New: Green Gourmet
A new restaurant called Green Gourmet has opened inside the Dunbar School Pavilion at 325 W. Second St. Anthony Johnson—a former personal trainer who once worked at Anthony's in the Catalinas—runs the kitchen, which is currently turning out big salads, burgers, French dips and other lunch items that go for about $5 each. Johnson also makes fresh soups and features a different special on most days. The eatery focuses on healthy cooking that uses as many locally sourced ingredients as possible, and will eventually be used as a training ground for teenagers interested in the restaurant business. Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Olive Oil and Balsamics
Tom Alfonso of Alfonso Gourmet Olive Oil and Balsamics says the store will carry as many as 25 different kinds of olive oil when it opens in mid-October. The store will also stock 19 different balsamic vinegars, some of which have aged as long as 18 years. The store, located at Campbell Avenue and River Road in St. Philip's Plaza, will get its oils from a distributor who holds exclusive agreements with olive farmers around the world. It is also being set up so shoppers get to taste before they buy. Cooking demonstrations and other events are also being planned.
Tucson Greek Festival
If Greek food is your thing, don't forget about this week's Tucson Greek Festival at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church (1145 E. Fort Lowell Road). There will be cooking demonstrations galore; tons of great Greek food; and a nice selection of Greek beer, brandy and ouzo. The food is outstanding, and the music and dancing always make for a great time. The supplies needed to cook up a little Greek festival of your own will also be available. It starts Thursday, Sept. 22, and runs through Sunday, Sept. 25. Admission is a paltry $3 per day, or $5 for a four-day pass; www.tucsongreekfest.com.
Update: Borderlands Brewing Company
Myles Stone, one of the owners of Borderlands Brewing Company at 119 E. Toole Ave., says brewing is about to begin; he hopes to have a few kegs ready for the Great Tucson Beer Festival at Hi Corbett Field on Saturday, Oct. 8. Work is also underway on the beer garden, which Stone says will be one of the better beer-sipping spots in town. Excited? We are; borderlandsbrewing.com.
