Green Valley (near Tucson) Restaurants?

[kzukor]

We will be staying in Green Valley (near Tucson) in late April. The boards list all kinds of recommendation for Tucson proper, but most are far from Green Valley. Any recommendations for Green Valley or the surrounding area? We are two adults and two kids, but are open to a variety of cuisines and price levels.

Karen Zukor

[firecooked]

kzukor - did you make it to Lavenders? Thinking of taking my Mom there for her birthday.

[amchef]

I believe the Nob Hill restaurant closed at the Tubac "barrio," but if the culinary shop/school is still doing the demonstration dinners, put it on your list.

[AZGrandpa]

Green Valley is not a chowhunds mecca, but considering the demographic and seasonal residency, there are good eats here. Here is my list, starting at the north end.

Agave at the Casino is spotty in terms of quality and service, but when they are on, it is quite good.

Next to Basha's supermarket is a Vietnamese restaurant. I'm not well acquainted with the SE Asian cuisine, but their soups are very good, and the lunches and dinners tasty.

Several other chinese restaurants here, but my judgement is that they are generally mediocre, some better than others.

Two popular mexican (Sonoran) restaurants compete, la Placita and Manuels. Owned by brothers -in - law and compete aggressively.

Then the aforementioned Lavenders, the French restaurant.

In the Green Valley Mall is Ragazzi's, good italian.

Breakfasts are popular at Mama's, in the Continental Mall.

Then there are the golf course restaurants, two are more popular than the third (Torres Blancas) which is just reopening after being closed for several years. Canoa Ranch is popular for the views of the golf course and mountains, and San Ignacio is consistently good, but more laid back in ambience than Canoa.

Further south, in Amado, is Kristoffer's, which can be very good, and the Cow Palace, a watering hole for movie stars back when westerns were being made around here in the 50's, and the Longhorn. Interesting places. Food OK, but not great.

Then further is Tubac (30 miles), with several very good restaurants, but haven't tried any yet this year.

And if you don't mind an hours drive, the Velvet Elvis in Patagonia for gourmet pizza. Very good, Thursday- Sunday, lunch and dinner.

Best bet when you arrive is to ask around a bit, everyone seems to have a different favorite depending on their price point and expectations.

Several new restaurants are opening soon in the former K-Mart, but so far I have nether tried nor heard of anyone who has tried them yet.

Good luck, and enjoy GV, just don't expect much nightlife excitment from the locals.

[firecooked]

My folks have good things to say about the French Restaurant (not sure of the exact name) at the Green Valley Country Club (restaurant is open to the public).