RAZ Restaurant

NORTH TUCSON. "Upscale casual" is the name of the game these days – people want good, gourmet quality food but without dressing to the nines to enjoy it. RAZ is one of Tucson's better such establishments, drawing inspiration from the "Rivieras of the world." The sunny, coastal areas, in other words. The restaurant's cool color palette – light greens, purples and silver – is an apt foil for the bright cuisine, which makes use of the freshest vegetables and herbs, light wine-based sauces, and salad greens, all arranged for maximum visual appeal. Spiced seared duck, for example, is attractively plated with fresh pears, purple and white marbleized potatoes, and a port wine sauce. Spanish Shrimp Tapas appeals with pink shrimp flecked with red chili flakes and chives in a white wine-lemon sauce. And the best part? The food tastes just as fantastic as it looks!