Philanthropy With Phlavor Month
Once again, the altruistic folks at Pastiche Modern Eatery are giving diners the entire month of October to donate 5 percent of their check (before tax and tip) to their favorite charity. When your bill is presented, put a checkmark by your favorite charity. It's that simple--eat, dine, donate. Pastiche is located at 3025 N. Campbell Ave.; 325-3333.
Oktoberfest
At Terra Cotta, you can sit at the bar during happy hour and enjoy a beer-braised bratwurst with french fries for only $7--and you can wash it down with an icy Spaten Oktoberfest, on draft for the entire month. Happy hour runs daily from 4 to 7 p.m. at 3500 E. Sunrise Drive; 577-8100. Meanwhile, at the Foothills Mall, Thunder Canyon Brewery dishes up pork schnitzel, sauerbraten, beef stroganoff and Hindenburg pizza, plus Oktoberfest beers brewed on the premises; 797-2652.
Wild and Whole
I frequently stop by Wild Oats at 3360 E. Speedway Blvd. to pick up prepared food to go. The last time I was there, the food looked tired, and the staff seemed indifferent; usually, they are top-notch. I asked when Whole Foods was taking over, and they just glared at me. (The answer: Whole Foods is coming Jan. 1, 2008.) Normally, a beautiful selection of salads reigns under glass, but I was informed that salads are more for the summer season. Hasn't anyone noticed that it's still often in the 90s? Do vegetables ever go out of style?
Down on the Farm
Join Native Seeds/SEARCH at their Conservation Farm in Patagonia this Saturday, Oct. 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., for an activity-filled morning picking corn, bean, chiltepines and melons. Bring a hat, gloves, sunscreen and a water bottle to work in the fields. Bring your favorite dish to share for the potluck lunch. Do not bring dogs. Call 622-5561 for directions.
