Noshing Around

Grazefest

Pasture-raised foods have gained popularity, finding their way into high-end eateries and homes alike. Some of the folks responsible for producing those foods locally will be on hand with samples and information from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, March 7, at the Oro Valley Farmers' Market (11000 N. La Cañada Drive). The event takes place again from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, March 8, at the Tucson Farmers' Market at St. Philip's Plaza (4380 N. Campbell Ave.). Call 918-9811, or visit the Farmers' Market Web site for more information.


Wine, Whiskey and Art

Goodfellas, Café Paraiso, Espresso Art, Vila Thai and a number of other nearby businesses double as art galleries when the Vila Art Foundation and Main Gate Square team up for the First Thursday Art Walk from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 5. Enjoy live music by the Carnivaleros and the UA Percussion Club, or help out with a public mural between Dunkin' Donuts and Silver Mine Subs. You'll likely be parched, so head down to Vila Thai for a $5 wine tasting, or the Auld Dubliner Pub and Restaurant for a whiskey-tasting that'll only cost you a penny. Main Gate Square is located on University Boulevard between Park and Euclid avenues. Call 622-8613 for more information.


Irish Stew Cook-Off

Get a jump on the St. Patrick's Day revelry with an Irish stew cook-off on the patio of Maynards Market and Kitchen (400 N. Toole Ave.) from 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday, March 8. $10 buys you a place at the tasting and a plate full of corned beef, soda bread and dessert. Guinness, Smithwick's and Kilt Lifter will be available for purchase, and organizer John Flanagan promises live Irish music. Call 623-9922, or visit the Tucson St. Patrick's Day Web site for more info. Check next week's column for more info on St. Patrick's Day festivities.


Pizza for Pets

A percentage of all sales made at Eclectic Pizza on Wednesday, March 11, will benefit the ACTion for Animals fundraiser, which helps raise money for numerous pet-friendly programs. Eclectic Pizza is located at 7065 E. Tanque Verde Road. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., daily; 886-0484.


Closings

Casbah Teahouse has closed after 13 years at 624 N. Fourth Ave. Café Ramey, 1661 N. Swan Road, has also closed.