Opening this Friday, March 15 is the most recent addition to the food selection on Fourth Avenue. Located at 210 N. Fourth Avenue, in the Tophoy building, the Hopyard Market will be open serving what looks like to be a combination deli and small market fare.

The back counter will be serving grinders, soups, salads, pastries, and more with the added ability to pick up essentials such as bread, milk and other dry goods. Their normal hours will be Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., and some late hours Thursday through Saturday, opening from 10 p.m. to 3 p.m. for all your late night noshing needs.

Executive Chef Ryan Clark from Lodge on the Desert is in the running for Food and Wine's The People's Choice Best New Chef's Award.

Currently there are 100 chefs on the list for ten geographical areas in America.

Starting today through March 18, you can vote for Ryan. Logically, he's eligible for the Southwest region.

Being named as one of ‘Food and Wine's People's Best New Chefs’ would not only be a feather in the cap for Clark, but would also shine a light on the culinary scene in Tucson.

Vote for Ryan Clark here: foodandwine.com/the-peoples-bnc

Well, the Park Place Mall will be one eatery short in a few days. From the Bamboo Club Asian Bistro web site:

It is with much sadness that we must announce that March 10, 2013, will be the last day of business for the Bamboo Club Asian Bistro at Park Place. This closure is due to a failure to reach an agreement with the mall that would have enabled us to continue at this location. We sincerely thank you all for your tremendous support of the Bamboo Club… At this time we are currently exploring other options, locations and looking forward to some long overdue family time. Thank you again.

We wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Penca, at 50 E. Broadway, is finally open and in full-swing. After many delays and tribulations, which we have talked about here and here, Patricia Schwabe’s restaurant is beautiful in its urban splendor, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Last night I stopped in for a quick bite and a look around. As advertised, this is not your usual Mexican fare and the cocktails definitely aren't the norm. The space is also well-laid, using the natural flow of the space to create acoustical dampening, keeping the noise down and maintaining a comfortable and casual setting. I also loved sitting at the poured concrete bar with all its micro flaws and uniqueness. So I guess the old adage is true: "Good things come to those who wait."

Follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/pencatucson

Hey folks working near Tucson International Airport (and roughly anyone who loves grilled meats): Serial Grillers is currently set up outside Weekly World Central, 3280 E. Hemisphere Loop, on Valencia Road between Country Club and Palo Verde roads, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today.

They'll be serving up cheesesteaks, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches and even a few vegetarian options—and from what I've heard, everything they've got is pretty damn good. For the full scope of their menu, check out their Facebook page.

On March 6, Chef Allen Yap at Om Modern Asian Kitchen will be cooking with Guest Chef Ramiro Scavo, from Pasco Kitchen & Lounge, to create an Asian-Latin fusion wine dinner. This dinner will be highlighting South American wines.

When I called for information they didn’t have a price or menu planned yet. Dinner is slated for 6:30 p.m. so call 299-7815 for further information or reservations, which are required.

The new Whole Foods location is hitting the ground running. On Tuesday, March 5th at 6:30 p.m., the Whole Foods location at 5555 E River Rd. will be having a beer dinner in their brand new bar. $30 gets you four courses from Chef Nathan Hirsch's kitchen, paired with four beers personally selected by the guys at Dragoon Brewing.

For reservations or for further questions call 461-1300 or email [email protected].

This one stands out though, as it appears to be the menu for Xoom Juice and Sparkroot owner Ari Shapiro's newest venture, Falora, an artisan pizza and espresso bar in Broadway Village at 3000 E. Broadway.

According to the smoothie-making gentleman working behind the counter during my visit, Falora is set to open up on March 1 — this Friday, which stands in line with Shapiro's comment that he likes to joke "that it's slated to open Feb. 29, 2013," from this Daily Star piece. (See update below.)

I didn't receive an answer after calling the number of the back of the information card, so we'll be dropping a line with Shapiro to get the final word. Keep your fingers crossed, Tucson.

Oh, and there's another shot of the menu, featuring the pizza selections that will be available, below the jump for those interested.

UPDATE: I recieved a call back from Shapiro this afternoon, who confirmed that the restaurant is to open on Sunday, March 3, rather than Friday. According to Shapiro, they "had a few delays," causing the restaurant's opening to be pushed back.

• Instagram user @getsdead
• Love you forever, Pico de Gallo

As I mentioned in this week's Editor's Note, we're putting together an issue themed around Tucson's 100 Essential Dishes for March, but since we don't want to miss anything, we could use your input.

What dishes - individual items on menus of fine dining establishment to food trucks - make Tucson's food culture what it is? Which entrees, appetizers, desserts, whatever should everyone try at least once? I personally take everyone who visits town to Pico de Gallo for their signature spiced, lime-soaked fruit in a cup. Certainly, the hive-mind of the Tucson Weekly readership can come up with some items that have to be on our list. Comment below and we'll add your picks to the list of dishes under consideration for the March 28 issue. Thanks!

• Jim Nintzel

Sunday, Feb. 24, is not only Oscar night but my birthday! So conveniently for me, and the rest of us, between noon and 5 p.m. at Himmel Park, 2650 E. First Street, there will be an overabundance of great eats. Get ready for Oscar Night by picking up your food at the park prior to the TV festivities.

The confirmed list includes You Sly Dog, Mike's Roadside Café, Pin UP Pastries, German Food Station, Twisted Tandoor, Chef's Kitchen, Kadooks! Costa Rican Cuisine, MaFooco, Street Delights, Jamie's Bitchen Kitchen, Hellfire Pizza Co., Desert Delights and more. I’ll be the one there wearing the birthday hat.