Summertime Blues
VinTabla (2890 E. Skyline Drive; 577-6210)—which was recently renamed VinTabla Grill—will close for the summer, says executive chef Bruce Yim. "The economy is a big part of it, and we're coming up to the slow part of the season," said Yim, who also heads up the eatery's sister restaurant in Marana, Dove Mountain Grill (12130 N. Dove Mountain Blvd., Suite 194; 579-8999). Yim said he was unsure what the exact dates of the closure would be, adding that VinTabla could be moving to a smaller venue as well. Dove Mountain Grill will remain open, but may soon lose one day of service per week, Yim said.
Also, the Red Sky Café has closed; more on that next week.
Shaka Shaved Ice
Lynn and Jeff Bronaugh have opened Shaka Shaved Ice at the Foothills Mall (7401 N. La Cholla Blvd.). Hawaiian shaved ice is the Aloha State's version of raspados (shaved ice, ice cream and fruit syrup), which is one hot-day remedy that's hard to beat. Hours are noon to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday; and 11 to 6 p.m., Sunday; 531-2367.
Happy Hours
Bask in the easy glow of candlelight, and sip a few $5 organic cocktails when they turn off the lights for Loews Ventana Canyon Resort's "black out" happy hour from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., every Saturday, in the Cascade Lounge. The resort is located at 7000 N. Resort Drive. Call 299-2020 for more information.
The Ecolounge event at Lodge on the Desert (306 N. Alvernon Way) at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, May 21, encourages an exchange of ideas between those interested in "working together to create positive change for a better planet," according to a flier promoting the event. The event is sponsored by Greener Lives and the Perimeter Bicycling Association of America, and will feature appetizers and acoustic tunes. Call 320-2000 for info.
Raw Generosity
RA Sushi, at 2905 E. Skyline Drive, Suite 289, is participating in the Nicky's Week fundraiser from Sunday, May 24, through Saturday, May 30. All proceeds from the sale of edamame, tootsy maki and shrimp shumai; Fiji, Red Bull and Republic of Tea beverages; and select cocktails will be donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The fundraiser has raised $400,000 since it began in 2005. Officials hope to raise $100,000 during this year's event, which includes all 22 RA Sushi locations nationwide. Call 615-3970 for more info.
