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05/19/2013 - Acacia Real Food and Cocktails

Sun, 19 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

From the days when I was working first on a business plan for TucsonNightOut and thinking about how I would like to promote the local restaurants in Tucson, I had a vision where I would feature the restaurants in a video. I could see no better way to tell the individual stories of each business than through video. And trust me, from meeting with over a hundred local restaurant and bar owners over the past three years, everyone has a unique and interesting story to tell. From the moment I ask them why they started a restaurant or why are they in the business today, you can see their eyes light up and and a real passion come from them when they start to tell their story. And now, we begin the process of telling these stories. I hope you will enjoy watching these videos as much as we enjoyed making them. This will be your chance to see the passion and experience what each of these wonderful and unique locally owned restaurants is all about. And then, go and experience them first hand by dining at each one of them. Our first video is for Acacia Real Food and Cocktails at 3001 N Skyline Dr, located on the NE corner of Skyline and Campbell. Owned and operated by Chef Albert Hall and his wife Lila, you'll discover why they call it Real Food and Cocktails. Video Profile for Acacia Real Food and Cocktails

12/20/2012 - Traveling Around Tucson Tips

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Events in Tucson are always well attended so book your tickets early to ensure that you don’t miss out on your choice of festive evening events. It is also a good idea to check out parking and travel information before you set off. While the Botanical Gardens are running a shuttle service, you may have to make your own travel arrangements for many of the other events. Check for any local travel and parking restrictions before you arrive by car and consider traveling in a group in one vehicle to make parking easier. If you are traveling from out-of-town, you might want to consider hiring a car, rather than relying on public transport, to make it easier to reach many events that are on offer. When hiring a car staying safe and within the law probably the most essential thing to remember; ensure that you have all the correct personal details you need, the correct insurance for your needs. You should also give theft protection insurance a consideration, to limit your liability if your hire car is stolen while you’re out on one of your Tucson festive adventures. Check to make sure that your hire company has also included collision damage cover and personal liability insurance as these are a must when using a hire car. Once you have everything in place all that is left to do is decide which of Tucson’s amazing evening events you are going to visit first.

11/30/2012 - Reid Park Zoo Lights

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 08:00:00 GMT

As the festive season draws close Reid Park begin their celebrations with a spectacular light show. The zoo lights extravaganza incorporates bells, lights, snow, and of course Santa Claus; the lights will be amazing with superb sculptures of some of the zoo’s entertaining inhabitants. The light show starts at 6 pm and goes through to 8 pm most nights, with the cost being $6 for adults and $4 for children; the zoo also organizes special members' only nights and offers discounts for members on public events. For those who may have difficulty navigating the many paths of the zoo, there are wheelchairs on hire and strollers for the tired youngest available. Once you have marveled at the lights and spied the odd inhabitant who has braved the crowds you can visit Santa and get a head start on your Holiday “To-Do list"

08/30/2012 - Changes Coming to North at La Encantada

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Fox Concepts restaurant, North, will be undergoing some major changes in the month of September. The restaurant will shut down completely for remodeling and then open with a new menu as North Fattoia Italiana. The complete press release is below with all the details. North Fattoria Italiana Opens with a New Communal Atmosphere and Handcrafted Food Fox Restaurant Concepts steps beyond the exhibition kitchen with the artisan craft of making pasta and hand-tossed pizzas part of the dining experience Tucson, Ariz. – August 30, 2012 – On September 4, NoRTH Modern Italian will temporarily close and emerge a few weeks later on September 19 as North Fattoria Italiana, complete with a new design, experience and menu – a modern take on a warm, friendly Tuscan farmhouse. Fattoria means farm in Italian – a locale where food is handcrafted. “Made from scratch” is a main ingredient at North Fattoria Italiana, a theme abundantly found on the menu in savory pastas and pizzas – two cornerstones of the approachable menu. “North Fattoria Italiana has a very different feel and is a complete departure from our original restaurant. Since we opened the first NoRTH nine years ago, the concept has evolved. Tucson is a friends and family town. We are very excited to bring a new experience centered around house-made, fresh food to Tucson, as well as place we hope the community will use to come together every day,” said Sam Fox, founder and CEO of Fox Restaurant Concepts. The completely new interior of North Fattoria Italiana will be a comfortable blend of repurposed wood, galvanized metals, and brick. An expansive, spirited red metal hood will highlight the open kitchen. Fresh, handcrafted food is the focus on the menu and also in the restaurant: a Berkel salumi slicer and home-made Pasta Table take center stage, right in front of the exhibition kitchen. A series of cascading windows in the bar area will open to the outside patio complete with bar seating. The patios will be shaded with boldly striped awnings and citrus trees. Red metal garden chairs, misters, heaters and fire pits will create a relaxing space for friends and family. A large fireplace on the back patio will welcome guests for cool weather gatherings. Fox Restaurant Concepts Executive Chef Christopher Curtiss crafted North Fattoria Italiana’s menu based on his interpretation of traditional Italian cuisine. A native of Northern California, Curtiss started cooking at 14. He honed his craft over nine years in some of the most forward-thinking kitchens in San Francisco, earning a reputation for his style of inspired, seasonal cuisine. A family move brought Chef Curtiss to Arizona, and before joining Fox Restaurant Concepts, he gained culinary nods and attention at the AAA Four Diamond, James Beard nominated Restaurant Noca. “I like to cook food that’s honest, simple and balanced, letting the ingredients speak for themselves,” says Chef Curtiss. Continually evolving his craft and style of cuisine, Curtiss enjoys sharing his passion for food and wine, and is excited to welcome the community to North Fattoria Italiana. For more information, call 520-299-1500 or visit www.foxrc.com

08/10/2012 - Restaurant Changes on the East Side

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A couple of changes on the East side. KG’s Cafe, a long time fixture on the South side of Broadway just past Camino Seco has closed. We wish the best to owner Karin and all of her faithful long time employees in their new jobs. Moving into the KG’s location is Jetho’s, just East of KG’s. We are looking forward to checking them out in the new location.

06/18/2012 - Walk the Walk for small business

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 08:00:00 GMT

I believe Tucson takes a lot of pride in promoting and supporting locally owned, small businesses in the community. I often see posts on facebook, blogs and the occasional news story about local businesses in the community and why it is so important to support them . This week, I’m challenging you Tucson, to help support a very special small business and the hardworking owner who continuously serves quality food day after day. Maria Mazon, Chef and Owner of Boca Tacos y Tequila on East Speedway, has agreed to run a daily deal promotion with our new Once in a Blue Moon Daily Deals. This incredible deal includes: 2 Macho Tacos, rice and beans for only $4.25 (reg. $9.70)! I’m not sure you could buy two mystery meat tacos with preservative filled rice and beans at Taco Bell for such a low price. Purchasing this deal is a great way to show your support for this small business and Tucson treasure. We haven’t priced this deal in a way for either Maria or myself to make money. The point is to drive locals like you into her restaurant to taste her award-winning tacos – and after that, we know you’ll be a repeat customer. Boca has 20 different types of tacos on the menu, over 40 different tequilas as well as burritos, boca balls (you’ll have to ask about these, yum!), cold beer and soda. Located at 828 E Speedway in the building formerly occupied by Greasy Tony’s. If the parking lot is full, you can park next door to the East at Mama’s BBQ. Every taco is served on corn or flour tortillas and Maria can make everything Gluten Free if you need it that way. We all know Tucson slows down in the summer, the snowbirds are gone and it’s dreadfully hot! This is the most difficult time of the year for small businesses, many of them can’t make it through the summer months. So I’m asking you to not just go there yourself, but to share this with your friends and family in Tucson. This is truly a great deal for some delicious, authentic Sonoran tacos created by a genuinely wonderful person and Chef. Watch this video and you’ll get an idea of what I’m talking about here. Thank you for your support.

05/31/2012 - TACOS AND MARGARITAS

Thu, 31 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Memorial Day is behind us and another warm Tucson weekend is coming up as well as the new month. So Boca and TucsonNightOut would like to get your summer started off right with a special night of Tacos and Margaritas. For only $10 you'll be able to sample three different and unique margaritas made special by Maria Mazon. Maria has a special talent for combining unique with always delicious, and I'm sure that her margarita creations will be just that. And what a great way to cool off on a warm Friday night. Your ten dollars will also include a sample of some of Maria's best taco creations. The best street tacos in town and delightful and original salsas to go with. We'll also have a chip and salsa bar, cold beer, music, some giveaways and other fun activities. Don't miss out on the first party of the summer at Boca, this Friday, June 1 from 6pm - 8pm. Looking for things to do in Tucson? Look no further than Boca this Friday night!

05/31/2012 - TNO launces Once in a Blue Moon Daily Deals

Thu, 31 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 31, 2012 Contact: Melissa Colosimo ProVentures, Inc 520-318-9445 Tucson, Ariz.--- TucsonNightOut.com, Tucson’s #1 source for dining and drink specials, entertainment and everything in between is launching their “Once in a Blue Moon” Daily Deals to Tucson on Friday, June 1st. Like other daily deal programs, Once in a Blue Moon will be offering discounted coupons at 50-80% off to restaurants, bars and various types of entertainment. UNLIKE other daily programs, Once in a Blue Moon will only be offering deals to locally-owned businesses as well as providing a video clip of the particular special, venue or offering - giving local consumers a real live view of what the discounted coupon gets them. Then it’s as easy as buy, print and enjoy. A social media tool also allows users to post and share their deal on Facebook and Twitter. It’s easy for Tucsonans looking for great summer deals to sign up for TNO’s Once in a Blue Moon. This link directs customers straight to the sign-up page http://www.tucsonnightout.com/onceinabluemoon/signup or the homepage, www.tucsonnightout.com has several links that lead to the sign up page. TucsonNightOut is, Tucson’s #1 Source for Food, Drinks, Music and Fun. Started in 2010, by local entrepreneur Jerry Heintze, TNO is an in-depth website, featuring a variety of food and drink specials, live music, and event calendars to Tucson’s favorite local businesses. For more information visit www.tucsonnightout.com, call 975-7322 or send an email to jheintze@tucsonnightout.com.

05/23/2012 - Splash!

Wed, 23 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Colorful culinary creations will brighten this summer's most eye-catching events featuring fashion, food and visual arts. A kaleidoscope of visually striking sights will light up the night at the Splash! summer charity event benefiting the arts. The inaugural event will be presented by Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance on Saturday, June 2 from 6 to 10 p.m. at La Encantada shopping center. Attendees can enjoy the tastes and presentations of smoked salmon tartar with Meyer infused lemon oil and crispy asparagus from Union Public House, ceviche and blood orange margaritas from Blanco's Tacos + Tequila, Neapolitan style pizza with Stromboli from Mama's Famous Pizza and more. Ra Sushi Bar Restaurant, NoRTH Modern Italian Cuisine, Shlomo & Vito's, Liv Bistro, Campus Candy and Skyline Country Club will also serve their most vibrant appetizers, drinks and desserts. Splash! will present an array of artistic delights through a runway show featuring the seasons most colorful trends, live art demonstrations and a silent auction with huge discounts on performing and fine arts as well as other great items. Tickets - $70 per person - include cocktails and dinner samplings from participating restaurants, goodie bags with coupons and giveaways from Tucson businesses, a first look at new summer and fall clothing lines from La Encantada, live musical entertainment, community runway show and access to the silent auction. All proceeds from the silent auction and the main event will go to school arts programs and keeping community art events alive in the region. The silent auction will offer two tickets to "Mummenschanz" from UA Presents, handmade tillandsia and succulents in a terra cotta cluster pot from the local artist Bella Fiore Custom Designs, a designer portrait service from Jon Wolf Photography, a leather bracelet from Pandora, two tickets to a Tucson Symphony Orchestra performance and four tickets in the baseline reserve an Arizona Diamondbacks game. The auction will also feature getaways from Lodge on the Desert, Embassy Suites Paloma Village, Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort and much more. Fashions on the runway will display an array of colors from La Encantada retailers, presenting the summer's most vivid styles from Cache, Pandora, Coldwater Creek, Clarks, Tommy Bahama, Bebe, Illori, PAWSH Pet Boutique, Fringe Hair Studios and Aveda. Local artists will create brilliantly vibrant abstract and modern paintings onsite during the event, as attendees watch them in action. After the artists showcase their live art and paintings demonstrations, their artwork will be auctioned and sold. Pulsating and energetic music will play from the main stage in the center courtyard as models strut down the catwalk during the runway show. When: Saturday, June 2 from 6 to 10 p.m. Where: Lower courtyard of La Encantada shopping center, northwest corner of Skyline Drive and Campbell Avenue Cost: $70 per person ($50 from each tick is tax deductible) Online: http://saaca.org/SPLASH.html Phone: (520) 797-3959

03/10/2012 - Basketball Conference Championships

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Basketball Fans love March Madness. But some of the madness can be trying to watch multiple games at the same time. Switching between games you can miss some of the big plays on one game while you are watching another. Get out of the house and over to one of many locally owned sports bars where you can watch all the games at once. And don't miss the Arizona Wildcats today as they try to play their way into the field of 68. Click on our link to some of the best places to watch the games this weekend. http://bitly.com/eXOnKt

03/06/2012 - Live Theatre

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Tucson is very blessed to have so many incredible venues for Live Theatre. And even more amazing than that is the acting talent that makes it even better. You can find all the areas of Live Theatre on our website. We do our very best to keep you up to date on all the Live Theatre taking place here in Tucson. Starting next week on Friday, 4/16/12 is Radium at the Beowulf Alley Theatre. Why don't you enjoy dinner downtown at one of Tucson's best locally owned restaurants and then a show at Beowulf. And thanks for supporting all of Tucson's locally owned Restaurant, Bars, Bands, Live Theatre and Entertainment.

03/02/2012 - Dance Party Tonight

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Still Cruisin' features GOODTIME '60's Rock & Roll at it's BEST. Great DANCE Music - Great Location - Great Venue PLUS No Cover, No Minimum! We have a brand new version of Still Cruisin' ROADTRIP, tomorrow, from 6 to 8 PM. Aside from Duncan Still on Keys, Stevie J on 6 and 12-string electric, we've added Eric Mellon (from the Sonic Boomers and Leisure Brothers) on bass and lead. It is really incredible! (Plus there's never a cover or minimum at the NEW El Con Club and Grill at Randolph!)

10/21/2011 - Brushfire on 22nd is on fire

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

I had lunch today at the new Brushfire location on Kolb and 22nd. Got there right at noon and the line was long, but moved at a good pace. Great Brushfire menu with plenty of selections. I chose the Beef Brisket with Bold and Sweet sauce. The brisket was very tender and tasty and the sauce was not too bold and just the right amount of sweet for me. I thought the fries were excellent. Fresh, hot, crispy and I loved their seasoning, just a little spice and a tiny bit of sweetness mixed in. And I'm really excited about their cinnamon iced tea. It's already sweetened, just right for me, but you can always add some regular tea to tone it down. I'm looking forward to my next visit for the loaded backed potato or the messy fries...tough decision. Overall it was a very good experience, I like the set up, the decor was simple but nice and a small bar with a couple of TV's if you just want to have a drink or sit and watch a game.

02/18/2011 - Picazzo's Pizza Re-opens today

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Picazzo’s ReOPENS TUCSON LOCATION Updates include a swanky new patio, interior lighting, and décor,a brand new staff, and a unique happy hour menu featuring $5 plates. TUCSON (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE) – After three months of renovations, Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen in Tucson is reopening its doors at 11 a.m. Friday, February 18, and encouraging Tucson foodies hungry for organic pizza, pasta, and salads to stop by and experience a new team, updated décor, and a unique happy hour menu featuring seven $5 plates. “Tucson is a great location, and our guests there love to eat healthy,” says Picazzo’s founder Rick Freedman. “When the franchisee was no longer able to run the restaurant, I decided to buy it and renovate it myself.” In addition to updated paint, lighting, and décor items inside the dining room and bar areas, the Tucson Picazzo’s also sports a swanky new outdoor patio complete with umbrellas and plants. “I’m excited to be part of the team, and we’ve hired some great people,” says Ernesto Torres, a Tucson native and new general manager of the Tucson Picazzo’s. “And our new happy hour menu will give new and returning guests something they haven’t seen before.” The new happy hour menu, unique to the Tucson location, will feature seven $5 plates in addition to drink specials served daily from 3 to 6 p.m. throughout the restaurant. The $5 plates include Picazzo’s popular baked wings, in addition to new food creations like Anaheim stuffed baked peppers with sausage, meatball sliders, smoked chicken, and organic vegetable wraps and dolmas. Five of the seven items have a gluten-free option. The Love Potion, Picazzo’s popular signature cocktail for February, will also be offered for $5, in addition to discounts on wine and beer. Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen in Tucson is located on 7850 North Oracle Road, Oro Valley, in the shopping center with Trader Joe’s. Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen provides a natural and health-conscious approach to Italian cuisine in an upscale yet casual atmosphere with gluten-free options on nearly all menu items. Restaurants are open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Outdoor patios are available for lunch, dinner, and special occasions. Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen was founded in 2002 and includes eight restaurants throughout Arizona. For more information, e-mail info@picazzos.com, or visit www.picazzos.com.

12/10/2010 - TucsonNightOut now has a phone app!

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 08:00:00 GMT

TucsonNightOut is excited to announce the release of our first phone app for the Android called MyNightOut. This FREE app allows the user to search for specials and events in Tucson and other cities. If GPS is enabled, the app automatically selects TucsonNightOut here in Tucson or the nearest Night Out city if you are somewhere else. If not or if the user wants to search another city, they can select their desired city from a list. You can search any category and date. Each listing includes a linked phone number, address, description, full event listing, full profile listing, email, and website. An iPhone app is currently in development and will be available in the near future as well. To get your App, click here or on the link at the top of this page.