Best Of Tucson®

Q&A with Tamara Y. De Stefanis

Tamara Y. De Stefanis moved to Tucson three years ago to pursue her doctorate at the UA. She works for the Arizona Student Unions as director of Park Student Union, overseeing programs, activities and facilities. She also supervises the billiards and games rooms and Gallagher Theater. In her free time, DeStefanis collects 78s and is currently learning how to drive a four-speed Corvair.

What's the best movie of all time?

The Thin Man with William Powell and Myrna Loy from 1934. This is not only a wonderful detective story by Dashiell Hammett, but full of great lines and witty banter.

What movie makes you think most of Tucson?

Revenge of the Nerds, since it was filmed here, and you can see many of the buildings around campus in the film. We show this film at Gallagher Theater during Wildcat Welcome every year.

Who's your favorite movie personality?

My favorite director would be a toss-up between Capra and Hitchcock. Both have directed so many film classics. Tied into those directors, a natural favorite actor is Jimmy Stewart, as he worked with both directors on many notable films.

What's your favorite movie snack?

Popcorn! It just seems like an automatic response.

What's your favorite place in Tucson to catch a flick?

Gallagher Theater, of course, because all I have to do is leave my office and go downstairs! The location is great.

Best campground?

In Tucson, camping on Mount Lemmon is wonderful. It is such a short drive, and once you are there, you feel like you are miles away.

Best place to hike?

In Tucson, Saguaro National Park on the eastside is my favorite place to hike, because its views are incredible, and there are typically fewer people there than other popular hiking spots around town.

Best Chinese restaurant?

Badar is my favorite Chinese restaurant, because it has a large selection of vegetarian options.

Best antique store?

Granny's Attic is great due to its friendly staff and wide assortment of vendors with reasonable prices.

Best resale clothing store?

Desert Vintage has a great selection of older dresses that are in excellent condition.

Best cafe hang-out?

Java Buzz is my favorite café, because the staff personalizes the visit by remembering your name and what you order.