Iconic Tucson Hotel Welcomes New Restaurant Name, Chef, Menu, and Concept

Cielos Executive Chef, David Solorzano, to implement new direction

. August 15, 2017

Pushing culinary boundaries is exactly what Executive Chef David Solorzano plans on doing in his role at the newly renamed Cielos at Lodge on the Desert. The boutique hotel restaurant is embracing Tucson's designation as a UNESCO World City of Gastronomy with a fresh take on contemporary fare. Chef Solorzano's all-new menu highlights local and traditional ingredients for a modern interpretation of Southwest cuisine. Visitors can expect a new concept from this neighborhood restaurant, along with new specials and events.

A graduate of the Scottsdale Culinary Institute, Solorzano has over 15 years of restaurant experience. His career before taking the helm at Cielos has included positions such as Chef de Cuisine at Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch, and cook at Miraval Resort and Vin Tabla. Additionally, Solorzano's Animal Farm food truck won Best Food Truck in Tucson for its artfully prepared dishes.

Lodge on the Desert's longstanding restaurant, now renamed Cielos, gives Solorzano the opportunity to showcase his culinary prowess, innovation, and carefully honed techniques. His menu revolves around fresh and unique ingredients sourced regionally. Dinner entree options include Veal Saltimbocca with heirloom carrot puree, asparagus, charred cippolini, and marsala jus; and Scallop Puttanesca with potato puree, parsley oil, fire-roasted cherry tomatoes, Prince Edward Island mussels, pancetta, and capers. Delicious, seasonal starters include a Pickled Beets & Nectarine Salad, Beef Tartare Niçoise, and Grilled Octopus. New lunch and bar food options will also be available.

“My hope with the new menu for Cielos is to create dishes that will appeal to the senses,” says Solorzano. “I'm excited to lead the talented culinary team and cannot wait to have Tucson come in and try our menu. I promise they won't be disappointed.”

Along with the new menus, Cielos will also regularly offer new specials. Through September 30, stop in Sunday to Wednesday for a different daily summer special, including $5 House Margaritas all day long on Mondays and 25% off select bottles of wine with the purchase of a dinner entree on Wednesdays. Plus, beginning September 24, Sunday Brunch will come to Cielos in the form of a decadent buffet.

With more than one million dollars spent on renovations this year, the hotel's rooms, grounds, and facilities are also undergoing welcome changes to enhance the guest experience.

About Lodge on the Desert: An Arizona landmark and Tucson tradition since 1931, Lodge on the Desert is a 100-room boutique hotel appealing to leisure and business travelers alike. With over 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space, the historic hotel also offers a heated swimming pool and whirlpool spa, in-room massage, and the Cielos restaurant with contemporary Southwestern fare. Situated on five acres in mid-town Tucson, AZ, against the majestic backdrop of the Santa Catalina Mountains, its charming hacienda-style accommodations and relaxed atmosphere confirm that it is Tucson's urban oasis and an Old Pueblo masterpiece.