When I saw the Miss Saigon sign on a building in downtown Tucson, Arizona, I thought, for a second or two, that I might catch a show that night that I had never seen on Broadway. But I was deceived. The building wasn’t a theater, and the Miss Saigon sign wasn’t for the musical. Rather, it was for a superb Vietnamese restaurant, and it made for an unexpectedly delicious dinner. Read about it >
Tag Archives: Arizona
Dinner for Dudes and Dudettes
Thanks to a recommendation from the staff at my hotel, I found my way to Stagecoach, just outside the heavily-touristed core of Sedona. It turned out to be the first good dinner in Arizona after four days of mediocrity around the Grand Canyon. With some pretty impressive plating, Stagecoach brings a sophisticated air to a county roadhouse—even if you’re sitting next to a mechanical bull. Read about it >
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Go Slow at Breakfast
Rise and shine, it’s breakfast time! The most important meal of the day is often rushed, and that’s not a reflection of the speed indicated in its name. “Breakfast” originates from the concept of breaking your fast while you slept. Too often, a bowl of cereal, a granola bar, or a piece of fruit on the run constitutes your first meal of the day. But when you have time, it could also be rewarding and relaxing, setting you up for a very pleasant day, especially when you’re on vacation. Whether it’s an inspired creation at your B&B or something outstanding at a local eatery (where, perhaps, the globe of a light fixture will be in the form of a broken eggshell, the bulb a golden yolk-like orb), breakfast can put you in the right mood for the rest of the morning. Read about the top five breakfasts >
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A Golden Opportunity for a Comforting Dinner
Driving into and out of Sedona, Arizona, every day while I was here, I would always pass by The Golden Goose Grill, just a half-mile from my hotel. I liked its name, so eventually I found myself here for dinner, surprised, and pleased, that I was eating in one of the highest-rated restaurants in town. Read about it >
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Love and Legends at The Monica
It wasn’t until I had dinner at The Monica in Tucson, Arizona, that I learned the origins of the word “chimichanga.” According to urban legend, chef and restaurateur Monica Flin accidentally dropped a burrito in a pan of oil about a century ago. Instead of cussing with a common Spanish expletive, she exclaimed, “Chimichanga!” Thus was born the famous fried food. Whether it’s true or not, it’s still one of many great stories that accompany a terrific dinner at The Monica, where all the food is made with love. Read about it >
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Pisa Lisa’s Premier Pizzas
When the owner and chef of six restaurants in and around Sedona, Arizona, can excel at anything from a high-end Latin restaurant to a simpler place for salads and pizza, you know you’re in good hands. So, when I received two recommendations to try Pisa Lisa, one of those restaurants owned by chef, entrepreneur, author, humanitarian, and award-winner Lisa Dahl, I acted on it without reservation—a very smart decision on my end. Read about it >
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Why Daily Jam Should Become Your Daily Jam
On my way to the light-rail line in Tempe, Arizona, that was going to take me right into downtown Phoenix, I passed by Daily Jam. I liked the play on words: jam, as in a fruity breakfast spread; jam, as in something that someone particularly likes, as opposed to jam, an awkward situation. Closer inspection revealed an extensive menu, and before I knew it, I decided Phoenix would have to wait a bit while I was enjoying an excellent breakfast. Read about it >
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New Mexico, in Arizona
Of course, when one is in Tucson, Arizona, one must have Mexican food for dinner at some point. Downtown Tucson has lost a few of these restaurants over the past year or two, but in 2024, a new arrival opened its doors. La Chingada serves up traditional Mexican dishes with a modern twist, and the husband-developer and wife-chef team have created a buzzworthy place that attracts all kinds of folks. Read about it >
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Three Decades of Italian Excellence
I had my choice of dining options when I was staying in downtown Tempe, Arizona, all within walking distance from my lovely hotel, Tempe Mission Palms. The most convenient, and by far the best, turned out to be directly across the street. If I lived here, Caffe Boa, a combination Italian restaurant / wine bar, would definitely be my go-to place for dinner. Read about it >
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History + Arizona’s Best Breakfast
When you’re in Tucson, you can come to Coronet in the evening for dinner, or at night for a cocktail or two. I found myself here for breakfast, thanks to a glowing recommendation from the friendly folks at the Southern Arizona Heritage & Visitor Center. I wish I could go back and thank those people for the suggestion—this was the best breakfast I had during my three weeks in Arizona. Read about it >
Stephen Travels 