Dog Days of Summer
You know what dogs dream about during those marathon naps? Eateries
that understand their needs, like the Cereal Boxx (943 E.
University Blvd., Suite 101). With a puppy pool outside and
complimentary treats inside, you’ll have no problem staying on your
dog’s good side. The Cereal Boxx has also started serving bagels, wraps
and baked potatoes in addition to their massive assortment of breakfast
cereal; 622-2699.
In other dog-dining news … all three Xoom Juice locations
now serve a smoothie for that special four-legged someone. The “paw
shake” (ha!) is an 8-ounce blend of water, peanut butter, oat bran and
banana that fetches $3. Visit www.xoomjuice.com for more info.
Angelina’s Closes; Agave Opens
Angelina’s Ristorante (12152 Rancho Vistoso Blvd., No. 170) is now
Agave Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Lounge. Many found it strange that
Angelina’s served tapas and pizza, but award-winning pizza chef Erich
Chapman put out such great pizza that nobody seemed to mind. Agave
serves Mexican food and pizza—an even stranger pairing—and
with Chapman gone, we’ll have to see how everything pans out. Agave
does have a huge tequila selection; 742-9595.
New Sushi on Speedway
Monty’s Bistro and Pizzeria (4210 E. Speedway Blvd.) has closed, and
a sushi joint has risen in its place. The new place is called Kazoku
Sushi (Kazoku means “family” in Japanese), and a tour with co-owner Uni
Vawser revealed a clean and simple interior lit by white paper
lanterns. Japanese elements—such as a painting of Mount
Fuji—are being worked into the murals on the inside walls, and
the kitchen is sparkling and ready for action. Vawser hopes the
restaurant will be open by mid-August; 777-6249.
Prickly Pear Margaritas 101
Prickly pears are ripening, and that means there are margaritas to
be made. Here’s how we do it: Use a pair of tongs to harvest some
plump, ripe prickly pears. Burn off ALL of the tiny needles; put the
fruit in a pan; and cover with water. Boil until soft; mash, strain and
sweeten to taste; mix with tequila, lime juice and a whisper of triple
sec. Drink copious amounts while raving about the bounty provided by
the Sonoran Desert. Repeat as necessary. Visit the recipe section of
desertusa.com for more prickly pear
ideas.
This article appears in Aug 6-12, 2009.
Kazoku Sushi & Japanese Cuisine opened on Friday, August 21, 2009. They have a substantial menu serving Sushi & Japanese Cuisine, as well as some Korean Specialties. The food is very fresh and flavorful. Kazoku has an inviting and delightful ambiance and the staff is welcoming and friendly.