Noshing Around

Cartel Comes Downtown

Cartel Coffee Lab's grand opening of its downtown location starts at 5 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25. The new spot is at 210 E. Broadway Blvd., at Herbert Avenue. The event will feature free pizza and sandwiches from Cartel's wood-fired oven, along with $4 craft beers. Several bands, including Sun Bones, will provide music. For more info, visit cartelcoffeelab.com.

Eastside Tucson Tamale

Tucson Tamale is close to opening an eastside store at 7159 E. Tanque Verde Road. The grand opening is set for 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1. You can try their new empanadas and tortillas made in-house, and tamales, beer and other drinks will be available for purchase. Also, an artist will be on hand to produce a painting for auction that benefits Feeding America. For more information, visit tucsontamale.com.

A Star Is Unborn

Umi Star has closed again, just three months after it reopened. Owner Jason Anderson mentioned issues with the space, and his focus on new concepts as part of the reason behind the closure. Anderson also hinted at a relocation to our neighbors to the north (Phoenix) and south (Mexico). It's a shame, as I always thought Umi had some real vision, but it always seemed to be a work in progress. The new concepts coming from the mind of Anderson include NOX, opening in February at Skyline and Campbell; a branch of the Phoenix-based concept Original Chop Shop planned for April (location to be determined); and Hudson, slated to open in August at Fourth Avenue and Ninth Street.

Sounds Like a G'day, Mate

Aussie Cantina, 1118 E. Sixth St., Tucson's first true-blue Aussie pub, is celebrating Australia Day from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 26. Stop in to catch a game on one of the multiple TVs and enjoy one of the 24 draft beers, a beer boomerang (a flight of three 6 oz. beers) or some authentic Aussie meat pies and sausage rolls. The event also includes live music, a chance to play a didgeridoo (an Indigenous Australian wind instrument) and giveaways. For more info, aussiecantina.com.

Curbside Goes Brick-Side

Seis Curbside Kitchen—like Eat-a-Burger, Serial Grillers and D's Island Grill food trucks before it—is moving into brick-and-mortar territory. Look for it in Mercado San Agustin sometime in March. (If pibil tacos are still on the menu, I'll be all over this news.)