In the late 70’s shortly after college graduation, I joined my girlfriend Elissa who was moving to Tucson. When we arrived in Tucson, I realized the weather and the ambiance was just my cup of tea. Being a New Englander, I stayed longer and longer until I realized I had chosen Tucson to be my home.

Photo courtesy of Amy Haskell!

When I began working at Delectables, it was a home away from home for many guests . Within a short time , I was managing the business. Our guests were extremely eclectic just like our menu offerings of pate, croissants, quiche and lots of imported cheeses. The majority of our products were shipped to us from New York.

Fourth Avenue had no trees then. Olof Hogrelius, Michael Lauth and David Rosoff were hired by the Fourth Avenue Merchants Association to plant the trees. They were so little when they went in and here we are years later with authentic shade from the desert sun. It’s such a pleasure.

The University, downtown business people, West University residents, and the artists who had studios behind retail store fronts were all customers. Our menu was a large slate blackboard that I wrote on every morning combining all our imported foods onto mesquite boards served with French bread. Hence, the term “boards” arrived.

The Avenue was complete with the presence of Sam Tobias who had an old truck filled with produce that would park curb side and sell to all who had time to sit on a wooden crate.  I started most mornings sitting, talking to Toby, drinking a cup of coffee and learning from one of the smartest men I have ever met. Toby is painted on the mural at 6th Street on the side of Creations wall. I miss all the mornings listening and laughing.

Many of the early Fourth Avenue businesses still remain: The Shanty, Dairy Queen, Piney Hollow, How Sweet It Was, Foam & Fabric, Bix Service, Betts Printing, Carousos, Creations and United Fire. With over 100 businesses comprising our Avenue today , we continue to create a shopping and dining experience found no where else in Tucson where you can stroll on a sidewalk and wind in and out of many establishments . The merchandise is diverse, interesting, and creative and always a “day on the avenue” is filled with unique sights and sounds.

Delectables Restaurant has evolved over the 35 years it has served Tucsonans. Most of the community has visited, dined and enjoyed their experience bringing friends and family to their cozy spot. Whenever people return to Tucson after moving away, their return trip is not complete unless they visit their favorite spot; namely, Delectables. It is not unusual to hear on a daily basis one of the following comments.  When I went to college years ago, I use to come here and listen to jazz on the weekends. When I lived here, I ate your Chef salad. I remember that you used to have the best crème brulee. Do you still make Chocolate Mousse? I miss your Greek Tomato Salad ….. and on and on.

The building we now occupy was once Ingham Harley Davidson showroom. Our dining room was the showroom. In 1979, the building was renovated and became the home of Delectables.

The furnishings of our dining room are filled with many antiques in the way of tables, counters and refrigerators. The fence around our patio is from a relocated graveyard in Bisbee. The large walk-in refrigerator in the entry of the dining room is from an Oriental Deli from South Tucson that burned to the ground. There were over 12 layers of paint on the McCray box that totally protected the oak from the fire. The bar counter is from the El Conquistador hotel and was a women’s glove bar. The front register counter is from Santa Cruz, CA and was a front counter as well in an old hotel that overlooked the ocean. Some of the older metal patio furniture is also from Santa Cruz.

The neon Delectables sign was made by Ron Nelson, a local artist that knows no boundaries in his medium. He is a potter, glass blower and neon artist to name a few. The stain glass window overlooking the patio was made by Louis Villa, another talented Tucsonan. When I started at Delectables, all our wares were created by local artists. Our coffee, espresso and cappuccino cups were all made by Stefan and Lavinia.  Now Stefan plays music here on the weekends. All our food was served on mesquite planks made by local craftsmen.

Delectables is ingrained in the fabric of the Tucson community. There are people coming and going from Tucson all the time.  One thing is sure. You’re going to find Delectables and call it your own because everyone does at one point or another.

                                                         Donna DiFiore