Preview of the new menu at Edna’s Eatery at Charly’s Grill

There is always something blooming in Tucson Botanical Gardens.

Take a stroll along the winding path and you’ll likely encounter hummingbirds, lizards and sometimes butterflies. Then, about halfway through the gardens and before you reach the Great Garden Express, Edna’s restaurant at Charly’s Grill is full of new dishes to try.

Earlier this year, Chief Carlos Guerrerowho is more recently known for Charly’s BBQ & Grillmoved in and took Edna’s Eatery under his wing, introducing new menu items from day one.

There are a few new items, but one of the menu items that so many people rave about, including Guerrero himself, is the Avocado Toast.

For us eaters it’s simply because it’s delicious, but for Guerrero it’s the process of creating the dish.

“The reason I like to highlight the Avocado Toast “It’s because I use a lot of things that come from the gardens,” he said. “I started using tomatoes and pickled onions that were given to me from the garden. Now that we have the freedom to use a lot of what grows here in the gardens, we’re going to use more of it in the menu.”

The chives incorporated into some of the new dishes come from the potted plants placed in the café’s display cases. The flowers displayed in vases on each table are picked from the gardens each morning.

Heck, Guerrero even took us on a little tour and let us pick some grapefruit from the big tree just west of Barrio Bug.

“This is the first time in a long time that someone has expressed interest in harvesting from our gardens,” said Laura Leach Tucson Botanical Gardens. “The growers are really excited. They say, ‘Well, what else can we bring you, Carlos? What can we grow for you?’ Our horticulture director started his career in food production, so he’s very interested in providing Carlos with the right varieties of food.”

Not all of these dishes are on the menu yet, but here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming soon. Stay tuned for the official launch.

Sweet Potato Gazpacho

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Smoked salmon

Chilaquiles

Supporting local businesses

A few other local businesses enrich the experience at Edna’s Eatery by Charly’s Grill.

While we (the Tucson Foodie team) were having dinner, we saw a few groups of people coming in for refreshments, especially during this summer heat, and the pallets (ice creams) of Michoacán Delights were a success. The local ice cream parlor and candy store on Craycroft Road provide brain ice creams.

Kev’s Spicy Cuisine make sure to stay hydrated with their agua frescas.

Plus, for a limited time, if you make a donation to Pima Animal Care Center (PACC)they will take 5% off your bill.

They are currently asking for dog treats, cat and dog food, pet toys, pet beds, and gently used blankets and towels.

Edna’s Eatery by Charly’s Grill is open daily from 7:30am to 2pm (subject to change each season), serving breakfast and lunch from a seasonal menu. General admission to the gardens or a membership is required to access the café.

The Tucson Botanical Gardens are located at 2150 N. Alvernon Way. For more information, call (520) 326-9686 or visit tucsonbotanical.org.

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