Noshing Around

Another Culinary Throwdown

The Healthy Iron Chef Competition will be heating things up at the American Home Show at the Tucson Convention Center from Friday, Jan. 4, through Sunday, Jan. 6. Participants will include Tucson-area high school culinary program teams as well as teams from Pima Community College and The Art Institute of Tucson battling it out in the Junior category. Professional chefs will also be on hand, with Albert Hall of Acacia restaurant taking on Maria Mezon of Boca at 4 p.m. on Saturday and Aris Cabrera of Quail Creek Country Club up against Jesse Bright of Social House Kitchen at noon on Sunday.


Bento Boxes on Ina Road

A "casual Asian" restaurant has opened at 4299 W. Ina Road. Zento Box specializes in bento-style meals. The restaurant building, which most recently housed China Box, has a drive-through from its days as an Arby's, but a sign at Zento Box says the drive-through won't be used. Japanese, Korean and Chinese options are on the menu.


Going and Coming

The Famous Sam's at First Avenue and Prince Road has closed, as has Dicky's Barbecue Pit, 4210 N. First Ave. A martial arts studio now fills the spot at 4825 N. First Ave. that once was home to La Cocina de Gabby and Brundog's Zy-de-que Cajun and Barbeque. A Panda Express is supposed to open soon at Campbell Avenue and Glenn Street.


47 Scott Extends Cocktail Menu; Hacienda Del Sol Visits Argentina

47 Scott has added a few signature cocktails to the menu. Inventive twists on eight classic cocktails (including the Brick House Old Fashioned with bacon-washed rye) are now available for your sipping pleasure.

The focus is on Argentina, Sunday, Jan. 20, at Hacienda Del Sol, 5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Road. Argentine Heart and Soul features food and wine pairings from the land of the gauchos. The event runs from 4 to 7 p.m. and costs $55 per person. For more info or reservations, call 529-3500.