Something Sweet Receives Reprieve
Something Sweet Dessert Lounge (5319 E. Broadway Blvd.) was less than two days from closing for good when an unnamed person walked in and bought the business. The former owners, Beckey Hammon and Robin Barbara, are now the managers, and all of the employees are staying put. The menu will stay pretty much the same, although there's talk of adding sandwiches and other items. Hammon said about 600 people showed up for what was supposed to be the restaurant's last weekend.
New: Shades of Brew
A coffee shop called Shades of Brew has opened at 3605 W. Cortaro Farms Road. The shop takes its coffee seriously, using locally roasted beans and proper brewing techniques to create a nice selection of coffee drinks. There are all sorts of sandwiches and gourmet fudges to nosh on, too. Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday; and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday; 572-6265; www.shadesofbrew.com.
AgaveFest
This Cinco de Mayo, we recommend heading over to Hotel Congress (311 E. Congress St.) for AgaveFest, from 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday, May 5. The event features more than 40 top-shelf tequilas, mezcals and sotols, and there will be spirits experts and tequila-company executives offering tasting suggestions and information. Also included is a cocktail competition where you can watch talented mixologists flaunt their fanciest concoctions. $25 gets you in, and includes tastes of 12 different tequilas. There will be deals on food and music by Salvador Duran, too; www.hotelcongress.com.
New: 2 Cupcakes
If you're crazy for cupcakes, a visit to the new 2 Cupcakes is in order. The shop is found inside Melt: A Sandwich Shop at 5056 E. Broadway Blvd., and features a rotating selection of flavors like golden vanilla, red velvet, banana cream and others. The shop also offers cupcake-decorating classes; catch a glimpse of their cupcake artistry at www.2cupcakes.com. Call 443-0244 for hours or more information.
Coming Soon: Just Add Water Café
The new Just Add Water Café at 3067 N. Campbell Ave. isn't open yet, but it's getting close. We took a peek inside, and owner Alex Kollar has done wonders with the place. Kollar says the café will feature small plates, drinks of all sorts, baked goods and the mixes to make those baked goods.
