Eclectic Pizza ends confusion, is now Renee's Organic Oven
Don't call it a comeback. Call it a simple name change that reinforces a commitment to organic, locally sourced ingredients - and clears up some confusion.
"What kind of happened over the years is people tended to confuse us" with Eclectic Cafe, says Renee Kreager, who co-owns what's now called Renee's Organic Oven with her husband, Steve Kreager. They started Eclectic Pizza in 2005, she says, with an investor who was the original owner of Eclectic Cafe. Add to that the fact that the two businesses are neighbors - Renee's at 7065 E. Tanque Verde, Eclectic Cafe at 7053 - and you have some potential head-scratching going on.
But the new name also better reflects the concept the Kreagers have had since they first opened, Renee Kreager says.
People are also reading…
"We've been doing organic since 2005 and felt that the little-big city that Tucson is takes a little while to catch onto things. And we feel that Tucson is ready to receive what we're doing."
So fans need not panic. The gluten-free options remain - and have even expanded, including two additional sandwiches and a Caprese salad - as does the focus on free-range chicken, grass-fed beef (from Walking J Farm in Amado), organics and supporting small businesses (local Isabella's Ice Cream, Colorado-based New Belgium Brewing).
Stop by and you will notice some interior changes, including new booths and a fresh menu design, but the pies are the same.
"We pretty much tried to keep it what we've been, with a little more information," Kreager says. "Our food, our commitment to organics, we didn't change too much."
Renee's is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and can be reached at 886-0484.
On International Sushi Day, get coupon for free roll at Ra
International Sushi Day: Don't worry about sending a card. There are other ways to celebrate.
The folks at Ra Sushi want to help you mark the June 18 holiday, so the La Encantada restaurant is giving away free Tootsy Maki rolls.
There is a bit of effort required on your part, however. Head to Ra's Facebook page, where you'll find a coupon. Print it out between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on June 18, then head to the well-air-conditioned eatery that day for your Tootsy Maki (one per person), made with kani kama crab mix, shrimp and cucumber, and topped with tempura bits and eel sauce.
Open daily 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; you can call Ra at 615-3970.
Brio Tuscan Grille, Tucson Mall's newest restaurant, opens June 27
Brio Tuscan Grille is set to open June 27 at the Tucson Mall.
Offering, according to its website, "upscale, affordable Italian dining in a unique, Tuscan setting," Brio will be at the mall's southeast entrance - next to REI near California Pizza Kitchen and the Cheesecake Factory.
This is the first foray into Tucson for the Bravo/Brio Restaurant Group, which has 40 Brio restaurants in shopping areas throughout the country, and 47 Bravo Cucina Italiana eateries.
Brio entered the Phoenix market a couple of years ago, opening in the upscale Scottsdale Quarter. There's another at the Santan Village in Gilbert.
The extensive menu includes pastas, steaks, chops and seafood, with entrees that top out at just under $24.
Bar specials include a $5 Martini Night on Thursdays and a $2.95 Tuscan taster menu from 3 to 7 p.m. and 9 to close Monday through Friday.
Brio will be open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Brunch will be offered weekends until 3.
As part of the grand opening, a Children's Miracle Network Hospitals fundraiser is scheduled from July 1-4 to benefit Tucson Medical Center's TMC for Children.
Matthew Sevigny, the general manager, was most recently the food and beverage director for Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville in Las Vegas. John Roe, the executive chef, comes from a Brio north of Dallas. Brio is at 150 W. Wetmore Road. More info: 887-2388.
Inger Sandal, Polly Higgins
