The Kitchen, 628 N. 4th Ave., has closed its doors to make way for The Blind Tiger, scheduled to open winter 2017.
Patrons who miss the Kitchen’s cooking can still order certain food items at sister establishment and bar IBT’s. However, the Kitchen’s dining room will remain closed as co-owners Michael and Alvaro Krankowski revamp the space with a modern-industrial, metal, and wood-oriented aesthetic.
“I want it to feel fun, modern, and secretive,” said Alvaro, who also manages at IBT’s. “The cocktails will be a mix of classic and modern cocktails, but not too crafty since so many places downtown are already doing that so well.”
Additionally, there will be a separate, larger “secret” bar in the patio at the back of the building.
“During the Prohibition era, a stuffed blind tiger was hanging so you’d know there was a hidden bar,” said Michael, who also owns IBT’s.
Though both owners work at IBT’s, guests shouldn’t expect the same experience.
“Blind Tiger isn’t going to be gay,” Michael said. “It’s going to be for everyone.”
While menus are in the works, patrons can expect affordably priced bar food such as burgers, sandwiches, and more. The kitchen will keep its from-scratch approach, making wing sauces from scratch and breading chickens strips in-house.
The signature carne asada fries will remain, while they’re looking into smoking wings.
The front will be open during the Fourth Avenue Street Fair March 24 – 26 to serve a preview of the tentative menu.
Keep up with The Blind Tiger on Facebook.
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Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
