This sketch of the Anita Street Market is also a long overdue tribute to a neighborhood landmark. North of downtown Tucson, this market is still a vibrant family run business in the Barrio Anita. “The market is loved and respected by the residents of the barrio. Burritos are a crowd favorite at Anita's and the tortillas made there have become well-known beyond the barrio's limits. Gracie Soto…inherited the business from her nana Grace Soto, the founder of Anita’s Street Market.” (Arizona Republic – 12/22/23)
This sketch is a tribute to the Soto family and to all the long-lost barrio businesses gone to the ravages of urban renewal and other changes to downtown Tucson. Years ago, I took my University Medical Center Planning staff to the Market for my birthday lunch during a very hot August day. There are no tables in the tiny market, but there is a metal shade structure next to the market where we sat and enjoyed lunch - although sweating profusely. The food was wonderful, but we were not sure how much longer we could sit under the radiant heat of the shade structure. Soon, the Soto family came out with refreshments, and then Abuelito Soto sang the Mexican birthday song, “Las Mañanitas” for us. At that point, the heat was no longer an issue.
Long live the Anita Street Market!
This sketch is a tribute to the Soto family and to all the long-lost barrio businesses gone to the ravages of urban renewal and other changes to downtown Tucson. Years ago, I took my University Medical Center Planning staff to the Market for my birthday lunch during a very hot August day. There are no tables in the tiny market, but there is a metal shade structure next to the market where we sat and enjoyed lunch - although sweating profusely. The food was wonderful, but we were not sure how much longer we could sit under the radiant heat of the shade structure. Soon, the Soto family came out with refreshments, and then Abuelito Soto sang the Mexican birthday song, “Las Mañanitas” for us. At that point, the heat was no longer an issue.
Long live the Anita Street Market!
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