Eastside Nimbus
Nimbus' James Counts and Bob McMahon's Metro Restaurants are teaming up to open a new brewpub at 6464 E. Tanque Verde Road, in the building formerly occupied by Ristorante Italia (which closed Saturday, July 18). Expect dishes that complement Nimbus' array of beers, with a more family-friendly atmosphere than what's found at Nimbus' 44th Street headquarters. Plans also call for a beer garden and artwork by internationally acclaimed Tucson artist Daniel Martin Diaz. No word yet on when the new place will open, but construction is underway.
Wing Fest
Whether you're looking for a nuclear near-death experience or something sweet and tangy, you'll find it at Tucson's Best Wing Fest '09, from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, July 24, at the Hilton Tucson East (7600 E. Broadway Blvd.). $10 in advance, or $15 at the door, with proceeds benefiting the Education Enrichment Foundation. Call 325-8688, or visit www.eeftucson.org for tickets or more information.
Get Medieval
Help silence some of the grumbling going on in local stomachs by attending the Black Rose Caffe (1800 N. Stone Ave.) fundraiser for the Casa Maria Soup Kitchen, from 7 to 10 p.m., Friday, July 24. The theme is A Midsummer's Night Dream, and organizers encourage you to come in your medieval best. There'll be a buffet and bellydancing, and admission is free if you donate a nonperishable food item; 777-3079.
Tucson Culinary Festival
Tickets are available for the Tucson Culinary Festival, which takes place Thursday, Oct. 1, through Sunday, Oct. 4, at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort (7000 N. Resort Road), except for the margarita competition, which takes place on the patio of Maynards Market and Kitchen (400 N. Toole Ave.). Visit www.tucsonculinaryfestival.com for tickets or information.
Open and Closed
The people behind Chopped have opened a self-serve yogurt shop called BTO Speedway, at 2721 E. Speedway Blvd. They serve 14 frozen flavors for 39 cents an ounce from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Wednesday; and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Thursday through Saturday; 300-5008.
According to handwritten signs taped to the door of Eastern Buffet and Sushi (2419 E. Broadway Blvd.), the place closed for "summer vacation" as of Saturday, July 4. What isn't mentioned is when they'll reopen. Did the summer lull put an end to this newish eatery? We'll keep you posted.
