Raz Restaurant opens this week serving modern Riviera cuisine--a fusion of foods from Greece, Italy and France--at 1929 E. Grant Road. Formerly in the space of the demolished Yankee Doodle Pizza, Raz was rebuilt from the ground up and is considered "upscale casual" (whatever that means). Direct from the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas, Chef Angel Fabian came to the Old Pueblo to spin his talents. Manager Kathy Alexander says that Raz has a bar and lounge and is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday and dinner Tuesday through Sunday; 327-2223.
Olivia's Courtyard Café
We called Saturday morning, and the phone was disconnected. How could that be? It was just starting to have a following, so I decided to investigate in person. Phew! Fortunately, it's open, and owner Adela Nevarez claims that when she changed to Cox phone service, there was no mention of a new phone number. What kind of way is that to run a business? And now, Qwest won't forward her calls. Why can't communications companies simply communicate? The good news is the café is blooming: Nevarez just hired a pastry chef. Nevarez makes her own orange marmalade and berry jelly using organic produce from the 17th Street Market. On Fridays, you can BYOB, with dinner from the regular menu plus four specialties available, including her signature chicken mole. Open daily from 7 a.m. at 2717 E. Broadway Blvd.; 867-8243.
Lotus Garden
Last month, the Lotus Garden added a wine bar and now has a big-screen television plus 60 wines by the glass. Both the gift shop and wine shop have been expanded, too. The latter sells 80 different kinds of tequila and 30 different kinds of scotch ranging from $20 to $300. Family-owned, Lotus Garden has been serving Cantonese and Mandarin fare since 1968; open daily from 11:30 a.m. at 5975 E. Speedway Blvd.; 298-3351.
