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SABORES DE TUCSON REVEALS MENU + CHEF LINEUP
May 2
One Night. 30+ Culinary Stars. Endless Flavors.
Sabores de Tucson: Best Mexican Food in America Festival returns on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the stunning Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, and this year’s chef lineup is nothing short of spectacular. With over 30 local culinary powerhouses serving signature dishes, cocktails, and desserts inspired by Mexico’s rich regional cuisines, Sabores is poised to be the Southwest’s ultimate Cinco de Mayo weekend celebration.
Tickets are on sale now at Ticket Link, with proceeds supporting two cornerstone nonprofits: SAACA and the Tucson International Mariachi Conference.
WHAT’S COOKING: EXCLUSIVE MENU PREVIEW
This year’s festival delivers a bold culinary statement, showcasing the depth and diversity of Mexican cuisine through the artistry of more than 30 top chefs, mixologists, and food artisans. Each dish is rooted in tradition yet reimagined with personal flair, reflecting the chef’s unique connection to place, ingredients, and cultural heritage. From fire-kissed street tacos to refined coastal crudos, the menu spans every corner of Mexico — inviting guests to eat their way through the regions with one unforgettable bite after another. With flavors that span ancestral moles, Baja seafood, Yucatán slow-roasts, and Sonoran-style comfort foods, Sabores de Tucson offers an unparalleled taste tour designed to ignite the senses and deepen appreciation for the stories behind the food.
Northern Mexico
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El Guero Canelo: Sonoran-style Hot Dog and Caramelo de Carne Asada on house made flour tortillas
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Cruda: Camarón Costa Azul en Salsa Culichi (bacon wrapped shrimp in rich poblano cream sauce)
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Tabu: Steak Tiradito, Mini Chimis, Guacamole with Chips and Salsa, Specialty Cocktail
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Seis Kitchen: Baja-style Shrimp Tostada
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JPs Seafood Restaurant: Shrimp Ceviche, Shrimp Culichi, Arroz con Camarón
Pacific Coast
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GUT Chef Collective (including Janet Balderas, Juan Almanza, Kelzi Bartholomaei): Blue Corn and Goat Pozole, Tamarind Coconut Jericalla
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Si Charro Group: Tomahawk Carne Asada Tacos & Capirotada with Horchata Whip
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The Westin La Paloma: Fish Tacos, Pozole
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Dantes Fire: Sonoran Hot Chicken Taco, Carnitas Tamale Cake & Signature Mexican Candy Margarita
Central Mexico
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Redbird Scratch Kitchen: Elote Nachos, House Salsas, Mezcal-Spiked Purple Flame Cocktail
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Westbound/Tap & Bottle: Azul Mule Cocktail
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La Estrella Bakery: Traditional Mexican pastries (Conchas, Cochitos, Bandera cookies, Empanadas)
Southern Mexico and Yucatán
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Mujer Bonita Catering: Deep-Fried Gordita with Cochinita Pibil and Pickled Watermelon Radish
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Brother John’s BBQ: Mole Poblano with Chicken Drumsticks and Arroz de Sopa
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Creo Spirits: Mexican Wine and Agave Spirits
Desserts and Specialty
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Churros Inzunza: Vegan and Gluten-Free Churros with Coconut Horchata
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POPPED Artisan Popcorn: Molé Caramel Popcorn
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La Chingada: Pastel De Elote
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La Estrella Bakery: Tucson’s favorite Mexican pastries
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Antojitos: Coctel de Elote (Mexican Street Corn Cup)
VIP Experience: A Taste Above
Guests who opt for the VIP ticket will gain early access to the event at 5:00 PM, along with entry into an exclusive lounge curated by Chef Devon Pinto and his culinary team at The Westin La Paloma. This elevated tasting experience includes Mini Tres Leches Push Pops, boozy frozen paletas (featuring mango-chamoy-tequila and strawberry-mezcal), and refined seafood dishes like Baja Striped Bass Crudo, Aguachile, and Lobster Tostadas. Paired with VIP-only cocktails, private lounge seating, and live music in a relaxed setting, this is an unforgettable way to kick off the night in style.
WHAT TO DRINK
Enjoy handcrafted regional spirits and cocktails from:
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Borderland Spirits: Bacanora and Prickly Pear Distillates
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The Neighborhood Bar: Micheladas
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Whiskey Del Bac: Dorado, Rye, and Spring 2025 Distiller’s Cut
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Ray Ray’s Sonoran Spirit Tea: Tucson created Hard Tea w/ Dirty T Chamoy Rim Dip!
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Creo Spirits: Mexican Wine and Agave Spirits
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Compa Spirits: Bacanora spritzers and assorted agave spirits
WHAT TO EXPECT
Live folklórico performances by Compañía de Danza Folklórica Arizona, a bustling artisan mercado, tequila tastings, and immersive cultural storytelling at every turn.
TICKETS AND DETAILS
VIP Admission – $150
Includes early entry at 5 PM, exclusive tastings in the VIP Lounge, curated cocktails, desserts, and more.
Includes early entry at 5 PM, exclusive tastings in the VIP Lounge, curated cocktails, desserts, and more.
General Admission – $115
Access from 6 to 8:30 PM to enjoy all tasting regions, performances, artisan showcases, and more.
Access from 6 to 8:30 PM to enjoy all tasting regions, performances, artisan showcases, and more.
Location: Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, Tucson
Tickets: www.saaca.org
Use code FLASH for $20 off your ticket (limited time)
Tickets: www.saaca.org
Use code FLASH for $20 off your ticket (limited time)
STAY & PLAY AT WESTIN LA PALOMA
Book your stay at the Westin La Paloma with special discounted rates and enjoy Cinco de Mayo-inspired events all weekend long—from tequila tastings and DJ pool parties to Latin-inspired brunches and more.
Weekend Highlights:
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Thursday: Chef’s Table in the private dining room. Cost: $100++ per person. Maximum capacity: 30 guests. Make your reservations for this special dining experience – MAKE RESERVATIONS
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Friday & Saturday: Breakfast buffet at La Luz, featuring additional Latin-inspired enhancements, such as Chilaquiles and Chorizo.
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Saturday: Casa 71 and La Luz will offer their existing menus, enhanced with Latin-themed features from both the bar and kitchen, including tequila flights with specialty-flavored rims and tequila-inspired cocktails.
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Saturday (Poolside): A DJ will play Latin-themed music to enhance the atmosphere, complemented by offerings such as a Taco Bar, Paletas, Agua Frescas, and Sonoran Dogs.
This is not just a food event—it’s an immersive celebration of flavor, culture, and community.
A FESTIVAL WITH PURPOSE
Sabores de Tucson is more than a food festival. It is a celebration of culture and community, supporting the culinary and artistic heritage of Tucson while raising funds for educational and cultural programming through SAACA and the Tucson International Mariachi Conference.