Tucson is a great restaurant town. From its enviable collection of culinary gems, we've picked four longtime favorites. We start at the top of the local food chain with Janos Wilder, one of the Southwest's most creative and best loved chefs (and a James Beard award winner).

• Janos (at Westin La Paloma Resort, 3770 E Sunrise Dr.; 520-615- 6100; www.janos.com). Janos is the chef's signature restaurant, where every season brings a new menu, the wine list is deep and the views over the valley that cradles the city superb. In addition to a culture-hopping main menu, Janos also offers changing prix fixe deals. A taste from the main menu? How about ``lamb: 4 from the heart of Mexico,'' featuring lamb porterhouse with a chocolate and chilies moli, Oaxacan barbacoa lamb tamale, soup from the barbacoa and street vendor spicy lamb's tongue taco! Entrees $28-$50.

• Cafe Poca Cosa (110 E Pennington St.; 520-622-6400; www.cafepocacosatucson.com). The chalkboard menu changes twice daily, as the market and Chef Suzana Davila's unerring instincts dictate, and every plate is a work of art. A perennial best bet is the Plato, which combines tastes of three of the day's entrees (often one each of vegetarian, meat and fish creations), all bedded on a riotous mound of salad greens and fruits. Just put yourself in Suzana's capable hands and be prepared to swoon. Entrees $19-$25.

• El Charro Cafe (311 N Court Ave.; 520-622-1922; www.elcharrocafe.com). The Flores family's fare is deceptively simple and honestly hearty. Its two biggest claims to culinary fame are its distinction as the birthplace of the chimichanga and its near legendary carne seca (sun-and-air-dried beef, shredded and grilled with green chilies and onions). Both rate a resounding yum! This location is the original, in two historic buildings with a courtyard centered on a splashing fountain. Entrees $7.95-$17.95.

• The Audubon Bar (at the Arizona Inn, 2200 E Elm St.; 520-325-1541; www.arizonainn.com). Our favorite luncheon treat is a one-of-a-kind Southwestern grilled cheese featuring semi-firm Mexican asadero, sliced avocado, roasted peppers, freshly snipped cilantro and black bean spread on toasted sandwich bread rich with corn meal. Finish with house-made ginger cappuccino ice cream, then stroll to your casita for siesta. Entrees $14-$27.

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