Raising the Steaks
If you like steaks that are fresh and delicious because they're from locally butchered grass-fed cows, head over to the weekly meat sale at the UA Meat Sciences Complex at 4181 N. Campbell Ave. The Collegiate Cattle Growers Association holds the sale from 3 to 7 p.m., every Friday. A student working at the sale said all of the cows are raised on a farm near Flagstaff, and that the butchering takes place right on campus. Additional meats are available via special orders, as are beef-jerky sticks and dog food. The entrance to the sale is on Roger Road. Look for the "Meat Sale Today" signs.
Sparkroot Is Open
Downtown has gained yet another dining destination with the recent opening of the hip café Sparkroot, at 245 E. Congress St. It's owned by Ari Shapiro of Xoom Juice, and serves a nice array of sandwiches, soups and salads. For drinks, think handmade seltzers, beer, wine and coffee. Sparkroot also uses Blue Bottle Coffee, which has a semi-religious following in the Bay Area. The store also has a cool mezzanine area overlooking Congress, and places for bike-commuters to park their rides; sparkroot.com.
Mr. K's Barbeque Is Open, Too!
Let's talk about barbeque and mini bars for a moment, shall we? Mr. K's Barbeque, in the former Chili's spot at River Road and Stone Avenue, is open. The owners have told us that they'll be doing their best to put Tucson on the map as a barbecue destination, and that the place will pay homage to Charles Kendrick—Mr. K, as he's known—and his long legacy. Aside from barbecue and all the fixings, the place is said to have a unique mini-bar concept that we weren't able to check out prior to press time. By all accounts, the restaurant is expected to be a fine addition to the local food scene; tucsonsbestbbq.com.
Noshing Notes
The new Zinburger location in the former Montana Avenue spot at 6390 E. Grant Road is slated to open on Friday, Aug. 19. ... There's a sign at Polish Cottage at 4520 E. Broadway Blvd. saying it's opening soon. ... The La Salsa on the corner of Fort Lowell Road and Campbell Avenue has closed. ... Bubby's Chicago Style at 9190 N. Coachline Blvd. has also closed.
