Friday, May 7, 2010

Coming Soon to Fourth Avenue: Tiki Tim’s Grill

Posted By on Fri, May 7, 2010 at 2:44 PM

The Hut, the tiki-themed bar at 305 N. Fourth Ave., will soon be home to a funky, island-themed restaurant that will operate out of a 1970s Airstream trailer.

Tiki Tim’s Grill is still under construction, says owner, chef and builder Timothy Stevens, but should be up and running sometime this summer.

Long-time patrons of the Hut may remember that Stevens once ran what he calls an “illegitimate hamburger stand” at the bar several years ago. He started off small, but people went crazy for his gourmet burgers, and word spread. That was a good thing—until the Pima County Health Department caught wind of it and shut him down.

Stevens, who has a culinary degree and more than 10 years in the business, is getting permitted, inspected and licensed this time around. He bought a 20-foot Airstream trailer and converted it into a kitchen (he’s weeks away from completion), and the health department has already signed off on the menu.

“It’s going to be a sight to see,” said Stevens.

Tiki Tim’s Grill will serve a menu inspired by surf and island culture. Burgers will be topped with grilled pineapple; salads will be filled with tropical ingredients; and foods from Guam, Tahiti, Jamaica and other island locales will eventually find their way onto the menu.

He’ll also sell hot wings, hot dogs, salads and grilled pizzas. The eatery is expected to open around happy hour, Thursday through Sunday.