Noshing Around

Eat Downtown

The first Eat Downtown, an urban culinary adventure, happens 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 22, at the historic Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St. Attendees will enjoy outstanding food and wine from eight of Tucson's finest downtown eateries: Cup Café, Barrio, Café à la C'art, Caffe Milano, Casa Vicente, Cushing Street, El Charro and Enoteca. This is an opportunity to sample a rich array of downtown restaurants all under one roof. The cost is $30 per person, and proceeds will benefit the Museum of Contemporary Art's ongoing artist programs. Buy tickets online at

www.hotelcongress.com or from participating restaurants. Call 622-8848 for more info.

Chinese New Year Celebration

The 17th Street Market's Chinese New Year celebration starts at 9 a.m. with shared foods and giveaways on Saturday, Feb. 17. The sounds of Summer Thunder, a traditional Chinese music ensemble, and the Sino Grace Dance Troupe will share the stage from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 810 E. 17th St.; 624-8821. Find directions at

www.treasureshidden.com .

Fat Tuesday

Celebrate Mardi Gras at The French Quarter with an all-day event on Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 1 p.m. to 2 a.m., with continuous live music, drink and food specials and party beads galore. The cover charge is $10 at 3146 E. Grant Road; 318-4767.

Franchise News

Wingstop, known for cooked-to-order wings, recently opened its fourth Tucson restaurant. Wingstop's bone-in chicken wings and boneless wing strips are available in nine flavors. Both types of wings are made to order, which eliminates heat lamps, microwave ovens and holding bins. Side dishes are made from scratch and prepared daily in each location. To find a location, visit

www.wingstop.com .

· It's a Grind coffeehouse recently opened its second local location at 7805 N. Oracle Road, Suite 101; 469-7400.

Janos Cooks

Ever wonder what it would be like to hang out with Janos when he cooks? It's most likely delicious and informative fun, so take advantage of his spring cooking series held Saturdays, Feb. 17, March 10, March 31 and May 5 with topics covering organic farming and Native Seeds/SEARCH, classic French fare, sustainable seafood and the J Bar spring menu. The cost is $50 per class or four classes for $160. Call 615-6100 to reserve a space.