New Penca chef David Solorzano expands Central Mexico focus


June 21, 2019
a man wearing a hat
By Jackie Tran
By Jackie Tran

Here's a glance at some of their modified and new items.

In a city of mostly Sonoran style Mexican cuisine, downtown restaurant Penca stands out with its fresh take on Mexico City-inspired cuisine. With new executive chef David Solorzano, the inspiration expands with other Central Mexico influences as well.

Penca owner Patricia Schwabe said she believes in Solorzano’s passion of cuisine, his understanding of ingredients, and his talent as a chef.

“He will continue the vision of Penca and highlight the tradition of Mexican cuisine,” she added.

Here’s a glance at some of the modified and new items that the new Penca chef has rolled out.

Ensalada Verde ($10)

Baby greens, radish, sunflower seeds, cilantro, mint, scallion, parsley, lemon cream

Ensalada Verde at Penca (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Ensalada Verde at Penca (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Tostada ($14)

Seared ahi tuna, avocado crema, pickled shallot, pickled fresno, micro cilantro

Tostada at Penca (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Tostada at Penca (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Tuétano

Roasted split beef bone marrow, purslane and parsley salad, flour tortillas

Tuétano at Penca (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Tuétano at Penca (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Tacos de Coliflor (two tacos on fresh masa tortillas served with rice and black beans, $15)

Roasted cauliflower, salsa macha, peanut, avocado, cilantro, scallion

Coliflor taco at Penca (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Coliflor taco at Penca (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Tacos de Pastor (two tacos on fresh masa tortillas served with rice and black beans, $15)

Achiote roasted pork shoulder, grilled pineapple, cilantro, shaved onion

Pastor taco at Penca (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Pastor taco at Penca (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Arctic Char ($24)

Pan-seared arctic char, gooseberry salsa, purslane salad, quinoa (amaranth pictured here)

Arctic Char at Penca (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Arctic Char at Penca (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Arroz con Leche ($8)

Rice pudding with cinnamon ice cream, caramelized white chocolate, soy cracker

Arroz con Leche at Penca (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Arroz con Leche at Penca (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Prior to his role as the new Penca chef, Solorzano’s most recent positions were at Ume at Casino Del Sol, Cielos at Lodge on the Desert, and Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort.

Penca is located at 50 E. Broadway Blvd. For more information, visit  pencarestaurante.com.

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Article By

Jackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the 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...

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