MAY 2 DEADLINE
DINING IN THE DARK: This May 10 inaugural event at Desert Diamond Casino Hotel benefits Sun Sounds Arizona and features an evening to allow sighted people the opportunity to experience dining without sight. Upon check-in, diners receive a gift bag and free drink ticket for the no-host bar. The event begins with music by harpist Joel Taylor and a silent auction. Around 6:30 p.m., guests will be given blindfolds and taken into the dining area by sighted guides, including local celebrities such as Joan Lee, Jeff Davis and Betsy Bruce, who will stay at the tables to help guests. Dinner will be served at 7, with the menu of an appetizer, entree and dessert revealed at the end of the evening. Free wine will be served. Cele Peterson is guest of honor and Gov. Janet Napolitano is scheduled to attend. Guides also will assist with purchasing drinks at the no-host bar. Anyone with food allergies should notify the casino. All proceeds benefit the local Sun Sounds of Arizona station. Sun Sounds provides audio access to information to people in the Southwest who cannot read print because they have a disability. When: May 2 registration deadline; 6 p.m. May 10 event begins Where: 7350 S. Nogales Highway Price: $125 Info: 296-2400, www.dininginthedark.org
MOTHER’S DAY
MAY 11
ELLE WINE COUNTRY RESTAURANT: For Mother’s Day it is having an extensive buffet with carving stations, made-to-order omelets, house-cured smoked salmon and gravlax, salads, vegetables, fruits, cheeses, assorted breads and several desserts, including apricot tart. Price includes one sparkling wine, mimosa or bloody mary. Reservations recommended. When: 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Where: 3048 E. Broadway Price: $45, $15 ages 10 and younger Info: 327-0500, www.ellerestaurant.com
LE-DELICE FRENCH RESTAURANT & BAKERY: All-you-can-eat buffet. Reservations recommended. When: 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Where: 7245 E. Tanque Verde Road Price: $17.99 Info: 290-9714, le-delice.com
EL PARADOR TROPICAL GARDEN RESTAURANT: More than 80 items, including Mexican foods and an omelet bar. Reservations strongly recommended. When: Reservations taken 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m., brunch served until 4 p.m. Where: 2744 E. Broadway Price: $22.95 adults, $11.95 children ages 5-10, free children 4 and younger Info: 881-2744, http://elparadortucson.com
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS
THROUGH MAY 5
SLEUTHING IN YOUR SUPERMARKET: On Mondays through May 5, Kitty Ufford-Chase, faith community coordinator for the Community Food Bank, will lead the five-session course Learning to Shop with a Conscience in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tucson’s awareness meeting room. Each session will address issues surrounding food and faith. Topics include supermarkets from middle-class and low-income perspectives. The fee for the class is to cover supplies. Scholarships are available. Any money left over will go to the food bank. Registration required. Payment may be made by credit card by calling Jean, 748-1551. When: 6:30-8 p.m. Where: 4831 E. 22nd St. Price: $15 Info: 326-8831, mike-greenbaum@qwestoffice.net
APRIL 24
MEET CHEF LANDEEN: Meet chef Jonathan Landeen of Jonathan’s Cork at Desert Sports & Fitness as he shares a few of his secrets for easy, healthy recipes. When: 1-2 p.m. Where: 2480 N. Pantano Road Price: free Info: 722-6300
APRIL 25
ARTWORKS ACADEMY BENEFIT: The music of American Indian flutist R. Carlos Nakai and a silent auction are part of this Tucson Museum of Art benefit for the ArtWORKS Academy, an alternative high school for at-risk teens talented in the visual arts. Hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and the auction open the festivities, followed by a performance by Nakai, a seven-time Grammy Award nominee. The highlight of the silent auction is an original work donated by award-winning Western landscape painter Dale Strong, valued at $25,000. Original paintings, prints, sculpture and glass art by Tucson artists such as Miles Conrad, Daniel Martin Diaz, Simon Donovan, Maurice Grossman, Joanne Kerrihard, Tom Philabaum, Joe Rebholz, Carrie Seid and David Tineo, plus art books and art-related items are in the auction. When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Where: 140 N. Main Ave. Price: $25 Info: 624-0595 Ext. 10, www.tucsonpimaartscouncil.org
CONSCIOUS GOODS ALLIANCE TOUR: This nationwide tour promoting conscious lifestyles stops at Wild Oats Market. The public is invited to come aboard the self-sustaining bus that runs on recycled vegetable oil for learning and tasting. When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: 3360 E. Speedway Blvd. Price: free Info: 795-9844, www.wholefoods.com
APRIL 26
JANOS WILDER COOKING CLASS IV: Wilder, chef-owner of Janos and J Bar at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, introduces “The Great Chiles Rellenos Cookbook” and demonstrates four recipes from it, each exploring different techniques and styles of chiles rellenos. He will sign copies of his book following the class. When: 1-3 p.m. Where: 3770 E. Sunrise Drive Price: $50 Info: 615-6100, www.janos.com
FESTIVAL OF THE SUN SOLAR POTLUCK & EXHIBITION: At Catalina State Park, eat solar-cooked food and experience solar-powered music, family activities, solar arts and discussions with community experts during this outdoor celebration. New this year is a food drive to benefit the Community Food Bank. Please bring a nonperishable item. The public is invited to bring their own ovens and join in the cooking or bring “solar” food to share (salad, watermelon, berries). Ice is always welcome. Bring your own eating utensils (plate, bowl, fork, spoons, etc.) and help make this a waste-free event. Wear comfortable shoes, a brimmed hat and sunscreen. When: 9:30 a.m. deadline for oven setup; 5 p.m. potluck begins Where: 11570 N. Oracle Road Price: Park entrance fee waived for this event Info: 749-3538, http://citizensforsolar.org Directions: From Tucson, go north on state Route 77 (Oracle Road) to Mile Marker 81and turn right at the park entrance
MEET THE AUTHOR: GARY PAUL NABHAN: At Antigone Books, Nabhan will discuss and sign copies of his new book, “Arab/American: Landscape, Culture, and Cuisine in Two Great Deserts,” which explores how the seemingly disparate Arab and American cultures are bound to each other in ways many may have never imagined. When: 7 p.m. Where: 411 N. Fourth Ave. Price: free Info: 792-3715, www.antigonebooks.com
Out of town
MY NANA’S SALSA CHALLENGE: This culinary event at Tempe Beach Park is a fundraiser for the Arizona Hemophilia Association and features restaurants, businesses and individuals competing to make the best salsa in various categories. Attendees can sample the salsa. The event also features live, local acts. Entry deadline is April 23. When: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.Where: 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe Price: $10, free for children 11 and younger Info: 602-955-3947, www.salsachallenge.com
MAY 2
CELEBRITY WAITERS DINNER: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society presents the 23rd annual BHP Copper-sponsored dinner to benefit the Pima County programs of patient aid, public education and research of LLS. At Doubletree Hotel Reid Park, the dinner is in memory of former University of Arizona football coach Larry Smith who recently lost his battle with leukemia. It includes a silent and live auction. When: 6 p.m. no-host cocktails begin, 7 p.m. dinner Where: 445 S. Alvernon Way Price: $60 advance, $75 at the door Info: 800-568-1372 Ext. 12
SPECIAL ONEG SHABBAT: This special celebration of Shabbat at Congregation Anshei Israel begins with a Mincha/Kabbalat service, followed by a catered Shabbat dinner and a presentation by Alex Nava, professor in the University of Arizona’s Religious Studies Program, titled “Religion and the Problem of Good and Evil.” When: 5:45-9 p.m. Where: 5550 E. Fifth St. Price: $18 adults, $15 ages 4-11 Info: 745-5550, www.caiaz.org
MAY 2
FUN AND FASHION AT FIRST FRIDAYS: This month’s theme of Tucson’s Young Professionals event is “Spring in Paris: The Art of Fashion.” At at Tucson Museum of Art , it will showcase designs from local boutiques alongside flowers and décor inspired by Paris. Cost includes hors d’oeuvres, music, dancing, valet parking and admission to the museum’s art galleries. Featuring a cash bar and cigar patio. The group hosts this evening of social interaction “to enrich the lives of individuals through exposure to arts and culture.” Dress is upscale formal – no jeans or tennis shoes. When: 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Where: 140 N. Main Ave. Price: $20 Info: 829-4677, www.typfirstfridays.com
MAY 2-5
CINCO DE MAYO: Blanco Tacos + Tequila celebrates its first anniversary along with Cinco de Mayo, featuring discounts and specials on food and beverages. Proceeds from Watermelon Margaritas sales go to the Tu Nidito charity. Special guests include: • May 2 9-11 p.m. Jennie Grabel and Blake Rogers from 92.9 FM, with prize giveaways. • May 4 4-6 p.m. Sommelier and Beverage Director Regan Jasper with tequila tasting for $20. • May 5 11 a.m-1 a.m. Grabel and Rogers spinning the tunes. When: 11a.m.-11 p.m. May 2-4, 11-1 a.m. May 5 Where: 2905 E. Skyline Drive Price: Varies Info: 232-1007, www.foxrestaurantconcepts.com/ blanco.html
MAY 3
WESTSTOCK MUSIC AND FOOD FESTIVAL: This third annual Woodstock revival at Westward Look Resort features a music stage, beer garden and cookout concessions (hamburgers, hot dogs, brats and salads). On-air personality Jennie from 92.9 FM will emcee. Music by local rock bands The Wayback Machine, The Rowdies, 22 Black and The Power of Three. Amber Norgaard will perform between sets. Bands will feature music from the 1960s. Five dollars of every ticket sold will go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. When: 5-10 p.m. Where: 245 E. Ina Road Price: $25 Info: 297-1151, www.WestwardLook.com
FLOWER POWER: This fundraiser at the Peter & Paula Fasseas Cancer Clinic features tastings of flower-themed dishes created by Tucson original 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 warmup to the main event – a live auction featuring original works of art from some of the most accomplished artists in the region. Proceeds benefit the Fasseas Cancer Clinic. When: 6 p.m. Where: 3838 N. Campbell Ave. Price: $175 Info: 694-6599, www.umcfoundation.org
TASTES OF THE SANTA CRUZ VALLEY WORKSHOP: At this daylong workshop at Desert Diamond Casino, learn the food histories of the region and producers and retailers of heritage foods. Event organizers hope 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, native foods and permaculture consultant Barbara Rose of Tucson and Jim Griffith, a research associate at the Southwest 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
BIRTH MOTHER’S DAY LUNCHEON: Over Mother’s Day weekend, Christian Family Care Agency will recognize birth mothers who have placed their children for adoption. Please call to RSVP or for more information. When: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Where: El Parador Restaurant, 2744 E. Broadway Price: free admission Info: 296-8255
MAY 21-SEPT. 17
PRIMAVERA COOKS! 2008 SERIES: Primavera Foundation and Tucson Originals offer apprentice chefs the opportunity to work with a local chef in preparing a meal and wine list and serving it to a group of diners. It costs $250 to be an apprentice chef and $125 to dine. Dates and participating restaurants are: • May 21 Janos • June 2 Feast • June 11 Dakota Café • June 25 Acacia • July 16 Rio Cafe • Aug. 6 Pastiche Modern Eatery • Aug. 20 The Cup Café at Hotel Congress • Sept. 10 Cuvée World Bistro • Sept. 14 Kingfisher Bar & Grill (brunch) • Sept. 17 Jonathan’s Cork. Reservations, inquiries and payments can be made by calling David Elliot at Primavera (not restaurants) at 623-5111 Ext. 101. Proceeds from the event benefit programs at Primavera, which addresses issues of poverty and homelessness. Info: www.primavera.org/events_cooks.php
MAY 25
ARTIST DIALOGUE & WINE & TAPA TASTING: This new event, hosted by Casa Vicente Restaurante Español and Flamenco del Pueblo Viejo is an opportunity for the public to meet the artists participating in Domingo Flamenco while enjoying a selection of tapas and wine from the restaurant. When: 2-4 p.m. Where: 375 S. Stone Ave. Price: $15 Info: 309-8762, www.tucsoniquete.com
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Unless noted, no reservations are needed and prices are per person and do not include tax or tip.
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TUCSON EVENTS CALENDAR
For more events, go to Tucson Events Calendar.