FRANKIE BRINGS THE BEEF
Frankie and Deb Santos, owners of Frankie's South Philly Cheesesteaks, are giving back to their loyal customers in a fun and unique way. Frankie obtained a stack of 32 ounce prime porterhouse steaks valued at $75 a piece and are going to raffle off a steak per week for eight weeks. It is the Santos' way of saying thank you to Tucson in the best way possible ... through our stomachs! The winner doesn't have to invite me over for dinner, but it's not frowned upon either. Check out Frankie's and/or the raffle details here at frankiescheesesteaks.com.
BE NICE WITH SAINT HOUSE
In celebration of its first anniversary, Saint House Island Bistro and Rum Bar (256 E. Congress St.), is launching their own Groupon-style deal called youGETtoGIVE. Instead of giving a cut to Groupon however, Saint House is donating to Tucson-area charities. Through the month of August, Ben's Bells will receive $5 for every voucher purchased. The vouchers are good for $40 of food at Saint House (there are a few minor conditions) and cost only $21. Saint House expects to rotate charity beneficiaries every few months. Check out Saint House at sainthouserumbar.com or Ben's Bells at bensbells.org
GET ME TO THE GREEK
One of Tucson's oldest and most popular food related festivals makes a triumphant return this year! The 38-year-old Greek Festival returns in force this year Sept. 25 through 28 at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 1145 E. Fort Lowell Road. The event was cancelled last year due to a fire that destroyed part of the sanctuary in May 2013. Although repair has not yet been completed, the congregation has decided to move forward with the festival which will help raise funds to continue the restoration. In addition to the mouth-watering array of traditional Greek dishes, the festival will also feature Greek music groups and the award-winning Panathenian Dancers, plus the Greek Market, featuring rare finds, like locally made Greek spice blends and rubs, homemade hummus, candies, jewelry, collectables and more. I will be sure to throw in a reminder to you Noshing readers as the date approaches!
MORE METZGER
From the folks that bring you Gio Taco and Poppy Kitchen comes a New England style tavern concept, Jackson Tavern. Metzger Family Restaurants will launch the new spot in Plaza Palomino later this fall at 2900 N. Swan Road. With Executive Chef Virginia "Ginny" Wooters, at the helm, Jackson promises some classic tavern fare will be joined by modern adaptations that will surely find favor among a range of palates.
SELF-PROMOTION TIME
Don't forget, this Saturday, Aug. 16 is SAACA's Salsa and Tequila Challenge at La Encantada. Judges include the Weekly's own Dan Gibson, Rita Connelly and yours truly. For tickets to the event visit www.saaca.org/SalsaTequila.php. See you there!
