New: A-Z Eatery
John Mertes, former executive chef at Soleil and Ovens, and former executive sous chef at Hacienda del Sol, has opened A-Z Eatery in the Bank of Tucson building, located at 4400 E. Broadway Blvd. The restaurant features homemade soups, salads, breakfast pastries, sandwiches, panini and daily breakfast/lunch specials weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 327-3440; catering is available, too.
Pastiche Turns 10
From Monday, March 31, through Sunday, April 6, Pastiche Modern Eatery will celebrate its 10th anniversary. Past favorites will return to the menu, and diners may purchase a piece of birthday cake for only a buck. During its 10 years of business, Pastiche has donated more than $80,000 to local nonprofit charities during the twice-a-year (June and October) Philanthropy With Phlavor months. Celebrate at 3025 N. Campbell Ave.; 325-3333.
Kids Helping Kids
Sweet Tomatoes is helping to teach children that giving is better than receiving by inviting kids ages 12 and younger to bring a new clothing item with tags attached to Sweet Tomatoes on Sunday, March 30, from 9 a.m. to noon. All clothing items will be donated to the nonprofit organization Kids in Distressed Situations. Each child who brings in an item of clothing during that time will receive a free breakfast meal. Check the Sweet Tomatoes Web site for the location nearest you.
Eat Downtown!
The second annual Eat Downtown--sponsored by The Post Lofts, the Tucson Citizen and Hotel Congress--happens on Thursday, April 10, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Hotel Congress. Taste the food of 11 restaurants, and enjoy complimentary wine samplings, courtesy of Alliance Beverage. Tickets cost $40, and the event benefits the Museum of Contemporary Art. For participating restaurants, a menu and tickets, go to the event Web site.
Downtown Crush
A Global Wine Adventure benefiting the Tucson Museum of Art begins Friday, April 4, at 6 p.m. More than 100 wines from around the world are available for tasting along with hors d'oeuvres. Bid on silent auction items, plus buy art and accessories celebrating the grape. Tickets cost $60 in advance; $75 at the door. Call 624-2333, ext. 111, for tickets, or visit the Crush Web site.
