Noshing Around

Havana Nights

Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails is highlighting the dishes of Havana through Sept. 2 as part of its "Downtowns Around the Globe" summer promotion. The menu features such Cubano-inspired dishes as cubano tomato gazpacho with crab, and spice-rubbed, guava-glazed pork belly. Specialty cocktails include mojitos and cubano coolers. The restaurant, at 135 S. Sixth Ave., also features happy hour specials from 4 to 6 p.m. daily. For more info, go to downtownkitchen.com.

Party Like It's the 1980s

R.J's Replays, 5769 E. Speedway Blvd., is holding a karaoke contest with a live band starting at 9 p.m. on Wednesdays. Local band 80's and Gentlemen will back up patrons willing to showcase their singing talents (or lack thereof) for a chance at prizes. Customers and band members vote to determine the winner. R.J.'s has nightly drink specials, including $2.25 pints and $2 well drinks. Between your rendition of Summer Nights and Hotel California, try some of their chicken wings, tossed in house-made sauces.

Grillers Expanding to Brick and Mortar

The popular cheesesteak and burger truck, Serial Grillers, is expanding to a second location, this time one without wheels, located at 5737 E. Speedway Blvd. Somewhat similar to their existing food truck business, the new joint will be takeout and delivery only, but will offer a different menu than their mobile location, but thankfully keeps up the truck's horror film naming conventions for their pizzas, cold deli subs, calzones, paninis and salads. More info can be found on the new location's Facebook page (facebook.com/serialgrillerstakeout).

Have a Shot of Kurij

Tucson native Alex Deo and two other local residents (one of them a dentist) have launched a new soda named Kurij (pronounced "courage"). It is a tooth-friendly, gluten-free, vegan, low-calorie soda that doesn't taste like a diet drink. It also makes for a great mixer that they have aptly dubbed "Liquid Kurij." You can find their product at MaFooCo food trucks, Borderlands Brewing and kurij.com. The owners are hoping to have their products in natural food stores and grocery stores soon.