Pastiche Modern Eatery features the Mondavi family of wines for a dinner on Tuesday, April 29, at 6:30 p.m. Wines from California, Chile and Italy will be paired with a five-course dinner of tray-passed hors d'oeuvres, chilled avocado soup, veal and goat cheese cannelloni, roasted duck breast and a dessert. Tax and tip are included. $65 in advance or $75 at the door. For reservations, contact Pastiche Modern Eatery, 3025 N. Campbell Ave., 325-3333.
What's New?
· Samaniego Place: Adjacent to the vividly colorful La Placita Village sits the newly opened Samaniego Place, named after Mr. and Mrs. Mariano Samaniego, who lived in the historic Barrio during the mid-1800s. Formerly Lumé, the slick décor has been replaced by old tablecloths and antiques with a pretty patio of flowers and fountains. Currently open for lunch only, the menu offers sandwiches, salads, shredded pork chimichanga with Sinoloan sauce, Samaniego griller and luscious desserts. When the liquor license arrives, so does dinner--around mid-summer. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 222 S. Church St., 623-0313.
· Smokin': Dallas-born Bob McMahon of Metro Restaurants finally brings his idea of a dream barbecue restaurant to Tucson. With two locations, the Orange Grove Road at Oracle Road Smokin' (469-7888) opens April 23, and the Swan Road and Speedway Boulevard location will open around the end of May. Houston-bred Josh Pastner, UA's assistant men's basketball coach, is the Smokin' spokesperson. Pastner insists that he knows good barbecue and that bringing the taste of Texas to Tucson is a win-win for local barbecue lovers. Prices range from $3 to $13. Beer and wine served.
· Lighthouse II: The signage isn't up yet, but the former Native Café is now open for business with new owners (brothers Mickey and Bob McNesby, ex-owners of the Iguana Café) serving the same health food plus a variety of sandwiches. Try the jitterbug sandwich of basa fish, melted cheese and bacon. But a lighthouse in the desert? The brothers owned the historic Lighthouse Tavern in Atlantic City and wanted to re-create the magic here. Seafood arrives in three weeks along with extended dinner hours. Open seven days. 3073 N. Campbell Ave., 881-8881.
