Tucson Foodie is always amped to share the latest on food or beverage-related events happening throughout the city, and to say we’re even more pumped about this upcoming event is an understatement.
The very first Tucson Foodie Presents is here and ready to treat your taste buds with Obon Sushi + Bar + Ramen on Saturday, November 5. Tickets are available now for the multi-course dinner that begins at 6 p.m., but you’ll want to get there by 5:30 p.m. when the 30-minute social hour sets sail.
Chef Ernie Soto will be the star of the night, talking about ocean sustainability and answering questions as he breaks down the tuna right before your eyes. Then, and perhaps the best part of all, you’ll eat that very same tuna served six different ways throughout the evening.
This meal is all-things tuna and each course is paired with sake — mocktails served in recyclable aluminum cups will also be available upon request. Upon entrance, you’ll find yourself slip-sliding away with a Welcome Cocktail that’s served via ice luge and an appetizer of Tuna Tartare, which comes with serrano peppers, shallot, and EVOO.
Plus, sometimes we like to admire the artistry of the things we consume. We’re talking about Gyotaku prints here and all of those dining at Obon will leave with this one-of-a-kind eye candy. Gyotaku is a traditional form of Japanese art that hit the scene more than 100 years ago. It was a way for fishermen to keep a record of the fish they caught, and in this specific situation, the fish they’ve eaten.
Tickets will be $200 per person and the experience includes six courses paired with sake. The full bar menu will be available for additional purchases throughout the evening.
Six-Course Dinner Menu
First Course
- Nigiri (loin, chutoro/otoro) – wasabi root, nikiri, Polanco Caviar
Second Course
- Sashimi (loin, toro) – chamorro finadenne
Third Course
- Yakitori (loin, toro) – uni, Asian chamoy
Fourth Course
- Crudo (loin, toro) – umami vinegar, nigiri, egg yolk, shiitake, onion, wasabi oil
Fifth Course
- Temaki (Nakaochi-back meat) – shiso, mustard seed, scallion, Nori
Sixth Course
- Steak (loin) – black olive oil, herb salad, confit potato, smoked salt
Keep an eye out for more of Tucson Foodie Presents, which is our new, year-round series of unique dinners, tours, and tastings. In the meantime, throw out a line and snag your tickets for this Obon event because it’s going to be an experience you won’t want to miss.
Be sure to purchase your tickets ahead of time at eventbrite.com. Obon Sushi + Bar + Ramen is located at 350 E. Congress St. For more information, visit obonsushi.com.
Also, check out our recent article “What a catch! Ernie Soto, fishmonger & executive sushi chef of Obon.”
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Article written by:
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.
