Zoofari Café
The concession stand at the Reid Park Zoo has been converted into Zoofari Café, a 2,000-square-foot, air-conditioned restaurant. Don Morgan, the executive chef, says the renovation cost about $350,000 and includes sustainably sourced items such as clay walls and bamboo-booth dividers. Expect Angus-beef hamburgers, Nathan's hot dogs, taco salads, burritos, rice, beans, nachos, a salad bar, corndogs, pretzels, churros and desserts. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily. An outdoor grilling area called Jaguar Junction also serves $1 hot dogs and other items on most weekends. Call 791-4022 for more information.
New Cajun Food
Don's Bayou Cajun Cooking has opened in a former plant nursery at 8991 E. Tanque Verde Road. We stopped in for lunch and found turtle stew, alligator nuggets, crawfish étouffée, fried catfish, jambalaya, chicken and seafood gumbos, barbecued pork and beef, frog legs, side dishes and dessert. The casual eatery has indoor seating for about 20 people, and more seating outside at picnic tables. Hours: 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday. Call 749-4410 for more information.
Eat More Pie
The Eat More Pie 2010 contest and party takes place Sunday, April 11, at the Dunbar Cultural Center, 325 W. Second St. There is no charge to enter pies in the contest, and slices will be available for $3—or two for $5—at the pie party after judging (in which I will be participating). Prizes will be awarded in several categories, and the winner of the Best of Show award will choose which local nonprofit receives the events' proceeds. Pies can be dropped off between 1 and 2 p.m. for judging; the party follows from 4 to 7 p.m. Visit www.pieparty.org for additional information.
Noshing Notes
Benihana (6091 N. Oracle Road), Chris' Café (110 S. Church Ave., in La Placita Village) and Wags Family Restaurant (4026 E. Grant Road) have closed. ... O'Hungry's Restaurant is coming soon to Main Gate Square. ... The owner of Nur Import Market at 3565 E. Speedway Blvd. says he's adding a deli to the store. ... Renovations at the Pima Air and Space Museum (6000 E. Valencia Road) include the addition of a restaurant, but officials said the opening is some time off.
