photo: Jamie Manser
How about a marinated Portabella on a Kaiser roll?
I am a confirmed omnivore, but my sum-sum-summertime stomach begs for veggie fare, especially when cruising around on two wheels in triple digits and looking for respite from juggling meetings and deadlines.
Enter Uptown Bistro.
Tucked into the Pioneer Building at 100 N. Stone Ave. in the space previously occupied by The Monkey Box, Uptown Bistro maintains a similar layout and intimacy - resurrecting a hip downtown enclave that sorely needed to be revived.
At 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, a cool environment of jazz standards greets my ears via, I presume, satellite radio. A refreshing breeze hits me and the genial Iram welcomes me to the restaurant.
An iced tea, lemon water and some solicited Spanish lessons from Iram relax me. No computers, no deadlines are on my mind now. I'm focusing on the forthcoming Portabella on Kaiser Roll, while catching up on voice mails. (If you need to check your email, Wi-Fi is available, just ask Mike.)
Iram is so nice, humoring my muddled attempts at Espanol, learned from high school, Rosetta Stone and South 4th Avenue restaurants. I try, he accommodates, we smile.
And then Iram presents the - at first glance - unassuming sandwich, that ends up being really quite beautiful with its colors and melding of flavors - earthy, peppery, with a smidge of tart. This juicy giant mushroom, with cilantro pesto and wonderfully roasted red peppers, is in a roll that bravely holds up the substantial, robust ingredients.
The texture is firm (it feels good to sink your teeth into it) and the flavors seductively dance with your taste buds. Mastication becomes a holy experience. And, as with all spiritual experiences, it comes to an end.
But it's a beautiful ending, coming in under $10 for the sandwich, (which is accompanied by kettle chips and a dill pickle spear), and an iced tea.
Did I mention that I love their iced tea?
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7am-10pm; Friday, 7am-midnight; Saturday, 8am-midnight; Sunday, 8am-10pm. Call 624-0720 or visit UptownBistroTucson.com for more info.
