Dog Days of Summer
You know what dogs dream about during those marathon naps? Eateries that understand their needs, like the Cereal Boxx (943 E. University Blvd., Suite 101). With a puppy pool outside and complimentary treats inside, you'll have no problem staying on your dog's good side. The Cereal Boxx has also started serving bagels, wraps and baked potatoes in addition to their massive assortment of breakfast cereal; 622-2699.
In other dog-dining news ... all three Xoom Juice locations now serve a smoothie for that special four-legged someone. The "paw shake" (ha!) is an 8-ounce blend of water, peanut butter, oat bran and banana that fetches $3. Visit www.xoomjuice.com for more info.
Angelina's Closes; Agave Opens
Angelina's Ristorante (12152 Rancho Vistoso Blvd., No. 170) is now Agave Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Lounge. Many found it strange that Angelina's served tapas and pizza, but award-winning pizza chef Erich Chapman put out such great pizza that nobody seemed to mind. Agave serves Mexican food and pizza—an even stranger pairing—and with Chapman gone, we'll have to see how everything pans out. Agave does have a huge tequila selection; 742-9595.
New Sushi on Speedway
Monty's Bistro and Pizzeria (4210 E. Speedway Blvd.) has closed, and a sushi joint has risen in its place. The new place is called Kazoku Sushi (Kazoku means "family" in Japanese), and a tour with co-owner Uni Vawser revealed a clean and simple interior lit by white paper lanterns. Japanese elements—such as a painting of Mount Fuji—are being worked into the murals on the inside walls, and the kitchen is sparkling and ready for action. Vawser hopes the restaurant will be open by mid-August; 777-6249.
Prickly Pear Margaritas 101
Prickly pears are ripening, and that means there are margaritas to be made. Here's how we do it: Use a pair of tongs to harvest some plump, ripe prickly pears. Burn off ALL of the tiny needles; put the fruit in a pan; and cover with water. Boil until soft; mash, strain and sweeten to taste; mix with tequila, lime juice and a whisper of triple sec. Drink copious amounts while raving about the bounty provided by the Sonoran Desert. Repeat as necessary. Visit the recipe section of desertusa.com for more prickly pear ideas.
