New: Flankenstein's
A pastor from Los Angeles and a Tucson local are selling some mean barbecue sandwiches out of a bright-green truck parked just west of Grant Road and Alvernon Way. Flankenstein's is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays, and if you like tender brisket sandwiches, you'll want to make it your new lunchtime destination. Pastor Guy Stevenson and Alonso Martinez say they plan to open a restaurant, too, and after one taste of their unique sauce, you'll be counting the days until they do. The truck also works special events and delivers; 808-9199; www.flankensteins.com.
New: The Edge Bar
Whether you want to wake up or wind down, Java Edge Bear Canyon (8898 E. Tanque Verde Road) has you covered. The coffee and sandwich shop will begin serving Nimbus beer on tap, wine, cognac and small plates when its new Edge Bar opens this weekend. General manager Sheri Thornton says the bar is modeled after similar operations in Seattle, where coffee shops have extended their appeal by adding a bar component. Thornton says the company might consider serving alcohol at other Java Edge locations as well; www.java-edge.com.
El Saguarito No. 2
El Saguarito—a Mexican restaurant at 1035 E. Mabel St. that prides itself on serving a healthy version of traditional Mexican food—has opened a second location in the former Prince Pizza and Family Restaurant spot at 1763 E. Prince Road. The new location is doing a brisk business, and it has longer hours than the original location; www.elsaguarito.com.
New: Bushi
Kampai Sushi at 4689 E. Speedway Blvd. is now Bushi Traditional Japanese and Asian Cuisine, and the owners have brought on Shunichi Funakoshiya as executive chef. Funakoshiya, formerly of Sushi on Oracle, was born in the seaside Japanese town of Otaro and worked at a number of sushi and Asian-fusion restaurants before settling in Tucson. The menu he's created for Bushi—the name of a code followed by ancient samurai warriors—boasts an enormous sushi selection; tempura, teriyaki and noodle entrées; and a short list of interesting sake cocktails; 325-6552; www.bushicuisine.com.
Coming Soon: Frosty Jake's Frozen Custard
The new Frosty Jake's Frozen Custard going in at 3102 E. Grant Road has a lot of dreamy, creamy creations on its menu board. No word on when it will open, but we can't wait until it does.
