Springtime Is Dining Time
Spring is here, and its time to enjoy a dinner out before summer sneaks up on us and its 115 degrees. In keeping with the change of seasons, Wildflower, 7037 N. Oracle Road, has introduced a new spring menu with apropos food and cocktails. It includes such dishes as tuna tataki with grilled avocado, pickled Fresno chiles and sesame yuzu emulsion. Libations include a Fig & Ginger Mule, made with Tito's Handmade Vodka, Figenza Fig, lime, pomegranate and Gosling's Ginger Beer. To view the spring menu, go to foxrc.com/restaurants/wildflower.
Blues, Brews & Barbecue
How cool is blues plus brews plus barbecue and a big swimming pool? Loews Ventana Canyon, 7000 N. Resort Drive, has a Blues, Brews and BBQ Brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays. Chill out poolside with live blues music and good eats such as grilled salmon, ribs and custom-made egg frittatas, and wash it all down with a mimosa or a local craft beer. The cost varies by age.
Stay Cool, Cat Daddy
Cushing Street Bar & Restaurant, 198 W. Cushing St., has live jazz and great food every Saturday night. Sit back and groove to the smooth while feasting on chorizo-stuffed mushrooms or popcorn-dusted diver scallops and sipping on a Cushing Street Sidecar. For more information, go to cushingstreet.com.
Just Chil(i)
Green Valley Village, 101 S. La Cañada Drive, is hosting its first chili cook-off on Thursday, March 20. Say goodbye to winter (such as it was) with homemade chili from Arizona Family Restaurant, the Green Valley Firefighters Association, Rural/Metro Southern Arizona Operations and others. The contest begins at noon. Stop by to vote for the best local chili. Beverages will be available for purchase and firetrucks will be available for tours. Donations will be given to the cook-off winner's charity of choice.
Back Up the Truck
... and make me a bahn mi. A new food truck has hit our city's streets. Vina Baguette pays homage to the almighty bahn mi sandwich. For those unfamiliar with them, the bahn mi comes from Vietnam and consists of a French-style baguette that cradles roasted meat, a paté, fresh veggies, pickled veggies and a spicy sauce. Check out Vina Baguette on Facebook.
Spring, Again
Just a reminder, the spring 4th Avenue Street Fair is this weekend. That means food vendors galore!