While Edgardo Grijalva has operated El Sushi de Papá La Carreta in Tucson for eight years. his culinary journey began much earlier.
A Passion for Cooking
In high school, Grijalva discovered his passion for cooking. This led him to work in various restaurants in Douglas, including Denny’s, KFC, and Burger King. Later, he secured a position at a restaurant in Tucson International Airport. However, the 2008 recession forced him to return to Agua Prieta.
The Rise of Mexican Sushi
“From what I understand, Mexican sushi became famous in Sinaloa, but it was also becoming big in Agua Prieta,” he said.
At first, he hesitated to try it. His wife, a big fan, eventually convinced him. After some persuasion, he tried a chicken roll, marking his first Mexican sushi experience.
From Friendship to Franchise Ownership
Eventually, Grijalva developed a friendship with the original owner of El Sushi de Papá, a local sushi franchise in Agua Prieta. Later, his brother-in-law purchased the franchise. When Grijalva moved to Tucson, he and his family decided to acquire the business themselves.
“We really enjoyed eating sushi with the owner,” Grijalva said. “When we asked about purchasing the franchise, he agreed to sell it to us because of our close friendship. Along with the franchise, we received all of his recipes.”
Expanding the Menu
After acquiring the franchise, they expanded the menu. The original options didn’t include bacon, but customer preferences influenced new additions. Now, they offer a variety of rolls featuring bacon.
Grijalva enjoys simple, natural flavors. His favorite, the Cheese Roll, combines shrimp, avocado, and cucumber wrapped in cream cheese.
Tasting the Sonora Roll and Spicy Roll
During a recent visit, I sampled the Sonora Roll and the Spicy Roll. The Sonora Roll featured a blend of beef, bacon, and chicken with cream cheese. This combination created a balance of sweetness and slight saltiness. Meanwhile, the cucumber and avocado added refreshing, creamy textures. The jalapeño provided an extra kick.
Next, I tried the Spicy Roll. The soft-textured shrimp and mild sweetness paired well with the avocado and cream cheese. Together, they created a rich, creamy bite. Additionally, the cucumber added a slight crunch, preventing the sushi from feeling too heavy. The Hot Tampico — a mix of imitation crab and spicy mayo — offered a soft texture with a spicy kick and a hint of sweetness.
Both rolls came with soy sauce and spicy mayo. These condiments enhanced the rice with salty and creamy flavors.
El Sushi de Papá is located at 4762 S. 12th Ave. For more information, call (520) 368-8591. Keep up with El Sushi de Papá on Instagram.
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