A Tucson Legend Has Closed
Anthony's in the Catalinas has closed. The fine dining establishment well known and acclaimed locally for its five-star service and astonishing view and nationally recognized for its extensive and prestigious wine list has shut its doors for good, according to their website and phone number. I was unable to reach the owners for comment, although the day after the closing, Anthony Martino, the restaurant's namesake, blamed the establishment's troubles on Tucson's economy on a local radio show. Rumor has it, however, that the shuttering is likely due to the Martino's well-publicized tax lien issues. In any event, the 25-year-old Tucson original will be missed. On another note, the Arizona Daily Star called Anthony's an "Italian restaurant." Seriously, do they know what Italian food is?
Cab For The Cure
Michelangelo Ristorante Italiano (420 W. Magee Rd, 297-5775) is supporting three of my most beloved things on Earth: Cabernet Sauvignon, cancer research and college basketball. Throughout September and October, Michelangelo's will be serving select Cabs by the glass or bottle, with a portion of the sales proceeds being donated to the Jimmy V Foundation. The reason behind the charitable wine feast is that a good friend of the restaurant's owner, Ricky Cammarata, passed away last year from cancer. Ricky was the girls' basketball coach at CDO and a big fan of both Italian food and that particular red wine. Go to www.michelangelotucson.com for more info.
Café For A Cause
James Beard Award winning Tucson Chef, Janos Wilder, is joining forces with Café 54 (54 E. Pennington St.) for the first of a series of guest chef fundraiser dinners for the café that offers restaurant job training for those suffering from mental illnesses. Wilder has created a spectacular 3-course dinner for the Sunday, Oct. 6 event featuring local ingredients. I have read the menu, and having been a fan of Wilder for years, I can assure you it is worth the $60 price tag. For more info, call (520) 622-1907 or visit www.cafe54.org.
Good Stuff Maynard
Maynard's Market (400 N. Toole Ave) is temporarily closed for renovations. However, they are still offering limited rations at the Maynard's Pop-Up Market located at the Maynard's Kitchen Bar, Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Renovations are expected to last six to eight weeks. When they re-open, you can expect to get all your Maynard's favorites, as well as new items, including some of the recipes from Cup Café. For more info call 545-0577 or visit www.maynardsmarket.com.
