Celebrate Children’s Day at Yume Japanese Gardens

Join in the celebration of Japanese traditional Children’s Day on May 3rd at Yume Japanese Gardens (1 to 4 p.m.)
Goldfish netting will test their dexterity, summer yukatas will keep them cool and colorful, origami lessons will give them a chance at making their own paper creations,  and there will be more traditional Japanese toys than ever to intrigue them. This event will end our Spring garden viewing season, so come for a last look at the gardens before we close for the summer.To purchase tickets go to: www.tucsonjapanesegardens.org. Tickets prices: $10 member adults, $15 nonmember adults; children under 10 years are  free.
childrensdayposter2

Read more

Authentic Hawaiian food and music at Lani’s Luau

People ask me about my favorite Hawaiian restaurant in Tucson, and I always recommend Lani’s Luau at 2532 S. Harrison Rd. (NW corner of Harrison and Golf Links).   Leilani/Lani Dowling (originally from Kona, island of Hawaii) is the head cook and her husband Zane is the manager of this little restaurant, open over 7 years now. Photo below courtesy of Zane.

Lani's Luau restaurant, with Zane Dowling on the left
Lani’s Luau restaurant, with Zane Dowling on the left

Read more

Soothing Shakuhachi flute concert on April 30

Shakuhachi 2014 Poster

“Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos will be returning to Tucson, Arizona in the spring and will be giving a concert of traditional solo pieces and original compositions for the shakuhachi at the Yume Japanese Gardens on Wednesday, April 30. Come listen to the heart/soul-moving sounds of the Shakuhachi bamboo flute of Japan.

Read more

Old World charm at new The Coronet cafe

Sitting on the corner of Tucson, Arizona… at The Coronet café , on the SE corner of 4th Avenue and E. 9th Street.

It’s a lovely new restaurant (just opened on Palm Sunday, April, 13, 2014 at 402 E. 9th St.), with a lot of European charm. Almost makes you think you’re in Paris or the Provence.Coronetlogo

I stopped by for lunch this week and ate on their charming outdoor patio which seats 44 people.  The choices are online at the website, and I chose a Leafy green salad (with roasted tomato & garlic, cucumbers with lemon oil) and a cup of the day’s soup (meatball & lentil).  Both were delicious  and refreshing. The soup came with carrots/onions/spinach as well, with Sumac pita bread slices, and the salad was fresh and tasty, with a refined tomato taste.  They also offer Tartines and a Ploughman’s lunch, with other salad choices. See online menus here: http://cafecoronet.com/

Read more