Noshing Around

Primavera Cooks!

The Primavera Foundation and Tucson Originals announce the 2008 season of Primavera Cooks!, a series of multicourse dining events paired with wine, running from May to September. People who like to cook may sign up as apprentice chefs for $250 per event and perform under the tutelage of professional chefs. Diners pay $125 per person (includes gratuity). All of the apprenticeship costs and a portion of the dinners are tax-deductible. Funds raised directly benefit Primavera's programs and services, helping low-income, homeless and at-risk people obtain self-sufficiency and find dignity in their lives. The event kicks off Wednesday, May 21, with dinner at Janos. To reserve, call 623-5111, ext. 101; visit www.primavera.org/events_cooks.php for more information.


Teacher Appreciation Day

National Teacher Day is Tuesday, May 6. All Arizona Chipotle Mexican Grill locations are offering teachers with current teacher identification a free burrito, bowl, taco or salad, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Chipotle uses sustainably grown and naturally raised ingredients. Visit www.chipotle.com to find the nearest location, and www.teacherthankyoucard.org to find out how to say thank you to your teachers.


Local Teen in Cooking Competition

Sahuaro High School senior Kenny Woods won the Art Institute of Tucson's Best Teen Chef Local Cook-Off Competition, held April 12. The Tucson competition was conducted by the International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Tucson, located at 5099 E. Grant Road. Woods received a $3,000 tuition scholarship to attend the Art Institute of Tucson and will move on to the final round of competition in Las Vegas on May 17. Good luck, Kenny!


Dining in the Dark

On Saturday, May 10, Sun Sounds hosts an inaugural fundraising event at the new Desert Diamond Casino Hotel. After mingling and a silent auction, guests will be blindfolded while eating a three-course meal in the dark. Reservations are required by calling 296-2400; the cost is $125. Special guests include Cele Peterson. Sun Sounds bridges the information gap between current print media and people who cannot use them because of their disability. The trend of dining in the dark started in Germany. Restaurants O. Noir in Montreal and Opaque--Dining in the Dark in West Hollywood employ legally blind wait staffers.