Noshing Around

New: Bistro Philippe

Firecracker Bistro, formerly the home of Pacific Rim fusion, has been transformed into Bistro Philippe, celebrating the foods of the French countryside at moderate prices. Chef Philippe Trosch is best known locally as the AAA Five Diamond Award-winning executive chef at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, where he hung his toque prior to teaming up with Bob McMahon. Bistro Philippe is open daily, serving lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch at 2990 N. Swan Road; 318-1118; bistrophilippe.com.


Crush on You

Chris Carmichael, who coaches cycling legend Lance Armstrong, has teamed up with Xoom Juice. They have created a delicious and nutritious recovery smoothie called the Carmichael Crush, developed by Carmichael's in-house sports dietician and based on Xoom's recipe model and ingredients. The drink contains juice, milk, nonfat yogurt and fruits, including acai, which contains 30 times more antioxidants than red wine. Carmichael recently opened a cycling training center in Tucson. Find the Xoom nearest you at xoomjuice.com.


Cuvée and the Community

Cuvée World Bistro's new owner Robert Bossardet says he wants to give back to the local community. Pima Community College students, UA students and military personnel can receive a 10 percent discount on dinner purchases Monday through Thursday. The discount does not include tax or gratuity and cannot be applied toward alcohol; 3352 E. Speedway Blvd.; 881-7577. A valid student or military ID must be presented before the order is placed. Another feather in Cuvée's cap: The restaurant is donating all of the food and servers for a VIP pre-show reception of the play The Vagina Monologues at the Fox Tucson Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 16. Pima County Attorney Barbara LaWall is a host, and beneficiaries include the Jewish Family and Children's Service's Project L.E.A.H. (Let's End Abusive Households) and the Wingspan Anti-Violence Project. For ticket information, call 624-1515.


Main Gate Square Comings and Goings

Café 940 has closed. Rita Connelly's review published on Jan. 3 noted problems with the lack of credit card functionality and irregular hours. Down the street, Paradise Bakery and Café has opened at 845 N. Park Ave., Suite 125 (at University Boulevard). This is the second PB&C location in Tucson; the first is at Casas Adobes Plaza at Ina and Oracle roads. PB&C is open daily; 882-5003.