Calendar and restaurant listings for the week of July 30

SPECIAL EVENTS

THURSDAY, JULY 31

• Participate in the holistic movement practice known as “dancing chi” and hear the poetry of Eleanor Kedney during Asian Night. Details: 6:30 p.m.; Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way; $7 for adults, $3 for those ages 4-12; 326-9686.

THURSDAY, AUG. 1

• Enjoy the 1959 movie “Some Like it Hot” while sitting under the stars. Details: immediately after sunset, Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, 7000 N. Resort Drive; free; 299-2020.

FRIDAY, AUG. 2

• Learn about rain water collection and get answers to your questions about plants at a plant and water harvesting clinic. Details: 8:30-11 a.m.; Oro Valley Ace Hardware, 11921 N. First Ave; free; 297-0222.

• Hear the presentation  “Arizona Volcanoes”  by Arizona Geological Survey Section Chief Michael Conway about the past 15 million years of volcanic activity in Arizona. Details: 7 and 8 p.m.; Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road; free with park admission; 883-2702.

SATURDAY, AUG. 3

• Shop for fresh produce, bread, pastries, tamales and salsa at the  Oro Valley Farmers Market.  Details: 8 a.m.-noon; Oro Valley Town Hall, 11000 N. La Cañada Drive; free; 400-9992.

SUNDAY, AUG. 4

• Shop for fresh produce, bread, beef, lamb and tamales at the  St. Philip’s Plaza Farmers Market.  Details: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; St. Philip’s Plaza, 4380 N. Campbell Ave.; free; 400-9992.

TUESDAY, AUG. 5

• Learn about plants in Arizona that can catch and digest prey during  ”The Weird World of Carnivorous Plants.”  Details: 6-7:30 p.m.; Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way; $15 for nonmembers, $12 for members; 326-9686.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 6

• Learn how to save energy from Katharine Kent, president of The Solar Store, during the program  ”Be Energy Efficient.”  Details: 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way; $15 for nonmembers, $12 for members; 326-9686.

FRIDAY, AUG. 9

• Learn about how to plant cuttings during a  plant propagation clinic.  Details: 9-10 a.m.; Oro Valley Ace Hardware, 11921 N. First Ave.; free; 297-0222.

BOOKS

THURSDAY, AUG. 7

• Catch the New York Times best-selling writer J.A. Jance, a Tucson resident, discussing and signing her newest book,  “Damage Control.”  Details: 7 p.m.; Barnes and Noble bookstore, 7325 N. La Cholla Blvd.; free; 742-6402.

FRIDAY, AUG. 8

• Attend the same  J.A. Jance book-signing event as on Thursday, Aug. 7, just at a different time and location. Details: 8 p.m.; Borders Books and Music, 4235 N. Oracle Road; free; 292-1331.

CHILDREN

THURSDAY TO SATURDAY,

 JULY 31-AUG. 2

• Paint a flowerpot during  craft time  at the Tucson Children’s Museum and see exhibits. Details: 11:30 a.m.; Tucson Children’s Museum, 200 S. Alvernon Way; $7 for adults, $5 for those ages 2-18 and seniors; 792-9985.

VISUAL ART

FRIDAY, AUG. 1

• Attend a  meet-the-artists reception  at The Green Javelina and enjoy conversation, wine and snacks. Details: 5:30-7:30 p.m.; 1210 American Ave. in Oracle; free; (520) 896-2810.

THROUGH AUG. 17

• See work of 23 artists from the Southwest that offers a closer-than-usual glimpse of some of the smallest creatures on earth during the exhibit  “Artful Insects and Inspired Arachnids.”  Details: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; Tohono Chul Park, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte; free with park admission; 742-6455.

THROUGH AUG. 30

• Catch a diverse  salon-style exhibit  featuring paintings, sculptures and glass art, along with a permanent collection of copper vessels, rugs and jewelry. Details: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays; Tangerine Gallery, 2522 E. Fort Lowell Road; free; 326-5028.

THROUGH SEPT. 9

• See artwork by area youth during the exhibit  “That’s Artrageous: Works by Student Artists.”  Details: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; Tohono Chul Park, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte; free with park admission; 742-6455.

THROUGH SEPT. 30

• View the exhibit  “Postage Stamps: A Global View of Prehistoric History”  featuring a private collection of stamps from places around the world, including Malaysia, Japan and parts of Africa, that depict the prehistoric Earth. Details: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily; Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way; free with park admission; 326-9686.

THROUGH JUNE 2009

• See the exhibit  “Weaving: Native Baskets and Blankets,”  which features pieces from Tohono Chul Park’s permanent collection. Details: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; 7366 N. Paseo del Norte; free with park admission; 742-6455.

RESTAURANTS

AJ’S FINE FOOD BISTRO

2805 E. Skyline Drive

Phone: 232-6340

Cuisine: Bistro

The patio at AJ’s Fine Foods offers a resting spot for hungry shoppers. Dine on prime rib, grilled salmon or pastries while seated near the market’s outside fireplace or take dinner home.

Open daily 6 a.m.-9 p.m.

ANGELINA'S

12252 N. Rancho Vistoso Blvd.

Phone: 742-9595

Cuisine: International tapas and pizza

Angelina’s serves international tapas, entrees and gourmet pizzas. Live entertainment on weekends and signature Martinis and drinks. Open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 11a.m.-1a.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.-9 p.m.

BAGGIN’S GOURMET SANDWICHES

6342 N. Oracle Road

Phone: 575-8878

11015 N. Oracle Road

Phone: 547-2839

Cuisine: Deli

Voted Tucson’s best sandwich spot for 15 years, Baggins serves creative fare in a brown bag and always tucks in a cookie. Southwestern-style sandwiches include the Hopi and the Albuquerque Turkey.

Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

BAYOU CAFE

5819 N. Oracle Road

Phone: 408-3498

Cuisine: Cajun

On the menu at Bayou Café, you’ll encounter such dishes as Bayou Devil Dog and Debris. The paintings on the walls of this classy Gulf Coast café depict scenes from the Deep South, and the spices in the food pack a punch.

Open Tuesday-Saturday 6 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sunday 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

BAZIL’S

4777 E. Sunrise Drive

Phone: 577-3322

Cuisine: Italian

The faux Tiffany glass and dark wood at Bazil’s go together to create a relaxed dining experience, and the varied wine list doesn’t hurt, either. Italian and Continental entrees arrive at the table with antipasto salad and pasta fagioli soup.

Open daily 5-10 p.m.

BENNER’S GRILL

8235 N. Silverbell Road

Phone: 572-8459

Cuisine: Grill

Benner’s Grill goes beyond burger-and-beer fare, serving a variety of seafood dishes as well. Its well-equipped bar has 16 taps.

Open daily 7 a.m.-11 p.m.

BLANCO TACOS + TEQUILA

2905 E. Skyline Drive

Phone: 232-1007

Cuisine: Mexican

Mexican food gets a makeover at this modern eatery with snazzy ingredients such as desmenuzado chicken and chipotle shrimp. The bar harbors almost 30 premium tequilas.

Open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

BLUEFIN SEAFOOD BISTRO

7053 N. Oracle Road

Phone: 531-8500

Cuisine: Seafood

Arched windows and cozy booths may stir up romantic conversation in this Casas Adobes Plaza restaurant, which features live music on weekends and a varied fish menu.

Open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

BLUEPOINT KITCHEN

2905 E. Skyline Drive

Phone: 577-6000

Cuisine: Seafood

The menu at Bluepoint Kitchen offers a wide selection of raw bar favorites, shellfish and prime steaks, not to mention a variety of draft bears, signature martinis and fine wines.

Open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-midnight

BRUNDOG’S ZY-DE-QUE

4825 N. First Ave.

Phone: 887-2333

Cuisine: Cajun

Chef Tom “Brundog” Brunner’s love for layers of flavor, spicy food and pork led him to create a restaurant for his dream cuisine, which marries herbs, spices, hot peppers and other secret ingredients. It’s also a place for people to fill up on hospitality and make new friends.

Open Monday-Saturday 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

BUBB’S GRUB

16010 N. Oracle Road

Phone: 825-6510

Cuisine: Barbecue

Bubb’s Big Ten saloon features a full bar and access to DirecTV, College Game Plan and NFL Sunday Ticket. The dining room serves Texas-style barbecue, steaks and seafood.

Open Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. ; Sunday 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

CAFÉ JASPER

6370 N. Campbell Ave.

Phone: 577-0326

Cuisine: Café

Billed as “homemade Western American food,” the fare at Café Jasper inevitably includes salsa and black beans. For local color, order the Chihuahuan chicken salad or Coronado club sandwich and eat it next to the Southwestern fireplace.

Open Tuesday-Saturday 6:30-11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Sunday 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

CAFFE TORINO

10325 N. La Cañada Drive

Phone: 219-2994

Cuisine: Café

Specialties include panini sandwiches and fresh brewed LavAzza Italian coffee.

Open Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sunday 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

CANDELA RESTAURANT

5845 N. Oracle Road

Phone: 407-0111

Cuisine: Peruvian

The chef’s attentiveness to food presentation makes lunch at Candela Restaurant an artful experience. Dark walls adored with Latin-American art add a layer of class. Try the plantain chips in aji sauce for a taste of Peru.

Open Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 5-9 p.m.

CHANTILLY TEA ROOM

5185 N. Genematas Drive

Phone: 622-3303

Cuisine: Café

At the Chantilly Tea Room, you can linger over high tea in the Parlor, Bayberry Room or Rose Room, or enjoy lunch complemented by a savory scone and herbed clotted cream.

Open Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

EL CHARRO GRILL

100 W. Orange Grove Road

Phone: 615-1922

Cuisine: Mexican

Established in 1922, El Charro Café is the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant in continuous operation by the same family. It features Sonoran style and a menu that evolves with the times.

Open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

CIBARIA CUCINA ITALIANA

12985 N. Oracle Road

Phone: 825-2900

Cuisine: Italian

Made to look like a small bistro in Italy, Cibria Cucina Italiana offers a wide selection of Italian wines and a view of the chefs at work in their exhibition kitchen. Specialties include baked basa served over capellini pasta in a lemon cream sauce with tomatoes, asparagus heads and three jumbo tiger shrimp.

Open Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4:30-9 p.m.

COACH’S DELI

1745 E. River Road

Phone: 297-0773

Cuisine: Deli

You don’t have to fly the friendly skies for an authentic Philadelphia cheese steak or Italian grinder. Coach’s Deli offers both plus mealtime access to televised sports.

Open Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

FRESCO PIZZERIA AND PASTARIA

4229 W. Ina Road

Phone: 744-0073

Cuisine: Pizza

Created from a palette of more than 50 pizza toppings, Fresco pizzas taste fresh because their makers believe in fresh ingredients. Other menu options include pasta entrees, fresh tossed salads, oven-baked parmesan-style subs and classic calzones.

Open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-midnight; Sunday noon-10 p.m.

FROST: A GELATO SHOPPE

7131 N. Oracle Road

Phone: 797-0188

Cuisine: Italian

All the ingredients minus the milk and sugar come straight from Italy. That’s what makes the gelato at this Casas Adobes Plaza shop authentic. The fact that it’s made fresh daily makes it memorable.

Open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

THE GALLERY GOLF CLUB

14000 N. Dove Mountain Boulevard

Phone: 744-7490

Cuisine: Contemporary American

The Gallery is a private club that for a limited time is open to outside guests. It offers unparalleled views and upscale décor, and the menu features seafood, steaks and pasta.

Open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

GOLD ROOM

245 E. Ina Road

Phone: 297-1151

Cuisine: Southwestern

Voted one of Tucson’s top five restaurants by Tucson Lifestyle Magazine, the Gold Room serves cuisine that reflects what’s in peak season. Stunning city views give dinner dates an added touch of elegance.

Open Monday through Saturday 7-11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 5:30 to 10 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 10 p.m.

GOLDEN DRAGON RESTAURANT

4704 E. Sunrise Drive

Phone: 299-8088

Cuisine: Chinese

Generous portions, good prices and a widely varied menu make Golden Dragon Restaurant a good stop for Chinese food.

Open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday noon-10 p.m.; Sunday noon-9:30 p.m.

GRILL AT HACIENDA DEL SOL

5601 N. Hacienda del Sol Road

Phone: 529-3500

Cuisine: Contemporary American

Awarded by Tucson Lifestyle Magazine as the best place to take out-of-town guests, the grill makes use of vegetables, herbs and fruits picked daily on its premises. Menu items include truffle port demi glace, roasted garlic and caramelized cipollini onion risotto.

Open Monday-Saturday 5:30-10 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5:30-10 p.m.

GRUMPY’S GRILL BURGERS,

BASKETS AND BEER

2960 W. Ina Road

Phone: 297-5452

Cuisine: American

Adventurous eaters gravitate toward the hamburger slathered with peanut butter. But Grumpy’s also serves the usual grill fare complete with beer on tap.

Open Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday

7 a.m.-9 p.m.

JANOS

3770 E. Sunrise Drive

Phone: 615-6100

Cuisine: Southwestern

French-inspired Southwestern cuisine blends French technique with the dynamic flavors of chilies, corn and herbs. Gardeners in Southern Arizona provide the vegetables, and much of the seafood and shrimp come from the Sea of Cortez.

Open Monday-Saturday 5:30-9:30 p.m.

LA OLLA

8551 N. Silverbell Road

Phone: 579-0950

Cuisine: Mexican

Owner Ken Gallardo’s mother passed down the Sonoran recipes used at La Olla. An open kitchen offers a view of chefs hard at work.

Open Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday noon-9 p.m.

LARIAT STEAKHOUSE

16666 N. Oracle Road

Phone: 825-9907

Cuisine: Steakhouse

Serving up steak and baby back ribs since 1948, this Catalina restaurant characterizes the Old West. Country and Western musicians perform every Friday and Saturday night.

Open daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

LAROCCA’S CLASSIC

ITALIAN CUISINE

5689 N. Swan Road

Phone: 299-4301

Cuisine: Italian

The Larocca family takes pride in its tradition of heart-healthy food prepared fresh. Entres are baked in stone ovens, and stocks are made the old fashioned way.

Open daily 5:30-10 p.m.

LAS MARGARITAS RESTAURANT

6011 N. Oracle Road

Phone: 297-8341

Cuisine: Mexican

Las Margaritas features Sonoran-style Mexican food made from scratch and served in a casual setting. A gift shop displays Spanish tiles, colorful vases and other Mexican curios.

Open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

LEGENDS BAR AND GRILL

2727 W. Club Drive

Phone: 297-2271

Cuisine: American

Just off the 18th hole at the Omni Tucson National Resort, this upscale sports pub offers custom billiards and shuffleboard. The menu includes light soups, salads, sandwiches and a variety of microbrews and draft beers.

Open Sunday-Thursday 10:30 a.m.-midnight; Friday and Saturday 10:30-1 a.m.

LIL ABNER’S STEAK HOUSE

8501 N. Silverbell Road

Phone: 744-2800

Cuisine: Steakhouse

Built in 1947 as a hangout for cowboy ranchers, Lil Abner’s rejects the idea of a written menu and instead offers a simple choice of steak, chicken or racks of beef. In true cowboy fashion, guests are invited to pull out pocketknives and carve their names in the bar.

Open Sunday-Thursday 5-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 5-11 p.m.

LOOKOUT BAR AND GRILLE

245 E. Ina Road

Phone: 297-1151

A dazzling nighttime view of Tucson gives Westward Look Resort’s bar and grill a touch of romance. The drink list includes an array of tequilas.

Open daily 3-10 p.m.

MANDARIN GRILL

8330 N. Thornydale Road

Phone: 797-6882

Cuisine: Chinese

This family-owned restaurant relies on Mandarin and Cantonese recipes handed down through generations. The sesame chicken is a hit.

Open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday noon-9 p.m.

MARIA BONITA

MEXICAN RESTAURANT

5851 N. Oracle Road

Phone: 293-6588

Cuisine: Mexican

Hailed as a great restaurant to visit by Tucson Lifestyle Magazine, Maria Bonita cooks up Sonoran-style dishes in a casual environment.

Open Sunday-Thursday 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

MAY FLOWER CHINESE

RESTAURANT

6462 N. Oracle Road

Phone: 544-0495

Cuisine: Chinese

Cantonese, Szechuan and Mandarin dishes make up the menu at this family-owned restaurant. The mango seafood with scallops and shrimp is a specialty.

Open Sunday and Monday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9:15 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

MCCLINTOCK’S

3755 W. Conrads Way

Phone: 579-2100

Cuisine: Contemporary American

Savor the beauty of a desert sunset with appetizers and drinks on the rooftop, or let the crisp evening air nudge you toward an elegant table inside. McClintock’s offers organic American cuisine, domestic cigars and an extensive list of wines.

Open Sunday-Thursday 5-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5-11 p.m.

MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN

RESTAURANT

7850 N. Oracle Road

Phone: 878-9400

Cuisine: Mediterranean

The best of Syrian, Turkish and Lebanese cuisine come together at this restaurant, which specializes in lamb dishes but also offers vegetarian fare. Go in the evening, and you may encounter belly dancers.

Open Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday and Monday 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

METROPOLITAN GRILL

7892 N. Oracle Road

Phone: 531-1212

Cuisine: Grill

Experience the buzz of one of Tucson’s busier bars and dine on prime rib, pork chops or chicken roasted on the wood-fired rotisserie. The Metropolitan Grill also specializes in gourmet pizzas baked in a brick oven.

Open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

MISS SAIGON BAR AND GRILL

4650 W. Ina Road

Phone: 572-6560

Cuisine: Vietnamese

Bold flavors characterize Miss Saigon Bar and Grill, the second location of Miss Saigon on Campbell Avenue. The restaurant features standard Vietnamese cuisine and a complement of Thai dishes.

Open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. and Sunday noon-9:30 p.m.

MI TIERRA RESTAURANT

16238 N. Oracle Road

Phone: 825-3040

Cuisine: Mexican

Since 1986, Mi Tierra in Catalina has served up the flavors of Old Mexico in a fun and friendly environment. The salsa and margaritas are specialties.

Open Monday 4-8:30 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday noon-8:30 p.m.

MY BIG FAT GREEK RESTAURANT

395 W. River Road

Phone: 888-0428

Cuisine: Greek

At My Big Fat Greek Restaurant, warm Greek hospitality meets Mediterranean recipes generous with olive oil, fresh ingredients, herbs, and culinary secrets cherished and kept for thousands of years.

Open daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

NEO OF MELAKA

1765 E. River Road

Phone: 299-7815

Cuisine: Asian

A fusion of ancient cultures gave rise to the Malaysian cuisine served at Neo of Melaka. With contemporary designs in the forefront and down-temp melodic beats in the background, the dimly lit eatery suits large parties and intimate gatherings.

Open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

NORTH RESTAURANT

2995 E. Skyline Drive

Phone: 299-1600

Cuisine: Italian

NORTH provides a contemporary approach to modern Italian cuisine with wood-fired pizzas, inventive pasta dishes and a carefully chosen wine list. Its sleek interior and sexy atmosphere give it an urban feel.

Open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday noon-3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.

OLD PUEBLO GRILLE

7401 N. La Cholla Blvd.

Phone: 297-1999

Cuisine: Southwestern

The menu of this rustic restaurant at the Foothills Mall blends Southwestern and contemporary American flavors. The tequila wall includes more than 60 varieties of the agave-derived beverage, and specialty cocktails include prickly pear margaritas and classic martinis.

Open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

OLÉ MEXICAN GRILL

2080 W. Orange Grove Road

Phone: 219-7215

Cuisine: Mexican

A large matador painting greets guests at the entrance of Old Mexican Grill, a brightly colored restaurant with Sonoran-style food. The Chili Colorado is a specialty, with cubes of tender beef served over a red chili sauce.

Open daily 7-9 p.m.

RISKY BUSINESS

10515 N. Oracle Road

Phone: 531-0202

Cuisine: American

Risky Business serves ribs, burgers, chicken and shrimp dishes and Mediterranean pasta. Strategically placed television sets allow you to watch sports games while you eat.

Open Sunday-Wednesday 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Thursday 11 a.m.-midnight; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-1 a.m.

ROMA CAFFÉ

4140 W. Ina Road

Phone: 744-2929

Cuisine: Italian

With its arches, vines and faux stone walls, Roma Caffe evokes thoughts of the Mediterranean. All dinners come with the choice of salad, minestrone or the soup of the day.

Open Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday and Monday 4-9 p.m.

SAFFRON INDIAN BISTRO

7607 N. Oracle Road

Phone: 742-9100

Cuisine: Indian

Enter through Saffron Indian Bistro’s ornate, hundred-year-old Indian door, and you’ll find authentic cuisine cooked in a clay oven imported from India. Specialties include chicken tikka masala — slow-simmered chicken cooked in a fresh tomato-base sauce with a touch of cream.

Open daily 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.

SANTILLO’S BAR AND GRILL

8195 N. Oracle Road

Phone: 297-3454

Cuisine: Grill

Packed with New York memorabilia, this Buffalo-style bar and grill serves big deli sandwiches and a selection of Italian foods. The owner hails from Buffalo.

Open daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

SAUCE

7117 N. Oracle Road

Phone: 297-8575

Cuisine: Italian

Wine and gourmet pizza in a casual, hip setting make for a simple but sophisticated dining experience at Sauce. Sandwiches, pasta and salads round out the menu.

Open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

SHOGUN JAPANESE RESTAURANT

5036 N. Oracle Road

Phone: 888-6646

Cuisine: Japanese

Shogun Japanese Restaurant features sushi, tempura and teriyaki. Private rooms with beaded curtains and an inside fountain create ambiance.

Open Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday noon-10 p.m.

SPICE BISTRO

10325 N. La Cañada Drive

Phone: 297-3777

Cuisine: Southwestern

Spice Bistro, the sister restaurant of Caffe Torino, dresses up salads, seafood, chicken and vegetarian offerings with flavors of the Southwest. The food is savory, not spicy.

Open Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.; Saturday 5-9 p.m.

SUNNY SIDE UP CAFE

15800 N. Oracle Road

Phone: 818-1083

Cuisine: Café

Nothing says down-home charm like a collection of chickens. Examine the Sunny Side Up Café’s display of chicken knickknacks, gaze at the Santa Catalina Mountains, and dine on comfort foods including omelets and liver and onions.

Open daily 5:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

SUSHI ON ORACLE

6449 N. Oracle Road

Phone: 297-3615

Cuisine: Japanese

Sushi and sashimi make up the bulk of the menu at Sushi on Oracle. The chef’s sashimi special always affords extra-special presentation.

Open Tuesday-Thursday 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-9:30 p.m.; Friday 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Saturday noon-3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Sunday 5-9 p.m.

TATSU SUSHI

7332 N. Oracle Road

Phone: 219-6989

Cuisine: Japanese

Tatsu Sushi offers a variety of Japanese dishes in a hip lounge environment.

Open Monday-Thursday 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-9:30 p.m.; Friday 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Saturday 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sunday 5-9 p.m.

TAVOLINO

7090 N. Oracle Road

Phone: 531-1913

Cuisine: Italian

Specializing in simple, elegant food, Tavolino resembles an Italian neighborhood trattoria. It features fresh salads, homemade pasta, succulent roast meats and luscious desserts including affogato, which is a dish of vanilla gelato swimming in hot espresso.

Open Monday 5:30-9 p.m.; Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5:30-9 p.m.

TERRA COTTA

3500 Sunrise Drive

Phone: 577-8100

Cuisine: Southwestern

Accented with cool desert hues and a bar made of copper, Terra Cotta combines the fundamental ingredients of northern Mexico — chilies, corn, tomatoes, squash and beans — with classical French contemporary cooking techniques and presentation.

Open daily 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

TEXAS T-BONE STEAKHOUSE

8310 N. Thornydale Road

Phone: 572-5968

Cuisine: Steakhouse

Each table comes equipped with a bucket of peanuts that diners can nibble while slabs of Midwest-raised beef cook over an open flame. A bar provides televised sports entertainment.

Open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

TOHONO CHUL PARK TEA ROOM

7366 N. Paseo del Norte

Phone: 797-1222

Cuisine: Café

Housed in a handsome Spanish-colonial hacienda with a plant-filled courtyard, the tearoom serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea complete with clotted cream and scones. Regional specialties include prickly pear lemonade.

Open daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

TRATTORIA PINA

5541 N. Swan Road

Phone: 577-6992

Cuisine: Italian

Trattoria Pina’s menu features signature Italian dishes including spicy pastas and wine-drizzled lamb. Ask about the famous pope’s pillow.

Open Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Saturday 4:30-10 p.m.

VILLA MEXICAN FOOD

2840 W. Ina Road

Phone: 544-0015

Cuisine: Mexican

For 18 years, Villa Mexican Food has served authentic fare in the greater Tucson area. Tortillas are made fresh daily.

Open Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

VIN TABLA

2890 E. Skyline Drive

Phone: 577-6210

Cuisine: Contemporary American

Vin Tabla serves up carefully selected wines and four artisan-style market offerings — a raw-ice bar, salumi bar, cheese bar and petit four pastry bar.

Open daily 11 a.m.-midnight

ZINBURGER

1865 E. River Road

Phone: 299-7799

Cuisine: Contemporary

This sleek, contemporary restaurant with café seating and a cozy fireplace serves gourmet burgers and a carefully crafted selection of wines.

Open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-midnight

ZONA 78

78 W. River Road

Phone: 888-7878

Cuisine: Italian

The word “Zona” means “locality” in Italian, and the “78” comes from the restaurant’s original street address on River Road. Cooks at Zona 78 take pride in using fresh, local and organic ingredients whenever possible.

Open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday 4-9 p.m.