More than 20 years ago there was a “taco renaissance” in Tucson. All of a sudden food trucks and taco stands were popping all over the community. Carne asada tacos, ‘lorenzas’, ‘caramelos’ and other delicious tacos became a local favorite. Among all of the different places you can enjoy a taco, one stands out because of its creativity, but also for the bigger-than-life personality of its chef-owner: Maria Mazon.
Maria Mazon – Daughter of Two Nations
If you watched the 18th season of Top Chef, you will find Chef Maria Mazon. She inspired us, made us laugh, and yes, we shared a few tears when she exited the competition. But to our luck, she is based in Tucson and has an amazing menu for you to enjoy.
Her food has been celebrated in publications such as USA Today and the New York Times, and her amazing personality shows off at Bravo’s Top Chef, and at different TV programs in PBS, the Food Network, and the Cooking Channel.
Her Menu
First of all, this is not a taqueria, these are modern Mexican food dishes that are showcased on tacos, combined with creative salsas, and of course matching spirits like tequila and mezcal. In addition to chips and salsa, Chef Maria Mazon offers some incredible appetizers such as grilled octopus. But one of my favorites are the Boca Balls, which are made of mashed potatoes rolled in panko bread crumbs & deep fried. For your main dish, you can order some traditional carne asada tacos or al pastor tacos, but you must try the cauliflower tacos. Fresh cauliflowers are grilled and then tossed in a curry cilantro and orange oil.
And what about the salsas? Don’t worry at all. Your server will bring to the table a few salsa options for your food.
Boca Tacos y Tequila
Web – bocatacos.com
Address – 522 N. 4th Ave Tucson, AZ 85705
Hours – Mon-Thu 12pm-9pm; Fri-Sat 11am-10pm Sun 11am-8pm
