WHAT’S COOKIN’: Easter brunches and more
by Tucson Citizen on Mar. 19, 2008, under Local, TasteEASTER BRUNCHES, ETC.
Here are Sunday’s Easter dining specials we have as of press time.
Unless noted, reservations are strongly recommended and prices are per person, and do not include tax and tip.
Taste Plus
ACACIA: For its brunch, it offers assorted appetizers, including crêpes with various fillings, entrees, including Herb Roasted Lamb Sirloin and desserts. When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: 4340 N. Campbell Ave. Price: $48, $24 for ages 7-13, free for ages 6 and younger Info: 232-0101, www.acaciatucson.com
BISTRO PHILIPPE: Chef Philippe Trosch offers special items along with his regular brunch menu. When: 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Where: 2990 N. Swan Road Price: Varies Info: 318-1118, www.bistrophilippe.com
THE CUP CAFÉ: At Hotel Congress, regular and special menu, including Crab Florentine Benedict, Strawberry Pecan French Toast and Chile Char Prime Rib. When: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. breakfast, 1-5 p.m. lunch, 5-10 p.m. dinner Where: 311 E. Congress St. Price: Varies Info: 622-8848, www.hotelcongress/cup
DEL LAGO GOLF CLUB: Brunch includes an omelet station, Eggs Benedict and a carving station with ham and roast beef, salmon, chicken, salads. Reservations required. When: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: 14155 E. Via Rancho del Lago, Vail Price: $35 Info: 647-3109
ELLE WINE COUNTRY RESTAURANT: Its buffet will include freshly carved leg of lamb, Eggs Benedict and trout, plus salads and desserts. Price includes a beverage or one glass of sparkling wine, a mimosa or bloody mary. When: 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Where: 3048 E. Broadway Price: $45, $15 for ages 10 and younger Info: 327-0500, www.ellerestaurant.com
FEAST: Order by March 19 for pickup for Easter. Menu includes Roast Leg of Lamb. When: Regular hours 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday Where: 4122 E. Speedway Blvd. Price: Varies Info: 326-9363, www.eatatfeast.com
FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR: Regular menu and special three-course prix fixe. Entree choices include Filet Mignon Benedict, Crab Cake Benedict and Bone in Ham Steak. When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: 6360 N. Campbell Ave. Price: $28.95 Info: 529-5017, www.flemingssteakhouse.com
HONEYBAKED HAM CO.: Order an Easter lunch or dinner to go of fully prepared, spiral-sliced, HoneyBaked Ham or glazed turkey breast. Several side dishes also available. When: Extended Easter hours 9 a.m.-7 p.m. March 20 and 21 (till 6 p.m. March 22) Where: 7090 N. Oracle Road, Suite 100 (544-2121) and 5350 E. Broadway, Suite 178 (745-0700) Price: Varies Info: http://honeybakedham.com
INTERMEZZO RESTAURANT: A variety of buffet selections, including French toast, blintzes and egg strata. When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: 5350 E. Broadway, Suite 128 Price: $15, $7 ages 10 and younger Info: 748-8100 www.intermezzo-tucson.com
JONATHAN’S CORK: Regular and special menu, including Surf and Turf and Double Stuffed Pork Chop entrees and Peggy’s Special Carrot Cake (plus other desserts). When: 4 p.m. Where: 6320 E. Tanque Verde Road Price: Varies Info: 296-1631, www.jonathanscork.com
JW MARRIOTT STARR PASS RESORT & SPA: Two options: • 4-8 p.m. Primo A traditional family style dinner, featuring an organic and seasonal three-course, choice menu. Seating is limited. Price: $55 adults, $25 children • 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Signature Grill Lunch or dinner with all the traditional holiday trimmings, including bloody marys and mimosas, plus a special children’s-only buffet. The celebration will also feature live entertainment and a visit by the Easter Bunny. Price: $49 adults, $25 children Where: 3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd. Info: 792-3500, www.jwmarriottstarrpass.com
LODGE ON THE DESERT: Four-course Easter brunch includes Mango Gazpacho, Roasted Rack of Lamb and Chocolate Mousse in a Chocolate Shell. When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: 306 N. Alvernon Way Price: $39, $18 ages 4-14, free for 4 and younger Info: 325-3366, www.lodgeonthedesert.com
LOEWS VENTANA CANYON RESORT & SPA: Brunch features include an omelet station, waffles and barbecue ribs. Dine indoors or outdoors by the pool or under a shaded tent. Live music by Tom Wolbank and Arthur Migliazza. When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: 7000 N. Resort Drive Price: $49 adults, $24.50 children (call for details) Info: 299-2020, www.loewshotels.com
MCMAHON’S PRIME STEAK HOUSE: Entrees include Ham with Bing Cherry Sauce, roasted Lamb and Prime Rib. When: noon-8 p.m. Where: 2959 N. Swan Road Price: $24.95 Info: 327-7463, www.metrorestaurants.com/ restaurants/ms-restaurant.htm
MONTANA AVENUE: Regular and special menu, including Eggs Benedict and Brown Sugar Cured Pork Rib. When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: 6390 E. Grant Road Price: Varies Info: 298-2020, www.foxrestaurantconcepts.com
NoRTH: Regular and special menu, including lamb and frittata dishes. When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: 2995 E. Skyline Drive Price: Varies Info: 299-1600, www.foxrestaurantconcepts.com
RED SKY NEW AMERICAN CUISINE & CATERING CO.: Its brunch features prime rib, leg of lamb, king crab legs and more than 40 other offerings. When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: 2900 N. Swan Road Price: $45 adult, $16 ages 5-16 Info: 326-5454, www.redskycafeandcatering.com
TERRA COTTA: Brunch includes a beverage and choice of such signature Terra Cotta entrees as Crab Cakes, Eggs Benedict and Chile & Brown Sugar Rubbed Prime Rib. Reservations required. When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: 3500 E. Sunrise Drive Price: $25 Info: 577-8100 www.dineterracotta.com
VILA THAI CUISINE: Special wild salmon entree. When: 5-9 p.m. Where: 972 E. University Blvd. Price: Varies Info: 903-9777, http://vilathai.com
WESTWARD LOOK RESORT: Three options: • 7-11 a.m. Catalina Ballroom A family-friendly Easter breakfast buffet, including a variety of fruits, breakfast pastries and scrambled eggs. Price: $14 adults, $7 ages 5-10, free for ages 5 and younger Info: 800-722-2500 • 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Gold Room Easter brunch, featuring a three-course prix fixe. Price: $49 adults, $24.50 ages 5-10 Info: 297-1151 • 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sonoran Ballroom Buffet features a variety of entrees, a carving station with ham and lamb and an assortment of pastries. Free family photos will be taken at the Vigas patio area. Price: $47 adults, $23.50 ages 5-10 Info: 297-1151, www.westwardlook.com Where: 245 E. Ina Road
WILDFLOWER: Regular and special menu, including Crab Omelet, Prime Rib and fish selections. When: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Where: 7037 N. Oracle Road Price: Varies Info: 219-4230, www.foxrestaurantconcepts.com
UPCOMING FOODIE EVENTS
March 21-23
BALLET TUCSON’S DANCE & DESSERT: These performances at Stevie Eller Dance Theatre feature classical and contemporary works by Ballet Tucson, along with gourmet dessert tastings from area restaurants. Reservations required. When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday Where: 1737 E. University Blvd. Price: $25 Info: 903-1445, www.ballettucson.org
March 22
SABRA MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT: It is hosting a Purim Party, with an all-you-can-eat buffet. Reservations recommended. Purim marks a time when Jews living in Persia were saved from extermination. When: 7:30 p.m-midnight Where: 4210 E. Speedway Blvd. Price: $20 Info: 795-6060, www.sabraaz.com
March 29-30
SOUTHERN ARIZONA ARTS AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL: This two-day event at Pima Community College-Northwest Campus includes international food vendors, live music and cultural dancers, plus 150-plus fine arts and craft vendors. When: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. both days Where: 7600 N. Shannon Road Price: free admission Info: 797-3959, www.GOVAC.org
April 10
EAT DOWNTOWN: This second annual event at Hotel Congress features tastings from Athens on Fourth, Art’s BBQ Restaurant, Barrio, Café A La C’Art, Casa Vicente, Chris’ Café, The Cup Café, Cushing Street Bar & Restaurant, El Minuto Café, Enoteca Pizzeria Wine Bar and the soon-to-open On a Roll, complimentary wine samples from Alliance Beverage distributors and live music. When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Where: 311 E. Congress St. Price: $40 Info: 622-8848, ww.downtowntucson.com/eat_downtown
April 12
GROWING AND HARVESTING FOOD IN THE DESERT: Learn the techniques for successful gardening in the desert, how to conserve water and how to compost. When: 8 a.m.-noon Where: Location will be given when you call to register. Price: $49 Info: 624-1673, ww.caneloproject.com/dawn
April 16
DINE OUT FOR SAFETY: The 12th Annual event supports the Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault. Participating restaurants donate as much as 20 percent of diners lunch and/or dinner bills to the SACASA. Times and prices vary by restaurant. A complete list of restaurants and participating times, as well as other details are on the official Web site. Info: http://dineoutforsafety.com
April 18
CELEBRATE CHILDREN 2008: This event in the St. Philip’s Plaza courtyard to benefit StrengthBuilding Partners, features foods from Acacia, Blue House Catering, Blanco Tacos & Tequila, Bluepoint Kitchen, Chris’s Café, Claim Jumper Restaurants, Famous Sam’s, Romano’s Macaroni Grill and Vivace. Wines provided by Fox restaurants. It also will have a silent auction and live music by the Mike Kuhn Band. Alan Michaels of Radio station KWFM (1450 AM) is master of ceremonies. When: 6-9 p.m. Where: , 4280 N. Campbell Ave. Price: $50 Info: 546-9296, www.strengthbuilding.org
April 18 & 19
NOCHE DE LAS ESTRELLAS: This event, in its 17th year and presented by Sunnyside High School at its auditorium, begins with the “Reina y Rey de las Estrellas,” featuring a pageant and talent contest. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. April 19 with Plaza Garibaldi. Students from Sunnyside Unified School District, the Southwest and Mexico showcase their talents. Booths with traditional food and drinks and carnival games are part of the festival. The event closes with the main concert, “Noche de las Estrellas – La … Poca de Oro (The Golden Age).” When: 6-9 p.m. April 18, Plaza Garibaldi 11 a.m.-4 p.m. April 19, concert 6-10:30 p.m. April 19 Where: 1725 E. Bilby Road Price: Free admission to all events, except for concert, which is $8 in advance and $10 at the door Info: 545-5427
April 19 & 20
ELLE WINE COUNTRY RESTAURANT: For Passover, dine in or order takeout from the restaurant. When: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Where: 3048 E. Broadway Price: varies Info: 327-0500, www.ellerestaurant.com
April 20
SABRA MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT: The Kosher restaurant is offering a seven-course seder dinner for passover. The complete menu is on its Web site. Reservations required. When: Call for times Where: 4210 E. Speedway Blvd. Price: $34.95 Info: 795-6060, www.sabraaz.com
May 3
FLOWER POWER: This fundraising event, based on the 1960s at the Peter & Paula Fasseas Cancer Clinic, features tastings of flower-themed dishes created by Tucson Originals chefs, including Albert Hall of Acacia, Tom Mead of Terra Cotta and Jonathan Landeen of Jonathan’s Cork. Food and wine tastings and a silent auction are the warm-up to the main event – a live auction featuring original works of art from some of the most accomplished artists in the region. In keeping with the theme of the evening, most pieces have been inspired by flowers, including Michael Ive’s Ocotillo Blossoms, Barbara Gurwitz’s Fresh From the Garden and Tom Philabaum’s Glass Flowers. Proceeds benefit the Fasseas Cancer Clinic. When: 6 p.m. Where: 3838 N. Campbell Ave. Price: $175 (a portion is tax-deductible) Info: 694-6599, www.umcfoundation.org
May 3
TASTES OF THE SANTA CRUZ VALLEY WORKSHOP: At this daylong workshop at Desert Diamond Casino, learn the food histories of the region, producers and retailers of heritage foods. Event organizers also hope to to foster stronger connections between producers, retailers and consumers. Participants include local food producers, restaurants, grocers, food banks and nonprofit groups. Scheduled presenters are Suzanne Nelson of Native Seeds/SEARCH, Carolyn Reyes of San Xavier Farmers’ Coop, Janos Wilder of Janos and J Bar, Gary Nabhan, director of the Southwest Center of the University of Arizona, Jesus Garcia of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, natives foods and permaculture consultant Barbara Rose of Tucson and Jim Griffith, a research associate at the Soutwest Center. The registration fee covers a lunch from the casino’s Agave restaurant, featuring heritage foods. When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. workshop, 3-5 p.m. exhibition Where: 1100 W. Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita Price: $25 Info: 520-429-1394 www.santacruzheritage.org/ foods/workshop
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Unless noted, no reservations are necessary. Prices are per person and do not include tax or tip.
