Casa Valencia, Tucson, AZ

      One of those pleasant surprises you sometimes find on the road.  Recently while visiting a good friend from our Air Force days in Tucson we met at a Mexican Restaurant that specializes in seafood.  Three of my favorite things:  friends, Mexican cuisine, and seafood.  We've known Mark Page for 30 years, dating back to our AWACS days in Stan/Eval and fishing the lakes of Oklahoma.  Once a brother, always a brother.  

      When he suggested we meet at this restaurant of course I did my research and discovered an incredible menu.  I have always savored authentic Mexican food for the use of the down home farm flavors including beans, cheese, vegetables (including peppers) and various meats.  I was in San Felipe, Baja a few years back, but did not get to try much of their plentiful seafood.  I fell in love with their street tacos (Al Pastor).  This would be my first foray into this specific corner of the market.  I do love seafood.  The match was easy.   https://casavalencia.company.site/  

       Located on West Valencia Street in South Tucson east of Casino Del Sol they are open 7 days a week.  We would discover why.  

       There is seating for a couple dozen and of course this will depend on when you arrive.  We had lunch here on a Friday and had no problems getting a table.  From my understanding it can be very popular at times and your timing may need to change.  

      Let's get down to it.  We were seated promptly. the waitresses are top notch.  The menu is diverse and yet very much Mexican as well as Seafood.  Salads to appetizers to cocktails to fish to octopus to stews to fajitas to tacos to enchiladas to shrimp and combinations, including children's dishes are available.  Anything is possible.  

       Barb ordered the Shrimp Tacos while Mark and I got the Cameron Culichi.  This is a delightful shrimp coated with Thick, Creamy Medium Spiced Poblano Sauce with SW Crema Drizzle and a delicious seasoned side rice. We also got a big side order of guacamole for all of us to demolish.......delicious.     

Shrimp Tacos

Cameron Culiche 

      We thoroughly enjoyed our meals.  I LOVED the Culiche.  I mean between my tortillas and spoon I cleaned my plate.   Barb said the shrimp was the best she ever had.  The service was great and the total tab for lunch was $60 for three of us. 

       Not only was it good to see one of my best friends, but the meal was so very good.  Times like these come too far in between and it is important to cherish them.  For a fella hailing from the hills of Tennessee Mark has made quite the home here.  We always wish we could stay longer, but Texas and our list of chores awaits.  This visit and meal have been a special treat for us.......easily rated as 5 stars.  WE WILL BE BACK.   

"You think you love seafood and then you try really good Mexican Seafood.  This ain't Taco Bell.  Welcome to the brave new world"  

Rich Hilts

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