Daniel Scordato, chef and owner of Vivace restaurant, has opened Pizzeria Vivace across the plaza from his other restaurant in St. Philip’s Plaza. Housed in the space last occupied by 58 Degrees & Holding, the décor has seen some minor modifications and spaces formerly used to store wine have been converted to make room for additional dining. 

The menu features nine pizzas as well as a handful of appetizers and salads. I visited Pizzeria Vivace only a few days after it opened May 20 but if it was any indication, this place has a bright future.

Food and service can be rough during the first few weeks of any restaurant but I found no signs of the new-restaurant jitters. I especially enjoyed fresh mozzarella and tomato salad. It’s what you want: fresh, seasonal and flavorful.

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I should also note the reasonable prices for wine and beer.

It’s a gutsy economic time to be opening a new restaurant, but given his past successes and reputation, if there’s a person who can pull it off it would be Daniel Scordato.

Pizzeria Vivace is open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and open for dinner from 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. They don’t take reservations or take-out orders.

• Pizzeria Vivace, 4280 N. Campbell Ave. in St. Philip’s Plaza (520) 529-2700

Patio pig party

The Patio Pig is back this month at Jonathan’s Cork. The first party is Thursday (June 4) and there will be one every Thursday night for the month of June. Festivities go from 4 - 7 p.m. The cost is $25 which includes a full buffet of entrees, salads and deserts and a beverage. The highlight, of course, is that one of the entrees is a whole roasted pig.

• Jonathan’s Cork, 6320 E. Tanque Verde Road — www.jonathanscork.com/ — (520) 296-1631. 

More for $20.09

Here are three more examples of what $20.09 buys you this summer at the independently-owned member restaurants of Tucson Originals. All of the specials are being offered through Labor Day.

• Blue Willow, 2616 N. Campbell Ave. — www.bluewillowtucson.com – (520) 327-7577. Any appetizer with a featured wine or a nine-inch chocolate sour cream cake with dark chocolate icing.

• Bluefin Seafood Bistro, 7053 N. Oracle Road in Casas Adobes Plaza — www.bluefintucson.com – (520) 531-8500. A one-pound lobster with clarified butter and two side dishes at either lunch or dinner.

• Vila Thai, 972 E. University Blvd. in Main Gate Square - www.vilathai.com - (520) 393-3489. Any two entrees and two spring rolls.

 Contact Michael Luria at mjluria@gmail.com. Meals & Entertainment is a weekly feature of Inside Tucson Business.