Noshing Around

Love and Chocolate

You can't buy love, but you can barter for it with a big box of chocolates. With this in mind, we direct you to the fantastic Valentine's Day offerings at Sabino Artisan Chocolates, 10110 N. Oracle Road, Suite 140. This year, the boutique chocolate shop has truly outdone itself with bonbons made from rich milk chocolate, chocolate-covered strawberries and other things guaranteed to make a lover's heart skip a beat. The chocolates are as delectable as they are gorgeous, and the shop often offers offbeat items like chocolate-covered bacon, too. The bonbons have to be ordered by Friday, Feb. 10; 989-0466; www.sabinochocolates.com.


New: Jackson's Gastropub and Grille

The term "gastropub" gets tossed around so much that it can be difficult to know what it means. You might think it implies high-quality food and an upscale-pub atmosphere, but that is not always the case. At the new Jackson's Gastropub and Grille, 8245 N. Silverbell Road, there are hints that the owner is trying to toss his hat into the gastropub ring, but the food and atmosphere fall squarely in the sports-bar category. The beer selection has all the usual suspects; decorations are promotional beer schwag; and karaoke fills the air on weekends. This seemed fine with the numerous people enjoying themselves there on a recent night, but those seeking a gastropub might leave a bit underwhelmed.


Coming Soon: Train Wreck Saloon

A new bar called the Train Wreck Saloon, at 213 N. Fourth Ave., holds its grand opening Wednesday, Feb. 15. The bar is shooting for a rural Southern vibe—sort of a country version of the various college bars in the area. "Train Wreck guests don't drink martinis—they drink beer and bourbon, the stuff they were raised on and the same stuff they can put in their cooler for the races or when they are fishing," reads the saloon's Facebook page. "No need for the good stuff; the cheap stuff does the job—as long as a hot girl is pouring it."


Coming Soon: Cinco de Mayo

A new eatery called Cinco de Mayo Mexican Restaurant and Seafood is setting up shop at 3535 E. Fort Lowell Road, where a Las Cazuelitas used to be. No opening date is posted, but the banner outside says it won't be long.