Mark your calendar (or Palm Pilot) for the first annual Tucson Culinary Festival, slated for Nov. 13-15 at venues around town. Stay tuned ...
Primavera Cooks
Independent restaurant organization Tucson Originals is teaming with Primavera Foundation, a nonprofit group challenging poverty and fighting homelessness. Together, they invite you to a series of gourmet feasts paired with the Gallo family of wines for a worthy cause. The first event is at Pastiche Modern Eatery on May 27. Call 623-5111, ext. 122 for reservations. Cost is $100 inclusive.
Summer in the City
As temperatures rise, restaurant prices plummet. From now until Sept. 13, Café Terra Cotta offers two-course meals for $20, complete lunches for $10 and a longer happy hour. Special dinners feature Chinese, Italian and Japanese entrees like fettuccini with vegetables, hoisin pork chops and sautéed Alaskan halibut. Lunches feature an array of salads, sandwiches and small plates plus choice of non-alcoholic beverage. 3500 Sunrise Drive, 577-8100.
Formerly known as the Presidio Grill--the sequel
Although I could not pry the name from the owner's lips, a hot tip from a "Noshing Around" reader and the ability to confirm it (I must've been a private detective in a past life) reveals the new name as Cuvee World Bistro.
Giacomo's Authentic Italian Dining
Chef Giacomo arrived from Naples a mere seven years ago and prides himself on serving coastal Italian cuisine. Specialties include penne a la vodka, mussels served in a spicy red sauce and linguini pescadore (a variety of seafood). The liquor license is pending but, for now, munch on the delicious complimentary bruschetta. Open daily from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. 6878 E. Sunrise in Basha's Plaza at Kolb Road, 529-7358.
