The Co-op Expands
The Food Conspiracy Co-op, at 412 N. Fourth Ave., is renovating part of the store to make room for additions. The administrative offices have been relocated to the store's new commercial kitchen space in a nearby building, which will make room for a salad bar, a hot-food line and a new cooler that will be stocked with local meat and cheese. The commercial kitchen is also allowing the store—which has been keeping it local and organic since 1971—to expand the amount of to-go items made in-house.
In related news, the co-op's mascots, those tough-looking veggies with fists raised high, recently made their animated debut in a video that's been submitted in the national My Co-op Rocks! contest. Check out the video at mycooprocks.coop.
New: Ryuu Sushi Express
We highly recommend giving the new food-truck Ryuu Sushi Express a whirl. You'll find the small mobile outfit on a gravel lot at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Grant Road, which it shares with other trucks specializing in seafood tacos and Jamaican food. Ryuu Sushi Express touts its offerings as "sushi with a Latin touch," which turns out to be a mind-blowing combination. Expect rolls where Manchego cheese, chiles and chipotle sauce tango with shrimp, cucumber and other sushi ingredients. The dipping sauces—of which there are plenty—are equally inspired. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Prices range from $4.99 to $9.99; 619-1472.
More Happy Hours
Consider these new happy hours to help beat the ever-climbing summer swelter: Agustin Brasserie (100 S. Avenida del Convento, in Mercado San Agustin) offers $2 off cocktails, $5 small plates and $3 selections from its raw bar from 3 to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. May's Counter Chicken and Waffles (2945 E. Speedway Blvd.) has $2 tall-boy beers; $3 domestic drafts and wells; and cheap eats ranging from burger specials to appetizers from 4 to 7 p.m., every day. The B Line, at 621 N. Fourth Ave., now has $3 and $4 beers available from its extensive list of craft beers, and specials on select snack plates from 2 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Iron Chef Tucson
Are there any local chefs who have what it takes to beat current champion Ryan Clark of Lodge on the Desert in this year's Iron Chef Tucson competition? If so, head over to www.ironcheftucson.com, and fill out an application.
