New: Bella D'Auria
The new Italian restaurant Bella D'Auria is open at 4445 E. Broadway Blvd. This one was a long time coming—renovations to the space took almost a year—but if you're a fan of Naples-style Italian food, it will have been worth the wait. Expect lasagna; veal piccata and parmigiana; super-spicy shrimp fra diavolo; and appetizers ranging from bacon-wrapped jalapeños to calamari dishes. Bella D'Auria also offers full espresso service, Italian cream sodas, signature cocktails and a sleek interior that should be a perfect backdrop for a late-night scene. Call 468-2447, or visit www.belladauria.com for details.
Dine for Felines
Enjoy dinner in the verdant courtyard of La Cocina at Old Town Artisans (201 N. Court Ave.) from 5 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29, and a portion of your bill will be donated to help homeless cats. The fundraiser for PAWSitively Cats No Kill Cat Shelter—which focuses on helping adoptable and special-needs cats—will also have live music by the Decades, a raffle and a silent auction. Donations of cat food and scoopable cat litter will be collected; 622-0351.
Beat the Heat
We stopped recently at Sonoran Sno-Cones at Mercado San Agustin (100 S. Avenida del Convento) and tried a Macedonia: four kinds of fruit and three scoops of ice cream for $4. We'll be heading back to work through the rest of the menu board. Just down the street is another great spot, Sonoran Delights, 921 W. Congress St., with a selection of cold treats and Mexican street food that's hard to beat. If you're on the northwest side of town, stop in for a Tiger's Blood or one of the other great Hawaiian shave ices at Shoobies Shave Ice, 3701 W. Ina Road. The incredible Oasis Raspados de Frutas, at 1002 W. St. Mary's Road, is also open and serving the fresh, cold creations that have made it a westside favorite for years.
It's Back: Mexico City Kitchen
The small food trailer Mexico City Kitchen recently came back on the scene in a big way. The truck closed some months ago, and nobody heard a peep until it re-emerged a few weeks ago and took home the award for best guacamole at the Tucson Taco Festival. It's currently parking near the University of Arizona. Follow it on Facebook for more information.
