Iron Chef Tucson
Reigning champion Chef Ramiro Scavo, of Zona 78 and Harvest Restaurant, takes on Chef Miciah Beard, of Bob's Steak and Chop House at Omni Tucson National Resort, at this year's Iron Chef Tucson competition, at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 17, at Desert Diamond Casino (Interstate 19 and Pima Mine Road). Tickets are $50 for VIP seating and $25 general admission. Beard tells us his influences come chiefly from French, Indian and Pacific Rim cuisine, and that he'll unleash unbridled creativity and meticulous execution. Visit ironcheftucson.com for more information.
OM
OM will be opening soon in the former Neo of Malaka location at 1765 E. River Road. Chef John Kujundzich described the menu as Asian-fusion food prepared with French and contemporary American techniques. He said that a full sushi bar will highlight the dining room. Expect items like an ahi tuna tower served with a soy-cilantro gastrique; grilled beef tenderloin with coconut rice; and a trio of korma, tikka masala and vindaloo curries. A grand opening is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 22. Call 299-7815 for more information.
Inca's
Inca's Peruvian Cuisine recently opened at 6878 E. Sunrise Drive. It's a small place with 10 or so tables, a rustic color scheme and an enormous painting of Machu Picchu on one wall. We stopped in for dinner and found traditional dishes such as aji de gallina and papas rellenas, as well as seafood, cilantro-infused rice, empanadas, tamales, fried yucca, soups, sandwiches and a handful of desserts. For drinks, think pisco sours and chicha moradas. Call 299-1405, or visit www.incascuisine.com for more information.
New Farmers' Markets
A new farmers' market opens Friday, Jan. 22, at Morris K. Udall Regional Center (7200 E. Tanque Verde Road). Expect products by Adventure Coffee Roasting, Painted Cave Cattle Company, Grammy's Garden, jelly makers We-B-Jammin' and others. Cooking demonstrations by different Tucson Originals chefs will also be held each week. Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., every Friday. Call 882-2157, or visit www.farmersmarkettucson.com for more information.
Also new to the eastside is a market from 1 to 6 p.m., Tuesdays, in the alcove near the food court and cinema at Park Place Mall (5870 E. Broadway Blvd). Organizer Ed Dubis says visitors will find 20 vendors (mainly growers, with some artists), live music and activities for the kids; 603-8116.
