New: Ascolese's Italian Ristorante
Joe Ascolese, the former owner of Jersey Joe's, moved downtown to the former home of Samaniego Place, in between the Tucson Convention Center and La Placita Village. The restaurant serves Jersey-style Italian fare such as mussels marinara, homemade ravioli, Italian steak and pork chops. Lunch is served weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; dinner is served Monday through Saturday from 4:30 p.m.; and weekday happy hour runs from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 222 S. Church Ave.; 623-0313.
Grand Tasting
The Tucson Culinary Festival happens Oct. 6-8. Saturday, Oct. 7, offers a full day of activities starting at 1 p.m., with an informative wine seminar led by Laura Williamson, master sommelier. At 4:30 p.m., Tony Abou-Ganim, a master mixologist direct from Las Vegas, reveals the secrets of making luscious libations. The signature grand tasting pairs culinary concoctions from 30 Tucson Originals' chefs with more than 80 wine and spirit purveyors from around the world. You must pace yourself at this event. It all happens at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. View the complete schedule and buy tickets online at www.tucsonculinaryfestival.com . Call 622-0525, ext. 215, to buy tickets offline. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Community Food Bank and New Beginnings.
Mr. Goodcents
Last week, the Mr. Goodcents Foundation gave a grant of $5,000 to the Giving Tree Outreach Program, which is a faith-based organization committed to breaking the cycle of poverty, homelessness and abuse of disadvantaged and underserved individuals in Tucson. Mr. Goodcents Subs and Pasta is located at 4726 E. Broadway Blvd.; 323-0238.
