Tucson Tasties - More Muy Bueno places

It seems as if we were eating our way through Arizona.  But then it is our favorite way to learn more about places.  And again these eatery 'finds' are thanks to the recommendations of  friends.  Too good to miss, let me tell you about . . .

Pets are welcome at Viv's outdoor tables
j. smith photo, (c) 2011

Viv's Cafe where you will find yourself sitting elbow-to-elbow with locals -- regulars -- who return time after time for the warm welcome and inexpensive, hearty breakfasts and lunches served here.  And if you go back a second time, it is likely that Viv, who runs this diner-like, place will greet you by name or remember from where you're visiting. 

Lucky for us it was walking distance from our hosts' home so we worked up an appetite going there and burned off a few of the delectable calories we'd consumed on our return. Open for breakfast and lunch, this place doesn't have a web site of its own but you can read about it on Yelp.  If you go on a Saturday, check out the Farmer's Market at the far end of the parking lot.
(8987E. Tanque Verde Rd., 85749, 520-760-8622)

We had another great breakfast at a place we likely would never have found on our own:  Tohono Chul Park, where the eatery is just one of its many draws.  In this Southwestern arboretum-like setting, nature and art merge.  And our Huevos Rancheros -- even better than those egg dishes we've eaten in Mexico -- were proof that culinary art is as important here as are the visual arts.  The place is 'wander'-land of art, plants, nature trails, gardens and is the site of a variety of special events.  The gift shop is full of great things for souvenirs.
(7366 N. Pasea del Norte, Tucson, 520-742-6455)

Our Portland friend tipped us off to Cafe Poca Cosa, an upscale Mexican restaurant where chef/owner Suzana Davila, who hails from Guayamas,a town in Sonora, Mexico, serves up so many specialties that the menu changes twice daily.  In fact it is written en espanol and English on chalkboards that waitstaff bring to the tables.  When I searched the Web for its site, I noticed one restaurant view site that rated it 4 out of 5 points based on more than 1,000 reviews.  Definitely on our 'must-go-to-next-time' list.
(110 E. Pennington St., Tucson, 85701, 520-622-6400)

Some of you have asked how the D2G fared with all these restaurants, that report is coming. . .