LOCO FOR LOCAL
The second Viva La Local Food Festival is happening this Sunday, Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Rillito Park (4502 N. 1st Ave.) If you missed the first one, this jammy jam is the be-all and end-all of fun foodie events! There will be over 80 Baja Arizona vendors for Heirloom Farmers Market's largest food marketplace of the year, plus more than 30 of Tucson's best restaurants/food trucks, winemakers and breweries will also set up camp to keep festival goers properly fed and lubricated. While you are shopping, eating and drinking, you also have the opportunity to listen to performances from some of Southern Arizona's finest local musicians. Tickets are $4 per person (children under 12 are free) with proceeds benefitting Heirloom Farmers Markets' initiatives. For tickets or a complete list of vendors, visit www.vivalalocalfoodfest.com.
ACACIA TURNS DOUBLE DIGITS
Acacia Real Food & Cocktails (and owners Chef Albert Hall and Lila Yamishiro), are celebrating their 10th anniversary this month from Sunday, Nov. 16 through Wednesday, Nov. 26. During the 10-day celebration, guests of age will get free glasses of sparkling wine with the purchase of an entrée, plus they're offering other anniversary specials. Even better, the super-talented folks in the kitchen are bringing back some all-time Acacia favorites such as Crab Louis salad and Bronzed Scottish Salmon, adding those to their new fall menu. Check out their full menu and lists of specials at www.acaciatucson.com.
SWEET CHARITY
Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance is putting on their third Sweet Charity event on Friday, Nov. 21 at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, 7000 N. Resort Dr. at 6 p.m. The good cause gives you a reason to indulge your sweet tooth and features more than 50 desserts, cocktail and wine samplings, live music, a silent auction and entertainment. Attendees can also vote on their faves in the people's choice competition, in addition to the awards handed out for presentation, creativity and a grand prize, handed down by judges. Tickets are $35 per person with proceeds supporting SAACA's Creative Arts Therapy Program for veterans and assisted living and retirement communities. The raffle will include a mix of restaurant gift certificates, dessert-themed items, artwork and more. For more info, or tickets, follow the yellow brick link; www.saaca.org.
VINO AND VINYL
A hip and unique take on the blending of music and food at Falora (3000 E. Broadway Blvd.) The Vino & Vinyl hour is daily from 4:30-5:30. Bring in a record, and the folks at Falora will play in on their vintage stereo, plus you get a bottle of classic Chianti when you buy a pizza and salad. Now that is cool, cat daddy!
