David Solorzano is now the executive chef of Agustin Kitchen

It’s a name many are familiar with in Tucson’s culinary scene. From being executive chef at Penca to taking over as chef de cuisine for BATA, and then freelancing in multiple kitchens all around the city, chef David Solorzano has been responsible for treating eaters for years now.

His next career move? Solorzano is taking on the role of executive chef at Agustin Kitchen, found at 100 S. Avenida del Convento #150 in Mercado San Agustin.

“It kind of came out of nowhere I was focused on freelancing and being a private chef, which I’m still doing,” said Solorzano. “They reached out to me kind of out of the blue. Kira, one of the owners of Agustin, and I go a little back. I actually did a groundbreaking ceremony for the restaurant — the food for it — and I used to cater their Day of the Dead celebrations. And when I had the food truck, I actually was their first commercial kitchen tenant as well.”

While new dishes are still in the works, Solorzano is in the process of incorporating more sustainability and local suppliers into the menu.

“We’ll continue using chicken from Top Knot Farms and choosing local grains from the BKW Farms and Hayden Flour Mill,” he said. “Then I’ll also be exploring the terroir a little more to be able to introduce local products when we can.”

“I feel like we haven’t really heard from Agustin in a while,” said Solorzano. “I’m excited to rise, obviously, into the level that it was when it first started and maybe even surpass that. I feel like there are a few restaurants in Tucson making really delicious food without a gimmick, and that’s something we’re really focused on — being able to provide a menu and an experience that’s accessible to everybody, rather than hide behind. We just want to make really well-executed food that’s delicious and provide service to back it up.”

The restaurant is currently open from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Sunday.

Agustin Kitchen is located at 100 S. Avenida del Convento #150. For more information, visit agustinkitchen.com.