Proper Tucson, one of downtown’s most recent eateries, added a new element to their already unique dining experience this past Friday, giving patrons one more reason to stop in and try some of their delectable “bites.”
Its newly-opened patio seating area features an outdoor bar, giving the restaurant a new airy, open feel and an opportunity for guests to enjoy the springtime weather.
“It adds a whole new element,” Kim Bower, Proper Tucson’s general manager said. “It’s super inviting.”
A seat in the afternoon sunshine and a very reasonably-priced happy hour is what attracted a trio of students the Monday following the patio’s opening. During “bites,” the name for their happy hour from 3 – 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. – midnight, all cocktails, craft beers and wines as well as everything off of a designated menu is $2 off. Their selection of beers and wines are all sourced locally and all of their liquors are from small distilleries and/or infused in house.
Katya Heffner, an visitor from Los Angeles, ordered the “Porch Tea” as advised from the bartender. This specialty cocktail is crafted from house-made black tea infused vodka, citrus, simple syrup and a rosemary garnish.
“It was refreshing and really one of kind,” Heffner said.
The bartender crafted a specialty drink off the menu, for her companion, Heidi Jaenicke, a journalism and Spanish senior.
Jaenicke said she liked Arnold Palmers and voila! In front of her appeared an Arnold Palmer look-alike, except with a little more bite.
“It was delicious,” Jaenicke said. “It was just like an alcoholic Arnold Palmer. The perfect combination of zesty, sweet and alcoholic-y.”
They ordered food off of the “bites” menu to take advantage of the happy hour deal, and both started off with salads. One with the “Proper Salad,” a nice combination of greens, vinaigrette and tiny pieces of sweet and tangy bee pollen. The other with the “Baby Kale” salad, comprised of kale, farro, parmesan, almonds and thick, lemon-garlic vinaigrette. The winner between the two was definitely the “Proper Salad,” but both were said to be good.
“We try to highlight our local vendors,” Bower said about the fresh, and sometimes unusual ingredients that make up each item on the menu. “Everything we have is based from farms around town.”
Heffner rounded out her meal by ordering the ricotta gnocchi, a dish that Bower recommends, saying that it is one of the most popular.
“It was really good,” Heffner said. “It wasn’t too rich, but was still filling.”
Made with oyster mushrooms, arugula, creme fraiche and lemon oil, the potato pasta comes off of their “small plate” menu. However, Bower said the dish is big enough to “be a meal in itself.” The idea behind the menu, especially the “small plates” section, is that people can order a few different items and share so that they are able to have a wide sampling of what Proper has to offer.
Another popular item on the menu, Bower said, is the risotto. It changes every day depending on what ingredients are in season and what is in stock. Really, the main concept that drives Proper is keeping everything on the menu local, fresh and sustainable, that way all of the profit supports the local economy.
It was Jaenicke’s second time at Proper and she said the laid back, casual environment along with the great food and reasonable prices will keep her coming back.
Proper is a nice edition to downtown’s new “up and coming” vibe, adding to the line of restaurants down Congress Street with quality food, craft cocktails and a modern, yet comfortable feel.
