Filthy Grills
Stop cleaning your barbecue, and if anyone gives you any flack, look 'em right in the peepers, and tell them you're in training for Barbecue World's Dirtiest Grill Contest, which runs through Saturday, July 4. Participants can bring a photograph of their nasty grill into either Barbecue World location (5616 E. Broadway Blvd.; 5068 N. Oracle Road) by the close of business on Independence Day; photos can be e-mailed in as well. The winner gets a $1,000 grill or $800 to spend at the stores, and all in-store participants will receive gifts while supplies last. Visit www.bbqworldtucson.com for more info.
Red Sky in Mourning
Steven Schultz has closed Red Sky New American Cuisine and Catering at 2900 N. Swan Road, Suite 100, as a result of—you guessed it—the flagging economy. Schultz, however, revamped the menu at his other eatery, Luna Bella—which is a smidge down the street at 2990 N. Swan Road, Suite 145—to include many items which became favorites during Red Sky's nine-year run. Other faves, such as Red Sky's Sunday brunch, will also be replicated at Luna Bella, Schultz said. Call 325-3895, or visit www.lunabellarestaurant.com for more info.
Guacamartini, Anyone?
Oh, Harvest Restaurant, you've always got something up your sleeves. This time, it's the avocado martini, which I haven't tried, but it probably goes well with enchiladas. It's available for $6 during happy hour, between 3 and 5:30 p.m., daily. Harvest is located in Oro Valley at 10355 N. La Cañada Drive; 731-1100.
Tucson Values Teachers
Teachers get paid peanuts for putting up with snotty kids and spitballs, so I want to thank the good people who thought up Tucson Values Teachers' Summer Breaks for Teachers, a program that lines up sweet deals for area educators. Teachers can enjoy discounts at Maynards Market and Kitchen, Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, Magpies Gourmet Pizza, the eateries in the Metro Restaurants family and El Charro Café. Visit www.tucsonvaluesteachers.org for a complete list of participating businesses.
Fundraiser Time!
A fundraiser for the Chefs Association of Southern Arizona Junior Competition Team takes place from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, June 2, at Casino del Sol (5655 W. Valencia Road). It's a wine-tasting dinner, with items like poached mussels, seared airline chicken breasts and coconut pistachio dacquoise, and it costs $70. Call 299-6787, ext.2, or e-mail casa-email@comcast.net for more info.
