Perfecto’s

A little restaurant called Perfecto’s recently opened at 5404 S.
12th Ave., and it’s a gem. Owned by Leon Perfecto, the eatery serves
no-frills Mexican food in unadorned surroundings; you and a guest can
get out the door for around $20. It’s also conveniently located right
next to Liquor Express, which sells cheap booze through a drive-through
window. The nachos I tried were loaded with crisp, fresh ingredients,
and were big enough to feed a family of three. Call 889-5651, or visit
www.perfectosrestaurant.com for more info.

Caffe Torino

Daniela Borella has combined two businesses at 10325 N. La
Cañada Drive into one eatery called Caffe Torino. Borella was
co-owner of Caffe Torino Ristorante Italiano, a popular Oro Valley
eatery that closed last year, and she’s fired up about bringing the
magic back. The food is Italian, with a few American standards thrown
in, but what caught my eye were breakfast offerings like eggs à
la pizzaiola and eggs with prosciutto. Also worthy of note is the
patio, which will be a nice place to sip an afternoon espresso come
autumn; 219-2994.

Rock N’ Java

Rock N’ Java is a new coffee shop and music venue opening soon at
7555 Twin Peaks Road in Continental Ranch. The place is making a go at
“bringing the coffee house experience back,” according to its Web site,
rocknjava.tv, which also proclaims
it as “the most happening music venue north of the Rillito.” Wait …
how can it be the most happening if they’ve never hosted a concert?
We’re chalking that claim up to caffeine intoxication and wishing the
owners the best of luck. Rock N’ Java is expected to open by the end of
the month.

Server Olympics

Some of the best servers in town will compete in the 2009 Server
Olympics, which takes place from 4 to 7 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 30, at La
Encantada Shopping Center (2905 E. Skyline Drive). Events include a
tray race, corkscrew challenge, check relay and table-clearing
competition, and admission is $5, or five cans of food for the Tucson
Community Food Bank. Beer, cocktail and food samples will be served in
an “Olympic Village” for a small donation, and an awards ceremony at RA
Sushi (also located in La Encantada) will feature food and drink
specials until 11 p.m.; 615-3970 or 299-3566.

This article appears in Aug 27 – Sep 2, 2009.