We're going to share a not-so-secret secret: Ajo is quiet in the summer.
Which makes it a great place to visit (assuming you like that nice dry heat!), but it can be tricky to find a bite to eat. We have Deluxe and Kitchenette rooms at the inn with cooking facilities, a grill in our courtyard, and treats for sale in our office (homemade tamales and muffins most days!). But we know sometimes you want to kick back and eat a delicious meal that you don't have to cook yourself. Thankfully, throughout Summer 2018 there are a number of special food events to keep locals and visitors well-fed! These include:
SUNDAY SUPPERS AT THE SONORAN DESERT INN
Every Sunday in May, June and the first half of July we'll be serving up a special Sunday Supper in our Palo Verde Dining Room and Courtyard. We're partnering with 10 different Ajo cooks for these meals, so each week will be unique and feature different flavors and cuisines. Meals are priced at ~$10/person and prepared in our commerical kitchen. We're a BYOB facility, so bring a cooler of beers or a bottle of wine to enjoy with your meal! Follow our Facebook and Instagram pages for weekly menus, timing, and pricing.
SDCC's 3rd ANNUAL OLD-SCHOOL ICE CREAM SOCIAL
School's out for summer - so join us for our 3rd annual Old School Ice Cream Social on Thursday, July 12th from 5-7pm! This FREE event is for our guests and for the Ajo community - our way of saying thanks to our supporters, neighbors and partners. There will be make-your-own-sundaes, Sonoran Ice Cream Sandwiches, tours, and a chance to peek in on the North Wing constuction under way - we're adding 3 new suites!
AJO EATS! SUPPER CLUB
The Ajo Eats! Supper Club is a community effort to bring locals and visitors together to eat good, authentic, made-in-Ajo food. Meals are served in locations all around town: backyards, front porches, historic buildings, and even out in the desert! Click here for July events.
This isn’t a restaurant, it’s a supper club, so you’ll be asked to pay $1 to become a member and sign a waiver that you understand that food is prepared in private homes rather than a commercial setting. And reservations are necessary - email ajoeatssupperclub@gmail.com to reserve a spot.
WEEKNIGHT TACOS AT HARRIS & SMITH
Harris & Smith Coffee Company is more than just coffee! This summer they started staying open later on weeknights and serving tacos from 5-8pm. Grab a few and eat them outside in their lovely dining area under the arches on the historic Ajo Plaza. Follow their Facebook and Instagram accounts for details and for info on other great events!
PLAZA MERCADO
While the Authentically Ajo Farmers Market takes a well-deserved summer break, some local vendors have decided to keep the magic going on Saturday mornings in the Plaza (8-11am) with a less formal craft and food market. It's a great spot to pick up a sweet treat from Sissy Bear, Dorothy and Kathie's jams and jellies, fresh produce from Loma Bonita Garden and Orchard, and other goodies. Plus there are artists and artisans selling their work. A great way to spend a summer Saturday morning, and the larger Farmers Market returns in the fall!
4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION
This year the Ajo District Chamber of Commerce and Ajo Center for Sustainable Agriculture are partnering on Ajo's annual 4th of July celebration, which means there's going to be lots of delicious food this year! 10+ vendors will be out on the Plaza after the parade, and some will come back in the evening so you can get some dinner while you watch the fireworks! This year, you can even pre-order family meals online here to avoid long lines - rack of ribs and a dozen wings, anyone?
More info here and on the Ajo CSA Facebook page.
The Ajo Copper News and the Ajo Chamber of Commerce are also good resources for other food events that may not be listed here!
