Noshing Around

Tucson Food Day

I hope we see more celebrations of local food like this upcoming event. Tucson Food Day is much more than just a day; it's actually a whole week's worth of activities, including scavenger hunts, dinners, gardening classes and movies about genetically modified foods. There's even an opportunity to pick your own veggies at the awesome Tucson Village Farm, 4210 N. Campbell Ave. Allow me to climb on my soapbox for a minute to say one thing: America's current food system is unsustainable and bad for our health, and events like this are the easiest way for us to become part of the solution. It takes place from Sunday, Oct. 21, through Sunday, Oct. 28. There's more information at www.tucsonfoodday.com.


Burgers Everywhere

Another Five Guys Burgers and Fries has opened, bringing the chain's number of locations in the Tucson area to four. The new one is in the shopping center at the southwest corner of Ina and Thornydale roads. Five Guys got its start in the Washington, D.C., area in 1986 and has spread into a mega-franchise, with more than 1,000 locations. The first Tucson restaurant opened in 2010.

I also did more research on the Diablo Burger restaurant going in at 312 E. Congress St. This will be another location for the original Diablo Burger in Flagstaff. The menu bodes well for Tucson hamburger-lovers. Check it out at www.diabloburger.com.

The opening of Tucson's first Smashburger has been moved up to November. The restaurant—which is known for making a very respectable version of the classic hamburger, using top-notch ingredients—will be at 4821 E. Grant Road.


Secret Pulled Pork

What's the big deal about the pulled-pork sandwiches coming out of Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs, 4726 E. Broadway Blvd.? For one thing, the sandwiches are not on the visible menu and are available exclusively as a "secret menu" item. For another, owner Mike O'Toole uses a special dry rub and slow-cooks the meat over pecan wood for 13 hours. The response has been so great that O'Toole is ramping up his O'Toole's Barbecue catering company, which he operates out of a local commercial commissary. Need some tender meat for an upcoming gathering? O'Toole might be your man. Call 247-5810, or email otoolesbbq@gmail.com for more information.