Kampai
The word kampai is the Japanese equivalent of "cheers." Now open in the former space of Dao Hunan at 4689 E. Speedway Blvd., Kampai features sushi, veggie oysters, spicy calamari, tempura, teriyaki, bento boxes, assorted noodle dishes and teppan-style seafood for lunch and dinner. 325-6552.
Kokobana
Mentioned in May as "opening soon," it finally opened in the Broadway Village serving Baja surf cuisine, salads, Mexican favorites and frozen drinks. Open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. at 3022 E. Broadway Blvd. 327-4141.
Barbecue Bonding
What is it about men and their meat? The Tucson chapter of the Arizona Barbecue Association is looking for a few good men to stoke the membership at its next meeting on Aug. 23 from noon to 3 p.m. Call 546-5595 or e-mail dztops@azbbqa.com to RSVP. Membership is $25 per year. Women are welcome, too.
Coming Soon
Phoenician--the restaurant, not the plush Phoenix resort and spa. (Hmmm, is that a trade name infringement?) In the River Center at River and Craycroft roads, the Phoenician opens where others have failed--most recently Italiani's, Rio Grill and Casanova. The much loved, greatly missed and successful Boccata, owned by Ellen Van Syke and John Burke, moved onto other ventures. Now that IGA has vacated the building, there's less of a draw at River Center. For those uninitiated with the lay of the land, the second-floor location is not immediately visually accessible; it's reached by either walking up the steep stairs or finding a hidden elevator.