Openings!
Phillip Hesslau, co-owner of The Loop Taste of Chicago (10180 N.
Oracle Road), is opening a new restaurant called Phillip’s Italian
and American Cuisine in the former home of the recently shuttered
Trattoria Della Famiglia, at 6060 N. Oracle Road. “It’s going to be a
fine-dining experience at a casual price,” said Hesslau, a Chicago
native with 26 years in the restaurant biz. Hesslau has hired Michael
Veres, the former owner of Cibaria Cucina Italiana, as executive chef,
and plans on opening the new eatery on Monday, May 11; 548-1549.
Skybox Restaurant and Bar has opened in the old El Minuto
location at 5605 E. River Road, Suite 201, said Richard Fortuno, who
co-owns the place with Robin O’Neal. Fortuno said Skybox offers fine
dining in a sports-grill atmosphere from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Sunday
through Thursday; and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Friday and Saturday. Live
music starts at 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; 529-7180.
An In-N-Out Burger is slated to open early next year at the
intersection of Broadway Boulevard and Kolb Road, according to Carl Van
Fleet, vice president of planning and development for the
California-based restaurant chain. It will be the area’s third In-N-Out
location.
Beer!
Cold beer becomes a priority as the mercury creeps toward
triple-digits, which is why I’ve already bookmarked
www.coldestbeerintucson.com. The site’s
thermometer-wielding creator, William Ackerley, visits bars and
restaurants across Tucson and posts his findings with some rather
entertaining reviews. The findings will be published in a book once
enough “research” has been completed, said Ackerley.
A party to celebrate the launch of on-tap versions of Negra Modelo
and Modelo Especial takes place from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, May 1, at
El Charro Café Ventana (6910 E. Sunrise Road). Tucson is
one of only three U.S. cities chosen for the sudsy debut, which will
feature food-pairings and prizes; 514-1922.
Teen Iron Chef Winners!
Amber Otero, George Smith, Angel Crowell, Alex Otero and Lizette
Varela won the Teen Iron Chef Competition, held Saturday, April 18. The
team cranked out a turkey, cheese, salsa and avocado sandwich; a side
of carrots and celery; and a strawberry smoothie to take the title.
Organizers Monique Becerril and Jessica Hernandez said the
event—which tasked teenagers with creating healthy meals using
secret ingredients—was so successful that more events are planned
for this summer. E-mail teenironchef@gmail.com for more
information.
This article appears in Apr 30 – May 6, 2009.