Apple Annie's and Willcox Wine Festival
As I mentioned a few months back, Apple Annie's has purchased what used to be Stout's Cider Mill in Willcox. Apple Annie's Orchard Country Store opens in the spot on Saturday, May 18. The store, just off exit 340 on Interstate 10, will be open year-round, offering seasonal fruit and vegetables, baked goods, gifts with country themes and other goodies. Apple Annie's orchard and produce farm will open about July 1.
Also on May 18, the two-day Willcox Wine Country Festival kicks off at the historic Railroad Park in downtown Willcox. The $15 tasting fee gets you eight wine tastings, a commemorative glass and live entertainment. Go to willcoxwines.com for more details.
March Against Monsanto
On Saturday, May 25, March Against Monsanto is hosting an event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Reid Park, with the march itself scheduled to begin at noon. From the group's Facebook page, "We are marching to raise the awareness and consciousness for creating our own safe and sustainable food system free of GMOs and other harmful pesticides and toxins." More info is at facebook.com/pages/March-Against-Monsanto-Tucson.
Openings and Closings
As mentioned in this week's cover story, Proper and Diablo Burger are now open. As mentioned in this column previously, Dante's Fire is now open in the former Rio Café space at 2526 E. Grant Road, with an impressive cocktail menu focusing on fresh juices and small plate cuisine.
Summer is usually a business killer in the Old Pueblo, and this year it's shaping up as more of the same. Jamie's Bitchen Kitchen is taking a break for "family business" but a note on Chef Jamie Castro's Facebook page hints at a possible September return. Frogs Organic Bakery's last day in business will be this Friday, as the owner is apparently moving to Los Angeles, based on the store's Facebook feed.
Support a Local Brewer Through Kickstarter
The firefighters who own Sentinel Peak Brewing are asking for the community's help in finishing renovations for a brew pub in a spot at Grant and Swan (near the Trader Joe's). At the moment, they're deep into licensing red tape. There are about 30 days remaining on their Kickstarter project. Go to sentinelpeakbrewing.com to fund the project and to see what these guys are all about.
