Chef Jack Ahern of Ric's Cafe, which is having a Valentine's Day special.
SEATS AVAILABLE AS OF FEB. 6
Unless noted, reservations are required or strongly recommended and prices are per person.
Find menu details and links to restaurant Web sites at Tucson Events Calendar.
Taste Plus
Newly listed
ARMITAGE WINE LOUNGE AND CAFE: Four-course menu with paired wines. Reservations accepted only for those who will take part in the special menu. When: 5:30-11:30 p.m. Where: 2905 E. Skyline Drive, Suite 168 Price: $48 per person, $75 per; $78 per person with wine pairing, $125 per couple with wine pairing Info: 682-9740
BISTRO PHILIPPE: Four-course, prix fixe menu includes Octopus Carpacccio in Ravigotte Sauce and Paleron Beef Bourgogne. When: 5-9 p.m. Where: 2990 N. Swan Road Price: $55, $85 with wine pairings Info: 318-1118
DESERT GARDEN BISTRO: At The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, five-course meal comes with a complimentary glass of Champagne. Entree choices include Provençale Ratatouille-Topped Filet of Beef and Achiote Marinated Fresh Sea Bass. When: 5-11 p.m. Where: 3770 E. Sunrise Drive Price: $50 Info: 742-6000
FIORITO’S: Regular menu and Sweethearts Menu, with choices from two appetizers, two salads and two entrees plus dessert and one bottle of wine. When: 5-10 p.m. Where: 2702 E. Grant Road Price: $60 Info: 325-6913
LE RENDEZ-VOUS: Four-course meal with various choices. When: 4:30-10 p.m. Where: 3844 E. Fort Lowell Road Price: $65 Info: 323-7373
LE-DELICE: Four-course a la carte menu, with live French music with Marianne Dissard and Naim Amor. When: 5-8:30 p.m. Where: 7245 E. Tanque Verde Road Price: Varies Info: 290-9714
MCMAHON’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE: Seven entrees to choose from. When: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Where: 2959 N. Swan Road Price: $39 to $95 Info: 327-7463
RIC’S CAFÉ: Special menu with 10 entree choices; live entertainment from 6 to 9 p.m. When: 4-9 p.m. Where: 5605 E. River Road Price: $22 to $55 Info: 577-7272
Previously listed
ANTHONY’S IN THE CATALINAS: Special four-course menu, including c hoices from four appetizers and four entrees. When: 5:30-10 p.m. Where: 6440 N. Campbell Ave. Price: $125 Info: 299-1771
ARIZONA-SONORA DESERT MUSEUM: At its Ironwood Terraces and Ocotillo Café, each four-course meal includes two glasses of wine. When: 6-9 p.m. Where: 2021 N. Kinney Road Price: $85 Info: 883-2702
BAR 58° & BISTRO: Three-course menu includes choice of two appetizers, entrees and desserts. When: 5-10 p.m. Where: 5340 E. Broadway Price: $50, $70 with wine pairing Info: 747-5858
BARRIO FOOD AND DRINK: Regular and special menu, including Roasted Lobster Tail. When: 5-10 p.m. Where: 135 S. Sixth Ave. Price: varies Info: 629-0191
BLUEFIN SEAFOOD BISTRO: Favorites from the regular menu, plus special items. When: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Where: 7053 N. Oracle Road Price: $21-$30 Info: 531-8500
CARUSO’S: Special lunch menu; dinner menu has wine and dessert specials. When: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Where: 434 N. Fourth Ave. Price: varies Info: 624-5765
CATALINA STEAKHOUSE: At JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa, three-course menu, plus dessert. When: 6-9 p.m. Where: 3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd. Price: $70 Info: 792-3500
CUVÉE WORLD BISTRO: Four-course prix fixe menu; all couples receive a half-dozen roses; 10 percent discount for students and military with ID. When: 4-10 p.m. Where: 3352 E. Speedway Blvd. Price: $75, $85 with wine pairings Info: 881-7577
THE CUP CAFE: A four-course meal with entree choices, including Roasted Cornish Game Hen. When: from 7 p.m. Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St. Price: $80 per couple Info: 622-8848 Ext. 203
DAKOTA CAFE AND CATERING CO.: Regular dinner menu and two lovebird specials. When: from 5 p.m. Where: 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road Price: varies Info: 298-7188
DELECTABLES RESTAURANT AND CATERING CO.: “A Valentine Fairytale Feast” includes a four-course meal with four entree options, plus a glass of wine. When: 5-9 p.m. Where: 533 N. Fourth Ave. Price: $70 per couple Info: 884-9289
ELLE, WINE COUNTRY RESTAURANT: Three-course dinner with wine pairing. When: 5-9 p.m. Where: 3048 E. Broadway Price: $55 Info: 327-0500
FEAST: Special menu includes red snapper. When: 5-9 p.m. Where: 4122 E. Speedway Blvd. Price: $60, $85 with wine Info: 326-9363
FLYING V BAR & GRILL: Special three-course menu and regular menu. When: 5:30-10 p.m. Where: Loews Ventana Canyon Resort & Spa, 7000 N. Resort Drive Price: $45 Info: 615-5495
FRANKIE’S PHILLY CHEESESTEAKS: Special for couples: Any two sandwiches, one side, two drinks and a dessert. When: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Where: 2574 N. Campbell Ave. Price: $14 Info: 795-2665
GRANDMA TONY’S: All three locations are offering heart-shaped pizza Feb. 8-14. When: opens 10 a.m. daily through 9 p.m. Sunday-Monday, 10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday Where: 7878 E. Wrightstown Road, 886-4461 • 9040 E. Valencia Road, 663-1936 • 7010 E. Broadway, 885-7117 Price: $14.95 for three toppings
GRILL ON THE GREEN: Three-course meal has four entree options. When: 4-8 p.m. Where: Canoa Ranch Golf Club, 5800 S. Camino del Sol, Green Valley Price: varies Info: 393-1933
THE GRILL: Five-course meal with entree choices including Seared Buffalo; dessert options include Red Wine Chocolate Cake. When: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Where: Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, 5601 N. Hacienda del Sol Road Price: $90 Info: 529-3500
HACIENDA DEL LAGO: At del Lago Golf Club, the “Sweetheart Dinner for Two” is a three-course dinner with a glass of Champagne or cabernet sauvignon. When: 5-9 p.m. Where: 14155 E. Via Rancho del Lago, Vail Price: $75 a couple Info: 647-3109
HIFALUTIN RAPID FIRE WESTERN GRILL: Regular menu or Special for Two, with three entree choices. When: 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Where: 6780 N. Oracle Road Price: $42.95 per couple Info: 297-0518
INTERMEZZO: Couple’s special of three-course meal with a bottle of wine. Women receive a long-stemmed rose. When: 5-9 p.m. Where: 5350 E. Broadway, Suite 128 Price: $130 per couple, $150 with wine (both include tax and tip) Info: 748-8100
J BAR: Five-course menu features Green Corn Tamale Pie. When: from 5 p.m. Where: 3770 E. Sunrise Drive Price: $65 Info: 615-6100
JANOS: Special tasting menu features six courses. When: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Where: 3770 E. Sunrise Drive Price: $95, $145 with wine pairings Info: 615-6100
JONATHAN’S CORK: Special and regular menu. When: from 5 p.m. Where: 6320 E. Tanque Verde Road Price: varies Info: 296-1631
KINGFISHER BAR & GRILL: Regular seasonal and special items. When: 5 p.m.-midnight Where: 2564 E. Grant Road Price: $21-$30 Info: 323-7739
LAST TERRITORY STEAKHOUSE & MUSIC HALL: At Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort, regular menu and Love Me Tender Special, which includes tenderloin with demi-glaze. A one-man band plays from 6-9 p.m. When: 5-10 p.m. Where: 10000 N. Oracle Road Price: $35, $60 per couple Info: 544-1738
LODGE ON THE DESERT: Five-course menu for two includes Green Chile Seared Diver Scallops. When: 5-9 p.m. Where: 306 N. Alvernon Way Price: $100 per couple Info: 325-3366
LOOKOUT BAR & GRILLE: At Westward Look Resort, regular or special three-course menu. Seating on a first-come, first-served basis. When: 5-10 p.m. Where: 245 E. Ina Road Price: $27 Info: 722-2500
MAGPIES: All locations are offering heart-shaped pizzas that can be delivered with an “I Love You to Pizzas” card. When: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (till 11 at Fourth Avenue store) Where: 4654 E. Speedway Blvd., 795-5977 • 605 N. Fourth Ave., 628-1661 • 7315 N. Oracle Road, 297-2712 • 8295 N. Cortaro Road, 572-4300 • 7159 E. Tanque Verde Road, 546-6526 • 105 S. Houghton Road, 751-9949 Price: varies
METROPOLITAN GRILL: Favorites from the regular menu featured. When: 3-9 p.m. Where: 7892 N. Oracle Road Price: $12-$17 Info: 531-1212
OLD PUEBLO GRILLE: Regular menu or Sweetheart Special for two, which is four courses, including top sirloin and tiger shrimp. When: 3-9 p.m. Where: 60 N. Alvernon Way Price: varies Info: 326-6000
PAPAGAYO MEXICAN RESTAURANT AND CANTINA: Special menu for couples includes fajitas for two (chicken, beef or combo), bottle of house wine and dessert. When: 3-9 p.m. Where: 4717 E. Sunrise Drive Price: $45 per couple Info: 577-6055
PASTICHE MODERN EATERY: A la carte menu includes Braised Short Ribs. When: from 5 p.m. Where: 3025 N. Campbell Ave. Price: varies Info: 325-3333
RED SKY CAFE AND CATERING: Three-course meal with complimentary bouquet of orchids. Live music by Mystery Tour starts at 6 p.m. When: 3-10 p.m. Where: 2900 N. Swan Road Price: $55 3-5:45 p.m., $85 from 6 p.m. Info: 326-5454
ROMA CAFFÉ: Dinner for two includes a 24-ounce heart-shaped ribeye to share. When: 4-10 p.m. Where: 4140 W. Ina Road Price: $49 per couple, $59 with two glasses of wine Info: 744-2929
TERRA COTTA: Three-course dinner, includes New Mexico Chile Marinated Pork Tenderloin. When: 4 p.m. Where: 3500 E. Sunrise Drive Price: $45 Info: 577-8100
VIN TABLA: Regular or three-course menu with optional wine pairing for each course selected by Master Sommelier Laura Williamson. When: from 5 p.m. Where: 2890 E. Skyline Drive Price: $40, $60 with wine pairings Info: 577-6210
ZIVAZ MEXICAN BISTRO: Special menu includes two margaritas, two Platillos Zivaz and dessert to share. No reservations accepted. When: 5-8 p.m. Where: 4590 E. Broadway Price: $30 Info: 325-1234
BOOKED AS OF FEB. 6
These updates are according to opentable.com:
ACACIA: Prix fixemenu with three courses, including Ginger Toffee Cheescake for dessert. When: 5-10 p.m. Where: 4340 N. Campbell Ave. Price: $50 Info: 232-0101
THE GOLD ROOM: Three-course Secret Lover Lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; four-course dinner has seatings every half hour from 5:30 p.m. (last seating at 8:30 p.m.) Where: Westward Look Resort, 245 E. Ina Road Price: $20 lunch, $62 dinner Info: 297-1151
MONTANA AVENUE: Choose from four entrees, including Pork Tenderloin; three courses include dessert. When: 5-9:30 p.m. Where: 6390 E. Grant Road Price: $50 Info: 298-2020
NoRTH: Three-course menu with eight antipasta and entree choices each. When: 5-10 p.m. Where: 2995 E. Skyline Drive Price: $50 Info: 299-1600
WILDFLOWER: Special menu includes your choice of seven appetizers, seven entrees and dessert. When: 5-9 p.m. Where: 7037 N. Oracle Road Price: $50 Info: 219-4230
ALSO ALREADY BOOKED
THE ARIZONA INN – MAIN DINING ROOM 2200 E. Elm St., 325-1541
CANYON CAFE (at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort) 7000 N. Resort Drive, 299-2020 Ext. 5159
MCCLINTOCK’S 3755 W. Conrads Way, 579-2100
PRIMO (at JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa) 3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd., 792-3500
SULLIVAN’S STEAK HOUSE 1785 E. River Road, 299-4275
VENTANA ROOM (at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort) 7000 N. Resort Drive, 615-5494
Alexis Martinez, Chef de Cuisine, Flying V Bar and Grill, Ventana Canyon Resort, 7000 N. Resort Drive.
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WHAT’S COOKIN’
WEDNESDAY
UA FARMERS MARKET: The University of Arizona Farmers Market now is on Wednesdays. In conjunction with each weekly market theme, there will be information provided by various educational promoters. When: 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Where: UA Mall in front of Student Union Price: free Info: 621-4550, www.health.arizona.edu/webfiles/ hpps_farmers_market.htm
THURSDAY
TUCSON BOTANICAL GARDENS: Chef John Mertes of Grand Slam Catering demonstrates how to prepare Lump Crab Meat Parfait with Fried Plantain Chips, Oven Toasted Lamb Wellington, Espresso and Dark Chocolate Tiramisu and other recipes. Registration required. When: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Where: 2150 N. Alvernon Way Price: $32 Info: 326-9686
FRIDAY DEADLINE
BEST TEEN CHEF COMPETITION: High school seniors can show off their culinary knowledge at The Art Institutes Best Teen Chef Competition 2008. The first step of the national competition is April 12 at The Art Institute of Tucson, 1030 N. Alvernon Way. One finalist will be selected to move on to the national competition in Las Vegas. The winner of the Tucson competition receives a $3,000 scholarship and travel accommodations to compete in the national competition. To be eligible, students must be a high school senior graduating in 2008. They need to fill out an online entry form at www.artinstitutes.edu/btc and complete the level one entry form. When: Deadline for submitting an entry form is Feb. 8 Info: 318-2700
SATURDAY
HARAMBEE FESTIVAL: A sweet potato pie contest is part of the 24th Annual Harambee Festival at Tucson Parks & Recreation Department’s Northwest Center, which also will have several food vendors. The festival is a call to unity throughout the community and represents a coming together in celebration of Black History Month. This free event includes ethnic entertainment, jumping castles for children, and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament. Information on community resourceswill also be featured. When: noon-7 p.m. Where: 2160 N. Sixth Ave. Info: 791-3247
LA REUNION DEL FUERTE: As part of Historic Fort Lowell Day at Fort Lowell Park, take walking tours of Old Fort Lowell Neighborhood and the original officer’s quarters. Foods, music and cavalry drills are included. When: noon-4 p.m. Where: 2900 N. Craycroft Road Price: free admission Info: 318-0219, www.oflna.org
WILD OATS MARKET: The store will have a Valentine’s Extravaganza with live, remote broadcasting from radio stations 690 AM, 940 AM and 88.1 FM in conjunction with Culligan Water of Tucson. Culligan will be giving away 100 one-gallon refillable water bottles and filling them for free. Culligan will also be testing home water for particulates. Arizona Cactus Ranch is offering samples of Green Valley prickly pear nectar.. Other local vendors – including two wine vendors doing tastings with complimentary cheese, chocolate and fruit – will be on hand. When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: 7133 N. Oracle Road Price: free Info: 297-5394
FEB. 16
INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL: Holy Resurrection Antiochian Orthodox Church presents its first International Festival, featuring cuisine from Syria, Lebanon, Russia, Ukraine, Italy and Germany. Held at St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, it will have an Arabian bazaar, Russian market, artisan booths and exhibitors plus entertainment by a variety of folk dance and musical groups. When: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Where: 602 N. Wilmot Road Price: Admission $1 adults, free to children younger than 12 Info: 622-2265
FEB. 23-24
SOUTHWEST INDIAN ART FAIR: This weekend celebration at Arizona State Museum includes artist demonstrations, food, music and dancing, plus various items for sale, including pottery, Hopi Kachina dolls, jewelry, baskets, rugs and blankets. When: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Feb. 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 24 Where: 1013 E. University Blvd. Price: $8 adults, $3 ages 12-16, free to children 11 and younger Info: 626-8381, www.statemuseum.arizona.edu
MARCH 15
ROMA IMPORTS: Space is still available for the market’s La Taverna restaurant’s “An Evening of Italian & Mediterranean Delights”, served buffet style. It has sold out the Feb. 23, March 1 and March 8 dates. The menu will be available in the store and online. Reservations required. Seating is limited. When: Times to be announced Where: 627 S. Vine Ave. Price: $39.50 Info: 792-3173, www.romaimports.com
MARCH 15-16
WEST OF WESTERN CULINARY FESTIVAL: The fourth annual festival, bringing together 50 Arizona’s top chefs and pastry chefs, moves to Phoenix Art Museum. Among the festival’s features are a tasting of more than 70 wines from around the world and cooking classes for children and adults. Each day, different chefs will make presentations, and local and national food and wine writers and restaurant critics will offer programs. When: noon- 5 p.m. both days Where: 1625 N. Central Ave. Price: $75 adult full day wine and food pass, $67 adult full day food only pass, $22 full day pass for ages 9-15, free to children younger than 9 with adult Info: 602-262-5652, http://westofwestern.com
MARCH 29-30
SOUTHERN ARIZONA ARTS AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL: This two-day event at Pima Community College’s Northwest Campus includes more than 150 fine art and craft vendors, art demonstrations and a silent auction. In addition, it will have an array of international food vendors, live music and cultural dancers. When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. both days Where: 7600 N. Shannon Road Price: free admission Info: 797-3959, www.GOVAC.org
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REGULAR EVENTS
Ongoing
SAHUARO GIRL SCOUT COUNCIL: Its annual Girl Scout Cookie sale goes on through March. For its Gift of Caring program, this year, the councils goal is to send 250,000 boxes of cookies to deployed troops. All other cookie orders will be delivered Feb. 13-March 17. To order, look for Girl Scouts selling in front of various stores or call its Cookie Hotline, 319-3163. Price: $4 per box Info: www.sahuarogsc.org
Daily
TOHONO CHUL PARK TEA ROOM: Concluding its 30th year of business in 2007, the tea room offers afternoon tea daily, with finger sandwiches, sweet pastries and scone with thick cream and fruit jam along with your choice of tea. Or you can also order individual desserts. When: 2:30-5 p.m. Where: 7366 N Paseo Del Norte Price: $12 tea, $6.95 individual desserts Info: 797-1222, www.tohonochulpark.org/ tea2.html
THE TUDOR ROSE ENGLISH TEA ROOM: Besides regular afternoon tea, this British-owned tea room serves a traditional English breakfast and sells various products from across the pond. When: 2-4 p.m. afternoon teas Monday-Saturday; regular business hours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays Where: 2029 S. Craycroft Road Price: Varies Info: 790-6888, www.angelfire.com/az3/thetudorrose/
Mondays
ARMITAGE WINE LOUNGE AND CAFÉ: The Night Bird Trio, featuring Tony Frank, will be featured every Monday through March. Armitage is offering a specially priced weekly changing menu, featuring select martinis, wines and light bites. When: 7-10 p.m. Where: 2905 N. Skyline Drive Price: free admission; food and drink prices vary Info: 682-9740 www.armitagewine.com
Wednesdays
LOEWS CULINARY INSTITUTE: Work with Loews’ chefs to prepare and then dine on a three-course meal paired with wines selected by Wine Director Kevin Brady. The weekly classes in the “celestial” cooking series reflect the theme and food as they relate to the month’s astrological sign. Reservations are required and can be made by calling Loews’ Flying V Bar & Grill. When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: 7000 N. Resort Drive Price: $50 Info: 615-5495, www.flyingvbarandgrill.com
GOLD ROOM: Every Wednesday, it offers a special three-course dinner created by Executive Chef Jamie West, plus its regular menu. Singer Joe Bourne also performs. When: from 5 p.m. Where: 245 W. Ina Road Price: $29 for special menu, varies for regular menu Info: 917-2930
Thursday
VIN TABLA: Every Thursday, the restaurant features live jazz by the John Ronstadt Trio. When: 7-10 p.m. Where: 2890 E. Skyline Drive Price: cost of food and drink Info: 577-6210, vintabla.com
Thursday-Saturday
LOEWS VENTANA CANYON RESORT: Its Cascade Lounge hosts a four-course Afternoon Tea every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with pastries by Executive Pastry Chef Rohan Wirasinha. A classical harpist performs. For the holiday season, tea service will be available Monday-Saturday, but no tea service on holidays or the day after holidays. Reservations are required for all teas. When: 3-4:45 p.m. Where: 7000 N. Resort Drive Price: $24 per person with 18 percent tip included for parties of six or more Info: 299-2020, www.loewshotels.com/hotels/ tucson
Fridays & Tuesdays
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS: Fridays and Tuesdays at Mountain View Retirement Village, adults who want to stop compulsive eating get friendship and support. When: 6-7 p.m. Where: 7900 N. La Cañada Drive Price: free Info: 798-3478
Fridays & Saturdays
RIC’S CAFE: The North Side restaurant has live jazz Friday and Saturday nights. In addition, Friday night is an all-you-can-eat fish fry, with a prime rib special Saturday and Sunday brunch 8 a.m.-3 pm. When: music 6-9 p.m. Where: 5605 E River Road, Suite 121 Price: Varies Info: 577-7272
Saturdays
BEST OF THE BARRIO CULINARY TOUR: Every Saturday, sample the Mexican cuisine of Tucson via an air-conditioned Gray Line bus. This four-hour tour stops at La Estrella Bakery, Micha’s G and M Restaurant, Rodriguez Fish Co., El Güero Canelo and Oasis Fruit Cones. Reservations are required. When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Gray Line Tour Offices, 3594 E. Lincoln St. Price: $59 (includes tour, food and refreshments) Info: 622-8811, www.graylinearizona.com
Sundays
GOVINDA’S NATURAL FOODS BUFFET: Sunday Feast and Festival features a musical mantra meditation, spiritual discourse and ancient Arati ceremony; eight-course dinner included. When: 5:30-8 p.m. Where: 711 E. Blacklidge Drive Price: $3 donation for dinner Info: 792-0630, govindasoftucson.com