Tucson Foodie’s R&D Dinners: A Culinary Experience Like No Other
What Are Tucson Foodie’s R&D Dinners?
If you crave unique dining experiences, cutting-edge cuisine, and exclusive access to some of the best chefs in town, you need to know about Tucson Foodie’s R&D Dinners. These aren’t just meals—they’re interactive culinary experiences where guests get to be part of the creative process.
In this post, we’ll dive into these popular foodie events and why they’re a must for any Tucson food lover.
How These Exclusive Dinners Work
Tucson Foodie’s Research & Development (R&D) Dinners are one-night-only events where chefs push the boundaries of their craft. Each event takes place at a different restaurant, where the chef prepares an experimental menu featuring dishes they’re considering adding permanently.
Guests provide feedback on each dish, making them an integral part of the menu development process. It’s a rare behind-the-scenes opportunity to taste culinary creativity in its rawest form.
Interview with Tucson Foodie Owner Shane Reiser
We had the pleasure of speaking with Tucson Foodie owner Shane Reiser at a recent R&D Dinner to get a deeper understanding of these special events.
What is an R&D Dinner?
“Every month, we gather our club members and take over a restaurant. We ask the chef to put together an experimental menu with new dishes they’re thinking of adding. Our members get to try the new dishes and provide feedback through rating cards.”
How much does it cost?
“Each dinner is $65 per person (at time of this post), with all proceeds going directly to the restaurant. That covers a five- to thirteen-course meal, making it an incredible value for food lovers.”
Are drinks included?
“Sometimes drinks are included, but in many cases, restaurants offer an optional drink pairing for an additional fee.”
Who can attend?
“R&D Dinners are exclusive to Tucson Foodie members, though we sometimes allow them to bring a plus one.”
How Chefs Create Their Experimental Menus
Each R&D Dinner is an opportunity for chefs to experiment with new ingredients, techniques, and flavors. These menus highlight the innovative side of Tucson’s culinary scene, giving food lovers a chance to experience bold new flavors before they hit restaurant menus.
Spotlight on Mariscos Chihuahua’s 13-Course Meal
At a recent Tucson Foodie R&D Dinner, we had the chance to experience a 13-course meal at Mariscos Chihuahua, prepared by Chef Anthony. Some standout dishes included:
Garbanza Ceviche – A chickpea-based take on traditional ceviche, featuring Clamato for added depth.
Shrimp Machaca Torito – Bacon-wrapped, deep-fried chile stuffed with shrimp machaca, served with a smoky asun chile negro sauce.
Fish Chicharrón – Crispy sea bass fillets served with a spicy dipping sauce.
Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp – A decadent dish featuring camaron relleno, deep-fried to perfection.
Octopus Specialties – For many, this was their first time experiencing Mexican-style octopus, a dish not commonly found outside of sushi restaurants.
Insider Tips for Attending an R&D Dinner
Thinking of becoming a Tucson Foodie Insider? Here’s what you should know:
Sign Up Early – Tickets sell out quickly, so register as soon as they’re announced via email or the Tucson Foodie app.
Be Open to Experimentation – These dinners feature bold and creative dishes, some of which may push your culinary comfort zone.
Engage with the Chefs – Many chefs love sharing their inspiration and techniques, making it an interactive and educational experience.
Bring an Appetite – With five to thirteen courses, you’ll want to arrive hungry!
How to Become a Tucson Foodie Insider
Tucson Foodie members not only get access to R&D Dinners, but also receive $6,000 in restaurant vouchers for over 100 local restaurants. Membership is about community, bringing together food lovers, new Tucson residents, and locals looking to explore the city’s best restaurants.
If you love food, community, and exploring new restaurants, becoming a Tucson Foodie Insider is a great way to immerse yourself in the local food scene.
Final Thought
We hope you’ve enjoyed this inside look at Tucson Foodie’s R&D Dinners! If you’re looking for a unique dining experience or want to support local chefs and restaurants, these events are a must-try.
