Noshing Around

Janos' Big Celebration of Downtown

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A MIGHTY FINE DINE

Tucson culinary godfather Janos Wilder returned to the Tuc's downtown in the summer of 2010 when he opened up DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails. Some say he led the renaissance that has made our three skyscraper-having area of town the place to be. A James Beard Award winner, Wilder is now presenting his first Downtown Chef's Table dinner. This culinary community event is set to display a taste of all that is Downtown Tucson with chefs and mixologists from Penca, Reilly Pizza and 47 Scott/Saint House preparing cocktails and appetizers, while chefs from Agustin Kitchen, Maynard's Market & Kitchen,  Proper, Pizzeria Bianco and DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails collaborating on the dinner courses. The event will take place on Sunday, Oct. 12 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Priced at (a slightly steep) $150 per person, guests will enjoy craft cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at Etherton Gallery followed by a wine-paired, multi-course, dinner at Janos' joint at 135 S. Sixth Ave. Proceeds from the shindig go to benefit Tu Nidito and the Fox Tucson Theatre. There will only be room for 100 people and it is expected to sell out, so you are welcome for the early notice, my foodie friends. Get your tickets and more info at facebook.com/downtownchefstable.

SO HOT

The Chile Festival! Yep, the ingredient that should be celebrated most is having it's own two-day party here in the Old Pueblo. The festivities will heat up Saturday, Aug. 23 at the Oro Valley Farmer's Market (10901 N. Oracle Road), and continue to sizzle on Sunday, Aug. 24 at the Rillito Park Farmer's Market (4502 N. First Ave.). You can get your Scoville fix in all sorts of ways like chile-themed food, fresh roasted chiles, chile spices/seasonings, tamales, y todo! There will also be live music (oh please, I hope there is a Salsa band, get it?) and chef demonstrations round out the action. More info at facebook.com/events/880021168694541.

GET YOUR APPLE BOTTOM OUT THERE

Here's a cool little event going on that looks like fun for the whole family, however requires a bit of a road trip. Apple Annie's Orchard, 2081 W. Hardy Road in Willcox is celebrating the peak of apple season. You can actually go out and pick your own apples, or for the more lazy of us folks, select from pre-picked, but still fresh as can be, apples. They even have some pears out there. I am also told the "Apple Crumb Pie Ice Cream" ain't to be missed! This event begins Aug. 30. For more information, visit their website at appleannies.com/weekend-events or call (520) 384-2084.