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NORTH TUCSON. In one sense, cuvée is the French term for ‘blend,' and this stylish bistro and wine bar aspires to do just that. The menu is an eclectic mixture of cuisines from around the world, offering dishes such as Georgia Peanut Salad with applewood smoked bacon, sweet potato straw and a creamy peanut dressing; a falafel platter; and tamarind-marinated pork tenderloin with mango salsa. In its more literal sense, Cuvée indicates a blend of wines, especially among wine-makers in the Champagne region. To that end Cuvée the restaurant in Tucson strives to offer a wide variety of wines, with 44 available by the glass, numerous flights, and a wine pairing suggested for every dish on the menu. À votre santé!
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Elle
3048 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719 · 520-327-0500
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EAST TUCSON. This French favorite also includes some Italian dishes, and plenty of fresh influence from California cuisine. Located in historic Broadway Village, this is "A Wine Country restaurant," which means that the sophisticated selection of wines – all domestic – is designed to compliment the fine cuisine. Sample escargot in open-faced ravioli and grilled salmon with shaved fennel in citrus broth. The spacious dining is comfortably modern, with plush furnishings, rich woods and large windows, and the patio is a warm-weather treat.
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Firecracker
2990 N Swan Rd, Tucson, AZ 85712 · 520-318-1118
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NORTHEAST. Watch the chefs in the open kitchen as they whip up spicy, flavorful Asian-fusion meals. The kitchen is the focal point, but the airy, exotic dining room is eye-catching too, full of greenery and elegant, colorful decor. Are your tastebuds ready for something spicy? They don't skimp on the robust flavors here – though diners in the mood for mild can find something tempting, too. Try the grilled five-spice breast of duck over jade spinach or the chicken breasts stuffed with wasabi cream.
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Ha Long Bay
6304 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85711 · 520-571-1338
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EAST TUCSON. Ha Long Bay is an actual place in northeast Vietnam, a place associated with a fantastic legend which is depicted in an intriguing mural in this cozy Tucson restaurant. You'll want to start with a smoothie or slush made with fresh tropical fruits like mangos, papayas and coconut. The cooling properties of the drink are the perfect foil for a bowl of spicy, brothy soup. Accompanied by plates of piquant garnishes like cilantro, sprouts and hot peppers, these soups make a fabulously flavorful light meal. Although many of the dishes contain beef, pork, shrimp or chicken, vegetarians will find plenty of choices as well.
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NORTHEAST. Set in an old house in the historic Fort Lowell District, Le Rendez-Vous offers a traditional French menu in a posh, romantic setting. This is classic French cooking, with heavy sauces that are not intended for calorie counters. From Dover sole to Grand Marnier souffle, from duck a l'orange to Crepes Suzette, the food doesn't disappoint. Ask for a room in the greenery-filled sun room. Excellent French wines add the perfect finishing touch.
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Olive Tree
7000 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85715 · 520-298-1845
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NORTHEAST. If you find yourself in Tucson with a craving for moussaka, make a bee-line for the much-loved Olive Tree. In operation for more than two decades, the restaurant has withstood the test of time, now counting second- and even third-generation fans among its loyal customers. All the traditional dishes are here and their preparation is expert and true. To get a culinary overview, order the pikilia, a platter of small portions of most of the main courses on the menu. Alternatively, go the appetizer-main-course-dessert route: saganaki (kefalograviera cheese flambéed with brandy at your table) is an impressive starter; shish kabob is a filling plate of grilled meats and vegetables; and baklava offers a nutty-sweet ending.
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NORTH TUCSON. "Upscale casual" is the name of the game these days – people want good, gourmet quality food but without dressing to the nines to enjoy it. RAZ is one of Tucson's better such establishments, drawing inspiration from the "Rivieras of the world." The sunny, coastal areas, in other words. The restaurant's cool color palette – light greens, purples and silver – is an apt foil for the bright cuisine, which makes use of the freshest vegetables and herbs, light wine-based sauces, and salad greens, all arranged for maximum visual appeal. Spiced seared duck, for example, is attractively plated with fresh pears, purple and white marbleized potatoes, and a port wine sauce. Spanish Shrimp Tapas appeals with pink shrimp flecked with red chili flakes and chives in a white wine-lemon sauce. And the best part? The food tastes just as fantastic as it looks!
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Takamatsu
5532 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85712 · 520-512-0800
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NORTHEAST. This is a fun place to come with the whole family. Mom and Dad can enjoy some wonderful sushi while the kids squeal "Ewwww! Raw fish!" and marvel at the teppan yaki chef's acrobatic skill with a knife. Takamatsu is huge, with different spaces devoted to different culinary traditions. Menus overlap though so you can sit in one area but still eat the food from another. Let the kids enjoy the spectacle of flying shrimp and bits of beef. You can feast on traditional Korean dishes such as Yook Hwe (marinated shredded raw beef) or Kimchee Bokeum (spicy pan fried kimchee and pork). Or, savor a fine piece of sashimi and sip a cup of sake. Or do both!
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NORTH TUCSON. Whether you dine on the bistro side or the sushi bar side, this is one popular (and tasty) place for a meal. The bonus is that virtually everything on the menu is ridiculously healthy, with lots of fresh veggies, seaweed, no msg, and healthful flavorings like ginger and garlic. Green tea and a wide variety of soy foods including tofu, natto, miso and edamame, feature prominently, but seafood, beef, pork and chicken all make appearances as well – this is a great choice when you have a mixed group of herbivores and omnivores. The décor? Let's call it endearingly eclectic, and mention that if you're a fan of Japanese comics or movies, you'll love it!
Looking for a restaurant? We've explored the options, checked with critics, and pounded the pavement to offer only the best. Recommendations come complete with contact information and a brief description highlighting the important features of the restaurant. Fit our choices to your mood, or let us guide your tastes. You'll likely find a few places that not even locals know about.
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