Changing the way we think about pizza
In case you were wondering if fast-casual pizza is a bona fide trend in Tucson, consider this: yet another national fast-casual chain is muscling into the market.
That brings to four the number of pizzerias that specialize in single-size made-to-order ready-in-minutes pies.
The latest entrant is fledgling California-born Pieology, which plans to open the first of five Tucson restaurants on Oct. 1 at 914 E. Speedway. It’s located directly behind another California fast-casual implant, Pizza Studio, which opened at 1031 N. Park Ave., in Next, a new high-rise student housing complex, in early August; and a couple miles from Tucson-based Pionic, which opened in early August at 2643 N. Campbell Ave.
“I think the market is strong enough to support not only Pizza Studio but Pieology, as well,” said Paul Lakers, a veteran Tucson restaurateur who is district manager of the Tucson Pieology locations. “I think you are going to see quick-serve pizza will be a revolution in dining options.”
Pieology will sell its 11-inch custom-made pies for $7.95, which seems to be the price point for its Tucson competitors, as well. Pieology, located next to Subway on the corner of Speedway and Park Avenue, operates exactly like its competitors, offering a choice of toppings, crusts, sauces and cheeses. Pies bake in 5 minutes or less.
Lakers said the Tucson restaurants are owned by Nicholas and Mimi Yuen from California, who already have identified two more Tucson locations — on the northwest and east sides. Lakers would not say exactly where since lease details had not been finalized.
Pieology has plans to open 20 or 30 restaurants nationwide this year and another 100 next year, a corporate spokeswoman said.
Meanwhile, an outpost of the Phoenix-based chain, Fired Pie, is expected to open in early October at 350 E. Congress St., next to The Cadence student housing complex downtown. The restaurant is owned by Fired Pie co-founder Doug Doyle.
Prime rib Sunday
ready to roll at Acacia
Acacia Real Food & Cocktails chef/owner Albert Hall is rolling out his Prime Rib Sunday, a big slab of slow-roasted Angus beef standing rib with au jus and horseradish cream sided with twice-baked potato and fresh vegetable. It’s $26 per person, not including tip or tax, and runs Sundays through the month.
Hall also is bringing back his three-course tasting menu that draws from seasonal inspiration and locally sourced ingredients. The cost is $55; $75 paired with wines.
Acacia, 3001 E. Skyline Drive, is open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Reservations at 232-0101. More at acaciatucson.com
Culinary tour’s final stop:
Lima, Peru
Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails is taking its menu to Lima, Peru, through Oct. 6 as part of chef/owner Janos Wilder’s Downtowns Around the Globe culinary adventure.
The Lima menu includes the pisco morado cocktail, which combines pineapple juice and an egg white with pisco, chicha morada, cinnamon and lemon and lime. Appetizers include quinoa-crusted fried chicken fingers and crab and octopus causa, while entree choices include a Peruvian seafood stew, braised lamb shank or seared duck breast with herb rice. Choose between banana tres leches cake and a panna cotta for dessert.
Entrees run $23 and $24, while appetizers start at $9; or you can get three courses for $38.
Lima is the final stop on Wilder’s summer-long venture, which kicked off in May with Singapore, stopped in Charleston, South Carolina, in July, and spent the past month in Jerusalem.
For details and reservations, call 623-7700. Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails is at 135 S. Sixth Ave, downtown; downtownkitchen.com
Eat, drink for causes; sip, sample new wines
- Ten of Tucson’s pre-eminent chefs will cook for Bite Nite from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday in a benefit for the state chapter of the ALS Association. The cost is $100 a person and the dinner will be at Westin La Paloma, 3800 E. Sunrise Drive. Details:
- 1-602-297-3800.
- No Kill Pima County and CataVinos Wine Shoppe are teaming up for a fundraiser designed for wine lovers Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. Sample six wines and snacks. The cost is $20 ($10 tax deductible) for wine drinkers and $10 for nondrinkers and designated drivers. Also, meet an adoptable dog or two from Pima Animal Care Center. CataVinos is located at 3063 N. Alvernon Way, 323-3063.
- Proper at 300 E. Congress St. is teaming up with Carlson Creek Vineyards today to host a winemakers dinner. Winemaker
- Robert Carlson III
- will discuss the pairings of each course for two seatings, at 6 and 8 p.m. The cost is $55. To reserve a spot, call 396-3357.
Coming soon
- Poco & Mom’s Restaurant, 1060 S. Kolb Road, plans to open a second location in the former Amber Restaurant, 7000 E. Tanque Verde Road around Sept. 15. Poco & Mom’s Cantina will serve a menu that mirrors the original restaurant, which has been around 16 years. Amber closed in June.
- Mama’s Hawaiian Barbecue is opening its third Tucson-area location (and fourth overall). Look for it to open next month at East Pima Street and North Wilmot Road.
