What Primavera Cooked
The Primavera Foundation partnered again with select Tucson Originals restaurants to earn more than $135,000 during its fifth summer season of Primavera Cooks. More than 750 diners, 40 community apprentice chefs, 10 restaurateurs, 22 committee members, five media partners and 11 underwriters participated this year.
Thanksgiving Eats
Here are some last-minute suggestions on where to eat on Thanksgiving: Cup Café in Hotel Congress is open from 1 to 9 p.m. with a three-course meal for $30; 798-1618. Fuego's dinner service runs from 2 to 7 p.m. featuring four courses priced $32-$45 for adults; 886-1745. Raz Modern Rivera Cuisine will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dinner costs $28 per person with a 10 percent discount for six or more people; 327-2223. Finally, Tucson's two Mimi's Café locations start serving a traditional feast at 11 a.m. for $14.95.
Roasted Chestnuts
On Tuesday, Nov. 28, from 5 to 7 p.m., Loews Ventana Canyon Resort will hold its 13th annual tree-lighting ceremony along with traditional holiday carols. Complimentary refreshments include roasted chestnuts, gingerbread cake and spiced apple cider; 299-2020. Speaking of Loews, Philippe Trosch has resigned as chef de cuisine, and Gina Rodriguez--the sous chef at the Ventana Room for the past five years--is taking his place.
Bossa Nova and Bok Choy
One of the most diverse places to shop is the 17th Street Market, where on Friday and Saturdays, live music penetrates throughout. The Bossa Rhythm Project blends soothing string arrangements, looped percussion and dialogue on Friday, Nov. 24, starting at 4 p.m. at 840 E. 17th St.; 792-2588.
Operation Biscotti Drop
Bonnie Quinn (aka the cookie lady) is on a mission to bake a holiday package of biscotti for 3,350 service men and women deployed in Iraq. So far, Merit Foods of Arizona has donated 850 pounds of flour, 200 pounds of sugar, 3,200 eggs and 30 gallons olive oil. Her goal is 30,000 biscotti. If you feel like baking, go to the Arizona Army National Guard Recruiting at 5500 E. Valencia Road on Saturday, Nov. 25, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Volunteers and monetary donations are needed; the U.S. Postal Service donated the boxes. Other baking days are Nov. 27-30 from 2 to 9 p.m. at Pusch Ridge Christian Academy in Oro Valley. Contact Bonnie at 256-2827.
