The Phoenix-based restaurant, Ezbachi Japanese Grill is rolling into downtown Tucson and planning to open its doors during the second week of April. They’re moving in at 63 E. Congress St. — the former Senae Thai Bistro spot, which permanently closed in July 2021.
“The name ‘Ezbachi’ is the namesake created by Gerardo ‘Jerry’ Curiel back in August of 2020,” said Flip Arbelaez, Director of Restaurant Development at Ezbachi. “The name is an homage to his son Ezekiel, which is a clever twist on the word Hibachi.”
Although Hibachi is in the name, the official style of cooking is Japanese Teppanyaki.
The Tucson location is set to be similar to the Phoenix locations but will include an Izakaya-style, full-service restaurant, which is in the spirit of Japanese gastropubs serving “tapas-style” offerings.
“One of the most exciting aspects about opening in Tucson is the launch of our very first Izakaya-style restaurant that also features our Teppanyaki menu,” said Arbelaez. “Our Izakaya menu will feature an array of Pan-Asian specialties like Bao Buns to Karaage Chicken and Sushi Rolls, coupled with our Teppanyaki entrées offerings as main or dinner courses.”
One thing’s for sure, the Ezbachi folks are pumped about joining Tucson’s culinary world — the first U.S. city to be designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
“We believe Ezbachi will bring another element of diversity to an already fast-growing and thriving dining market,” said Arbelaez. “We believe Tucson is the little gem of the desert.”
Additionally, the restaurant will offer a small Sake program with a dandy selection of craft beers, wines, and craft cocktails.
Ezbachi Japanese Grill is located at 63 E. Congress St. For more information, visit ezbachi.com or follow Ezbachi on Instagram.
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Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
