What’s New in Tucson May 2007

Certified Tourism Ambassadors-The Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau (MTCVB) will introduce its new Tucson Ambassadors Program (TAP) during National Tourism Week, May 12-20. The program includes a one-time, half-day training course for employees and volunteers working on the frontlines (such as front-desk clerks, waiters, concierges, cab drivers, and meeting registers) at companies serving visitors. Tucson is the second city in the United States to implement the program, a local version of a nationwide model developed by Mickey Schaefer & Associates.

The course, taught by Tucson tourism professionals, focuses on customer-service techniques and how to communicate/recommend Tucson’s offerings to visitors. Upon completion of program requirements, participants receive the Certified Tourism Ambassador(tm) (CTA) designation; a certification that will stay with the recipient should they change positions and that will require annual renewal.
 
Blanco Tacos + Tequila-Classic Mexican dishes come alive with contemporary ingredients at one of Tucson’s newest dining experiences.  Blanco Tacos + Tequila, located at Tucson’s upscale La Encantada shopping plaza specializes in updated south-of-the-border favorites, served in an upbeat, come-as-you-are atmosphere. Classics like quesadillas, tacos, and enchiladas feature contemporary ingredients like lump crabmeat, chipotle shrimp, and braised short-rib machaca beef. Familiar-but-different desserts include Tres Leches Ice Cream Sundae and Brown Sugar Caramel Flan. Blanco’s drink list includes nearly 30 premium tequilas, six different margaritas, and two house-made sangrías. A wrap-around, outdoor patio overlooking the Tucson valley provides a perfect spot for cocktail sipping, and sunset watching.
 
Honky-Tonk Saturday Nights-The dust will fly all summer long at Old Tucson Studios when Honky-Tonk Saturday Nights returns, May 26 through September 1. The summer fun begins after 6 p.m. and features a roundup of cowboy entertainment: Live country-western music and dancing as the Grand Palace Saloon, karaoke at Rosa’s Cantina, a bronc-bustin’ rodeo, and “Cowboy-Sonora” dinner prepared by Chef Patrick Fahey at the re-opened El Vaquero steakhouse for $8/person. Old Tucson offers free carriage rides from the park entrance to El Vaquero for guests who make reservations at least 24 hours in advance (520-883-0100). For more information about Old Tucson Studios, visit www.OldTucson.com
 
Shakespeare in the Park-Bring a blanket, bring the kids, and bring a sense of fun to free summer performances of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. The enduring comedy features Shakespeare’s most famously witty characters, Benedick and Beatrice, who wage romantic war before love finally triumphs over all. In this version, Director Mary Francis Glenn places the cast at a 1960s California-style beach party, sort of like a Beach Blanket Bingo meets The Bard. Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, June 22-July 1 at DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center in Reid Park. This summer, Tucson Parks and Recreation’s Community Theatre celebrates its 20th year of presenting Shakespeare in the Park. For more information, call 791-4873, ext. 125.
 
Ha: san Bak: Saguaro Harvest Celebration-Southern Arizona’s Tohono O’odham (Toe-ho-no Ah tomb) people have harvested the red fruit of the saguaro cactus in a sacred ceremony ever since their arrival in the Sonoran Desert. Today, tribal members show how and why it’s done at local workshops, such as the Ha: san Bak Saguaro Harvest Celebration at La Posta Quemada Ranch, Saturday, July 7. The celebration includes an all-day workshop, beginning at 6:30 a.m., at which participants get to pick saguaro fruit and prepare it for syrup making. Public activities from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. include music by Tony Redhouse, rain dancers, craft making, and made-to-order fry bread. Workshop costs are $60/adult, $45/youth (by reservation), and $5/car for public celebration. For information and reservations, contact La Posta Quemada Ranch, 647-7121.
 
Life on the Rocks-Leapin’ Lizards! The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum’s newest, must-see exhibit highlights some of the smaller species found in rocky environments. Life on the Rocks is laid out as a narrow canyon with displays along both sides. Some are spacious, mesh-topped enclosures, others are glass-fronted crevices and cut-away burrows in simulated soil banks. Expect to encounter a mix of species that retreat into burrows, climb on boulders and vegetation, prowl in ponds, and perch in trees. Not all the animals are alive. Tucson sculptor, Mark Rossi has created approximately 20 life-sized critters, such as a bronze peregrine falcon, to inhabit public parts of the exhibit. The first segments are expected to open in late summer/early fall of 2007, and others will open later as the exhibit evolves. Watch for updates at the ASDM website, www.desertmuseum.org
 
Guac-amoliere at Flying V-The Flying V has taken guacamole appreciation to a new level.  Tableside guacamole service is now presented by a trained Guac-amoliere (a guacamole sommelier) and is among the restaurant’s signature culinary experiences. To begin, a large sideboard, containing various components of the made-to-order relish, is rolled to the table. Avocados are held up for inspection and then sliced into a bowl along with other fresh ingredients chosen by the diners, including diced tomato, papaya, red onion, cilantro, garlic, and a variety of local chile peppers. Taylor Howie-perhaps the world’s first guac-amoliere-oversees the process, offering suggestions for flavorful pairings of spicy, fruity, or savory elements. Diners who participate receive a “Guac-amoliere” pin. The Flying V Bar & Grill is at Tucson’s Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, (520) 529-7936.
 
Apocalypso at Westward Look-Desert-dwellers at Tucson’s Westward Look Resort may find themselves transported to a tropical island, at least temporarily, this summer as Apocalypso takes over the resort’s main pool area. Apocalypso is a Tucson steel band that performs Caribbean-influenced music, with a repertoire that covers calypso, standard socas, reggae, popular songs, and beyond. The band of four pianists and a drummer delivers the sweet sounds of pan to the desert air, using no amplification, no synthesizer, and no non-percussion instruments. Apocalypso is sure to brighten the day of every guest who listens, Saturdays, 2 p.m.-5 p.m., now through September 15. For more information, contact Westward Look Resort, at 1-800-722-2500.
 
Airport Eateries Upgrade-Tucson International Airport (TIA) has completed its $3 million renovation project to upgrade food and beverage operations throughout the facility. The final phase, Jet Rock Bar and Grill, recently opened on the third floor of the main terminal. Jet Rock is a comfortable gathering place for meeters-and-greeters and travelers alike. The restaurant has plasma screen TVs, table seating overlooking the airfield, and a piano-shaped bar serving varied cocktails and 24 beers on tap. The menu offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as snacks and assorted entrees. Other restaurants opened during the renovation include: Arizona Sports Grill; Baskin Robbins ice cream; Boar’s Head Deli; Carmella’s Kitchen; Cheeseburger Cheeseburger; Cibo Express Gourmet Market; Ike’s Coffee Bars; Sky Asian Bistro and Taco Bron.  
 
Tucson Attractions Passport-Travel the region with your 2006-07 Tucson Attractions Passport. This exclusive pocket-sized savings guide includes discounts at some Tucson & Southern Arizona’s “must see” attractions and more. Enjoy money-saving 2-for-1 offers plus other great values. Purchase one for $15 at the Tucson Visitor Center, located in La Placita Village, 100 S. Church Ave., Tucson, online at www.visitTucson.org, or by phone at 1-800-638-8350.

May 9, 2007   Posted in: United States SouthWest