MOTHER’S DAY MAY 11
Newly listed
THE CUP CAFE: Prix fixe menu with seven offerings for adults, including prime rib, stuffed french toast and baba ghanouj stuffed squash; three choices for children. When: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: 311 E. Congress St. Price: $18 adults, $8 for ages 11 and younger Info: 622-8848, www.hotelcongress.com
LODGE ON THE DESERT: Four-course meal, including roasted lamb, sautéed salmon and glazed pork loin; complimentary glass of Champagne or sparkling cider also will be served. When: 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Where: 306 N. Alvernon Way Price: $45 adults, $23 children ages 5-14 Info: 325-3366, www.lodgeonthedesert.com
TRATTORIA PINA: Special menu of favorites. When: 11 a.m.- 8:30 p.m. Where: 5541 N. Swan Road Price: varies Info: 577-6992, www.trattoriapina.com
TERRA COTTA: Prix fixe menu with 10 offerings for adults, including prime rib, crab cake eggs benedict and Tucson spinach salad with chicken or salmon. Price includes coffee or tea, pastries plus choice of orange juice, prickly pear lemonade, mimosa, mango bellini or bloody mary; four menu choices for children. When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: 3500 E. Sunrise Drive Price: $27.50 adults, $10 for children Info: 577-8100, www.dineterracotta.com
TUCSON BOTANICAL GARDEN: Café 54 catered al fresco brunch includes egg strata with goat cheese, crème brûlée french toast and pasta primavera. When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: 2150 N. Alvernon Way Price: regular admission plus $15 adults, $8 children ages 4-12 Info: 326-9686 extension 41, www.tucsonbotanical.org
INTERMEZZO: Brunch includes choice of egg strata, french toast and more; coffee or tea for adults and juice for children. Mimosas and bloody marys are $4. When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: 5350 E. Broadway, Suite 128 Price: $15 adults, $7 for ages 10 and younger Info: 748-8100, www.intermezzo-tucson.com
THE WESTIN LA PALOMA RESORT & SPA: Buffet includes beef and seafood, plus omelets and desserts. Mothers will receive a flower. Prices includes tax. When: Seatings at 10 a.m., 12:15 p.m, 2:15 p.m. Where: 3800 E. Sunrise Drive Price: $63.42 adults, $25.82 children ages 6-12 Info: 742-6000
RED SKY NEW AMERICAN CUISINE & CATERING CO.: Buffet includes leg of lamb, king crab legs, pastries and desserts; complimentary glass of Champagne or mimosa. Mothers receive a bouquet of orchids. When: 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Where: 2900 N. Swan Road Price: $45 adults, $18 children ages 6-12 Info: 326-5454, www.redskycafeandcatering.com
WESTWARD LOOK RESORT: Three options: • 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sonoroan Ballroom Buffet includes Eggs Benedict, Ricotta Cheese Blintz, Grilled Chicken Breast and Roasted Salmon; complimentary glass of sparkling wine and complimentary family photo. ($47, $23.50 children ages 5-10) • 7-11 a.m., Catalina Ballroom Buffet includes pastries, french toast and bacon and sausage; coffee, tea and orange juice included. ($14 adults, $7 children ages 5-10) • 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Gold Room Plated three-course lunch with appetizer, entree and dessert choices. Entrees include Roasted Breast of Chicken, Lemon Honey Glazed Scottish Salmon and Petite Filet of Beef Tenderloin. Dessert choices include Mixed Berry Cobbler with Cinnamon Ice Cream. ($49, $24.50 children ages 5-10) Where: 245 E. Ina Road Info: 297-1151, www.westwardlook.com
Previously listed
ELLE WINE COUNTRY RESTAURANT: Buffet with carving stations, made-to-order omelets, house-cured smoked salmon and gravlax; price includes one sparkling wine, mimosa or bloody mary. When: 10 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. Where: 3048 E. Broadway Price: $45 adults, $15 ages 10 and younger Info: 327-0500, www.ellerestaurant.com
LE-DELICE FRENCH RESTAURANT & BAKERY: All-you-can-eat buffet. When: 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Where: 7245 E. Tanque Verde Road Price: $17.99 Info: 290-9714, http://le-delice.com
EL PARADOR TROPICAL GARDEN RESTAURANT: More than 80 items, including Mexican foods and an omelet bar. 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
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 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 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
NEWLY LISTED
MAY 2
PRE-FOLK FESTIVAL: A Mexican food buffet will be offered for $5 at this all-ages pre-Folk Festival fundraisier at Old Town Artisans courtyard, featuring local musicians. When: 7-11 p.m. Where: 201 N. Court Ave. Price: $3 entrance fee Info: www.TKMA.org
“THE REAL DIRT ON FARMER JOHN”: This documentary about an eccentric farmer trying to save the family farm will be shown in one of Agua Linda Farm’s green pastures after dark. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and food and drink. The farm will have three gas grills for folks to share. Camping also is permitted for those wanting to pitch in with farm chores in the morning. Reservations required. When: 6 p.m. Where: 2643 E. Frontage Road, Amado Price: free Info: 398-3218, www.AguaLindaFarm.net
KENTUCKY DERBY MAY 3
CATALINA ROTARY’S KENTUCKY DERBY DAY: At Rillito Downs, this fundraiser features a simulcast of the Kentucky Derby (3:04 p.m. Tucson time), silent and live auctions, traditional Derby Day food, bluegrass band, ladies hat contest and Mint Juleps. When: noon-4 p.m. Where: 4502 N. First Ave. Price: $100 Info: 647-3440, www.catalinarotary.org
CODAC DERBY DAY 2008: From The Fox Theatre, this live broadcast of the Derby includes a Ladies Hat Parade & Competition, hors d’oeuvres, traditional Mint Juleps, beer and wine and other Derby entertainment. Reservations required. When: 2-5 p.m. Where: 17 W. Congress St. Price: $100 Info: 202-1746, www.codac.org
TUCSON GREYHOUND PARK: Its Kentucky Derby Clubhouse Party starts at 9 a.m., with a full simulcast card of live racing from Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Admission includes a $2 betting voucher and all-day clubhouse pass with access to food and drink specials, including “the official Kentucky Derby Mint Julep.” When: starting at 9 a.m. (Derby post time 3:04 p.m. Tucson time) Where: 2601 S. Third Ave. Price: $5 admission Info: 884-7576, www.tucdogtrak.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 the 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
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 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
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 4
RAINWATER HARVESTING DEMONSTRATION SITE TOURS: Public tours of the rainwater harvesting demonstration project at the Tucson Conservation Center of The Nature Conservancy. Tours will showcase appropriate rainwater harvesting techniques and include ideas for augmenting selected rainwater harvesting areas to make beneficial use of rainwater runoff and reduce soil erosion. When: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Where: 1510 E. Fort Lowell Road Price: free Info: 622-3861, www.nature.org/arizona
MAY 17
Out of Town
PRESCOTT HIGHLAND GAMES: Scottish and Irish food and beverage vendors, along with craft, clothing and jewelry venders will be set up at Watson Lake Park in Prescott. Other highlights of the event include opening ceremonies with bagpipe bands and a March of the Clans, traditional and contemporary Scottish music and dancing and highland athletics competition. When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (opening ceremonies will begin at 10 a.m.) Where: 3101 N. U.S. Highway 89, Prescott Price: $10, $7 seniors and students Info: 800-266-7534, www.prescottareacelticsociety.com
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 & TAPAS 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. A selection of tapas and wine from the restaurant will be offered. When: 2-4 p.m. Where: 375 S. Stone Ave. Price: $15 Info: 309-8762, www.tucsoniquete.com
MAY 27
WEIGHT LOSS COOKING CLASS: At Whole Foods Markets, certified nutritionist Samantha Treyve teaches how to make nutritious snacks, including gluten-free and diabetic-friendly options and gives tips on how to make eating healthful easy. When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Where: 3360 E. Speedway Blvd. Price: free Info: 795-9844, www.wholefoodsmarket.com
JUNE 28
REGISTER NOW: SAGUARO FRUIT HARVESTING: This interactive workshop at Colossal Cave Mountain Park is part of the HA:SAN: BAK Saguaro Harvest Celebration. It will give participants the opportunity to make their own saguaro fruit-picker, harvest the fruit and make their own syrup. The early morning workshop, led by Tohono O’odham tribe member Regina Siqueros and naturalist Bill Peachey, includes breakfast and lunch featuring O’odham-inspired foods. Workshop size limited to 35 and registration is required. When: Workshop begins at 6:30 a.m. Where: 16721 E. Old Spanish Trail, Vail Price: $60 adults, $42 ages 12 and younger Info: 647-7121
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CINCO DE MAYO
May 2-5
BLANCO TACOS + TEQUILA: The restaurant 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 3-4
KENNEDY PARK: This annual celebration of Mexico’s victory over the French in 1862 is at the Kennedy Park Fiesta Area and features Mexican music, folklorico dancing, craft stalls and Mexican food and drinks. When: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. both days Where: 3700 S. La Cholla Blvd. Price: free admission Info: 292-9326, www.visitTucson.org
CINCO DE MAYO FUN FAIR & FIESTA: This Mexican Day celebration, now in its third year, is at The Cherry Avenue Center and features food and live entertainment, as well as carnival games and a jumping castle. Several local organizations and businesses will be on hand to provide information on its services and resources available to the community. When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: 5085 S. Cherry Ave. Price: free Info: 491-4497
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Reservations are required or strongly recommended and prices are per person and do not include tax or tip, unless noted.