New: Spice Bistro
Located in the former Cien Años space, Spice Bistro adds a bit of Southwestern pizzazz to the mostly sparse culinary landscape known as Oro Valley. Owner Daniela Shouse's other venture, Café Torino, sits next door. Spice is open weekdays for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and dinner Monday-Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m.; 10325 N. La Cañada Drive; 297-3777.
Coming Soon: Barrio Brewing Company
The good folks at Gentle Ben's Brewing Co. are expanding with a second, much larger location in an industrial area, at 16th Street and Toole Avenue. The all stainless-steel kitchen will be suitable for brining, pickling and smoking meats, as well as classes featuring guest chefs. A late September (fingers crossed) opening is anticipated.
Coming Soon: Vintabla
Heat Concepts, a Vail, Colo., restaurant group, comprising three seasoned chefs (one who won a James Beard award) and a certified master sommelier (who happens to be a woman and one of two people to hold that designation in the entire state of Arizona) will be opening Vintabla at Plaza Colonial, on the southwest corner of Skyline Drive and Campbell Avenue, across from the La Encantada shopping center. The menu will feature new American cuisine with small plates suitable for wine tasting, as well as a wine retail store and small artisan food market. Stay tuned for a (hopefully) November opening.
Bankable
The Santa Cruz River farmers' market will celebrate its first anniversary on Thursday, Aug. 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. Enjoy locally grown seasonal produce, food samples, live music and family fun one block south of Speedway Boulevard, west of Interstate 10 on the bank of the river; 622-0525, ext. 242, for info.
