Noshing Around

New: Bakerzin

The UA Main Gate area is the home of the first United States location for Bakerzin. Sixteen other stores exist in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and China. Bakerzin serves exquisite French pastries plus fresh soups, salads, pizza, sandwiches and main courses in a hip see-and-be-seen futuristic magenta neon setting. Tucson resident and franchise owner Winny Wang thinks that Bakerzin will attract students and neighbors alike to 940 E. University Blvd.; 792-0530; open daily from 11 a.m.

New: Bai Thong

A new Thai restaurant moved into the former location of Thai China Palace at 4853 E. Speedway Blvd. Authentic Thai fare, with many vegetarian selections, is available; open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch, and dinner daily from 5 p.m.; 881-5068.

Flavors of the Desert

Native Seeds/SEARCH presents the ninth annual Flavors of the Desert benefit dinner at the University of Arizona Grand Ballroom (in the student union) on Sunday, March 11. The evening begins with registration and a social hour, including live music, drinks and salsa stations beginning at 5 p.m. Keynote speaker is David Yetman, author and host of The Desert Speaks on KUAT Channel 6. The cost of $100 per person ($75 tax deductible) includes dinner, hors d'oeuvres, wine, tax, gratuity and a donation to Native Seeds/SEARCH. Call 622-5561 for reservations.

Designer Show House and Chef Demo

Every year, the Tucson Museum of Art has a huge fundraiser where the museum sells raffle tickets to win a new home. Along with a tour of the home--where every room is designed by a different interior designer--the fundraiser includes special events such as fashion shows, lectures and--this year--chef demonstrations from participating restaurants. Check out the schedule on the museum's Web site to find out when your favorite chefs--Jonathan Landeen, Mitch Levy, Janos Wilder, Jamie West, Donna Nordin, Kristine Jensen and dessert diva Karen "Spike" Ames--will be cooking it up in March, with more chefs coming in April. The Designer Show House runs from March 10 to April 15. Admission costs $20. Call 624-2333, ext. 105, to buy tickets.