Local food journalist Rita Connelly will debut her newest book, Historic Restaurants of Tucson, on Feb. 12. Growing up Italian, Connelly said she has always had a passion to write about food; she said it has always been a significant part of her life. Connelly has been covering food for over 10 years. 

Her new book has historical Tucson restaurants that have been open for at least 20 years. Each chapter covers one decade of history and restaurants. She begins the book in the 1920s. There will be a book signing on Feb. 18 at El Charro, one of the highlighted restaurants in her book.

"I've learned a lot and I've met a lot of great people and it's just fun" Connelly said. "I love the way the Tucson food scene is now. Its very fun and happening."

Although writing her second book was overwhelming, her passion for writing has not stopped. After she finished Historic Restaurants of Tucson, the History Press asked her if she was interested in writing about the history of Arizona chimichangas, and she just couldn't turn them down. Her third book is currently in the works and will mostly likely be released in the winter of 2018.

"To be a food writer was my dream and I guess I'm still living my dream and I guess I'm lucky that way," she said.