
$23 SPECIAL
2 Lunch Buffets for $23.00, soft drink included / 2 Dinner Buffets for $23.00, soft drink included (or 2 Draft Beers) for $23.00     

Rollies Mexican Patio
(520) 300.6289
4573 S. 12th Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85714 
https://www.facebook.com/rolliestucson/
$2.30 SPECIAL
1 Flat Enchilada for $2.30- Deep fried corn masa patty topped w/homemade enchilada sauce, cabbage, cotija cheese, fine shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green olives and diced white onion. Dine in only
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Tacos Apson
(520) 670-1248
3501 S. 12th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85713
www.tacosapson. Com
$23 SPECIAL
¾ lb carne asada or combination of carne asada & pastor; two ribs, tortillas, salsas and veggies for $23.
Only to go or eat on patio area

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Tanias 33 Mexican Food
(520) 622-0685
614 North Grande Ave., Tucson, AZ 85745
www.tanias33.com
$2.30 SPECIAL
8 oz soup and tortilla for $2.30- 13 Soups Daily, including beef, chicken, or vegan!  

Videos

The Art of Plating with Nadia Aidi - Video Series

Gallery


Event Sponsors

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Social
​

About
​

The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the creation, preservation and advancement of the Arts. SAACA strengthens the bonds between people, place and purpose through collaborative, arts-driven experiences.
  • WHO WE ARE
    • ABOUT
    • TEAM CONTACTS
    • PARTNERS, DONORS & SPONSORS
    • BOARD OF DIRECTORS
    • CULTURAL EQUITY
  • WHAT WE DO
    • BUSINESS & ARTS PARTNERSHIPS
    • ARTS & HEALTHCARE
    • OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTS - CALL TO ARTIST
    • ARTS EDUCATION
    • PUBLIC ART & MURAL ADMINISTRATION
    • EVENTS, PROGRAMS & FESTIVALS
    • CATALYST ARTS & MAKER SPACE
    • CREATIVE PLACEMAKING
    • CREATIVE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT
    • UNDERCOVER ARTS MAGAZINE
    • ONLINE ARTS & CULTURE >
      • CLASSES, WORKSHOPS & PERFORMANCES
      • STREAMING & VIDEO RESOURCES
      • COVID-19 RESPONSE & RESOURCES
  • SUPPORT & DONATE
    • DONATE AND SUPPORT
    • VOLUNTEER
    • INTERN
  • EVENTS, PUBLIC ART & PROGRAMS
    • EVENT & EXHIBITOR APPLICATIONS
    • ART FESTIVALS >
      • FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS & HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING
      • ART ON THE LAKE FESTIVAL
      • DOWNTOWN GLENDALE ARTS & CULTURE FEST
      • LA ENCANTADA FINE ART FESTIVAL
      • SKY ISLANDS FALL ARTISAN MARKET
      • FALL ARTISAN MARKET
      • SPRING FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
    • COMMUNITY ART GALLERIES >
      • VENTANA GALLERY AT ROCHE >
        • Roche Lung Cancer Awareness Exhibition
        • Roche Celebrating Moments >
          • Active Moments - Roche Community Photography Exhibition
          • Frozen in Time - Roche Community Photography Exhibition
          • Up Close and Personal - Roche Community Photography Exhibition
          • Quiet Contentment - Roche Community Photography Exhibition
    • ARTS & CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS >
      • Desert Ridge Music and Murals
      • Tempe World of Chalk
      • Cruise, BBQ & Blues
      • Oro Valley Candy Crawloween
    • CULINARY ARTS >
      • SAVOR FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
      • DEVOUR CULINARY CLASSIC
      • Devour Culinary Classic
      • WORLD MARGARITA CHAMPIONSHIP
    • LIVE MUSIC & CONCERTS >
      • Oro Valley Concert Series
      • Riverfront Park Classical Concert Series
      • Steam Pump Concert Series
      • Lookout Tucson at Westward Look
      • Tucson Folk Festival
      • La Encantada Live
    • PUBLIC ART & MURAL INSTALLATIONS >
      • PUBLIC ART & MURAL INSTALLATIONS
      • Summer Youth Art Project 2022 >
        • Gila Monster
        • Glowing Scorpions
        • Prickly Pear Everywhere
      • Desert Ridge Mural Project
      • Sahuarita Public Art
    • DIGITAL ARTS PROGRAMS >
      • AARP Video Series
      • ORO VALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
      • Local Food Heroes Virtual Classes
      • The Art of Food Cooking Classes
  • CATALYST ART SPACE & VENUE
    • UPCOMING CLASSES & EVENTS
    • VENUE & SPECIAL EVENT RENTALS
    • ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM