Food + Beverage

Festive Holiday Cocktails

Ten Wild (or Non-Alcohol) Recipes to Set That Holiday Tone Article by Jeff Herr Festive Foothills Fun: here are some dandy drinks to experiment with. And enjoy. Holiday greetings to all! (Note: All recipes can be made non-alcoholic by substituting spirits with alternatives like extra juice, soda, or non-alcoholic spirits.) Spiced Cranberry Moscow Mule A holiday twist on the classic mule with cranberry and warming spices. Ingredients: 2 oz vodka 1 oz cranberry juice ½ oz lime...

Entertainment

It Begins Now!

A Big Year Closes and Now Launches Into a Very Big 2025 at the Rialto Article and Photography by Rock the Rialto: Supporting Tucson’s Historic Music Venue Nestled in the heart of downtown Tucson, the Rialto Theatre is not just a concert hall; it’s a cherished part of the community’s fabric, a historic landmark that has captivated audiences for over a century. As it stands today, the Rialto Theatre Foundation, under the stewardship of Executive Director Cathy Rivers, nurtures not only the...

Shopping

A Checklist for the Occasional Holiday Shopper

Great places to find treasures for those we love Article by Megan Ewing | Photography by Jeff Herr The holiday season brings with it a whirlwind of excitement, joy, and the age-old quest for the perfect gift for our loved ones. As we navigate bustling shops and online aisles, the pressure to find something truly special can feel overwhelming. Yet, amidst the chaos, the gift-giving journey becomes a heartfelt endeavor—a chance to express our affection and appreciation.  Whether it’s a...

Entertainment

The Nutcracker! Come Together, Remember Forever!

A Perfect Introduction to Ballet for All Ages. And a Wonderful Revisit to Holidays Past. Photography by Carlos Chavez A world of wonder awaits you at Ballet Tucson’s The Nutcracker! Treat your loved ones to Tucson’s favorite holiday tradition. This award-winning production brings to life the enchanting story of The Nutcracker with sensational dancing, lavish sets and costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score performed by the Tucson Symphony Orchestra’s world-class musicians. Don't miss...

Arts + Culture

Holiday Events and Adventures Across Southern Arizona

Hard to image a more diverse set of activities to fill your December calendar Article by Jeff Herr Southern Arizona's Special Holiday Events Calendar Let's see who can assemble the most unique Tucson live events this month! From tamales to opera, here are a few things to fill your days and nights with the spirit of the holidays. ZooLights at Reid Park Zoo (December 1-31) Location: 3400 E. Zoo Court at Reid Park Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Description: Millions of twinkling lights...

Food + Beverage

Air Fryer Magic

From Crackling Pork Belly to Lemonade Scones -- Super Hot Air for the Win! Article by Jeff Herr Ingredients (3) 1kg Pork Belly Roast Boneless, rind scored (see note) 2 tsp sea salt flakes Olive oil spray Step 1 Preheat the air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes. Pat 1kg Pork Belly Roast Boneless, rind scored (see note) dry with paper towel. Rub 2 tsp sea salt flakes into pork rind. Step 2 Place the pork in the air fryer basket and spray with Olive oil spray. Set...

Food + Beverage

In a Fowl Mood?

Brisk November is a Perfect Time to Explore the Wide World of Poultry Article by Sybil Velarde -- www.atsybilskitchen.com Slow Roasted Ducklings Serves 4 Ingredients: Two 5-6 pound ducks, preferably Peking ducks Freshly ground black Pepper to taste Three tablespoons of dried thyme, crumbled Four bay leafs One cup cider vinegar Directions: Step One - Preheat oven to 375F. Step Two - Sprinkle ducks inside and out with salt and pepper to taste. Step Three - Put...

Education

Older Students Connect With The Youngest

Article by Nicole Smith | Photography by Catalina Foothills School District The youngest and the oldest students in the Catalina Foothills School District are learning together through a collaboration between the Valley View Early Learning Center (VVELC) and the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program offered at Catalina Foothills High School. A house behind the high school on Valley View Road served as the initial location of VVELC when it began in 1998. VVELC combines the concepts of several...

Health + Wellness

Bridging From Trauma to Safety

Childrens' Advocacy Center Helps Kids Find Recovery and a Path to Hope Article by Jeff Herr | Photography by Nicci Radhe, Celesteal Photography This month, we caught up with Marie Fordney, executive director of the Children's Advocacy Center of Southern Arizona, to learn about significant advancements in their work to help children and their families heal from abuse. Here is our conversation: Q: Hello Marie. Thank you for taking the time to share what is going on these days at the center...

Food + Beverage

Savory Autumn Eats

As heat subsides and appetites return, it's time to umami like never before Article by Sybil Velarde (www.atsybilskitchen.com) Our desert landscape starts to change this month. Temperatures begin to cool down from the hot days of summer, blending the beauty of the desert with seasonal changes. Now it's a time to celebrate life, gathering friends around the table. This is why we have a bigger-than-life menu for you to enjoy! Concord Grape and Champagne Cocktail 6 Servings Ingredients: ...