Tucson’s OBON Sushi Bar Ramen opening in Scottsdale in the spring

Sliding into the space that used to occupy TK’s Tavern at the Scottsdale Quarter, OBON Sushi Bar Ramen will debut this spring from Tuscon based Fukushu Restaurant Concepts.  The Asian influenced eatery is known for its traditional Japanese ramen and sushi with Korean flare and its well received craft cocktail program.

OBON’s Steamed buns

OBON founder Brando Katz is a veteran of the restaurant industry having worked as a regional manager for RA Sushi and in several restaurant positions in Tucson for more than 10 years until he went to open his own restaurant with partner Andrew Joffroy in 2015.

“Expanding this concept into the valley has been a longtime dream of ours since opening our first location in Tucson” says Katz. “From our diverse menu to our innovative cocktails and hip yet approachable atmosphere, I truly believe that we’ve created a unique dining experience that will resonate with people.”

The kitchen will be led by chef Paulo Im and the menu will highlight its OBON sushi, a variety of ramen along with steamed buns, Katsu pork and chicken teriyaki.

The bar program created by Beverage Director Matt Martinez has garnered accolades locally being named “Restaurant Bar of the Year” by Tucson Bar Awards and Martinez being named Tucson’s Bartender of the Year and Bombay Sapphire’s Most Imaginative Bartender. In addition to craft cocktails OBON will also offer sake, wine and craft beer.

Check back for updates for more information, a full menu and opening date.

 

 

My 1st Korean BBQ experience at Koryo Korean BBQ in Glendale

In all my years of eating I’ve never had Korean BBQ until recently. Being a fan of BBQ I ventured outside of my comfort zone and met up with some friends for my 1st Korean BBQ experience. Under new ownership, Koryo koryosushiandbbq.com offers a wide variety of food. Mostly meats and vegetables there are some fish selections on the menu so fear not vegetarians.

Japchae is a clear noodle dish that is sautéed with vegetables and beef and topped with sesame seeds. Eaten with chop sticks this light dish seemed to disappear pretty quickly, not before I was able to get a couple of plate full before our main course of BBQ’d meats.

Japchae
Japchae
Table side grilling of meats include pork belly and marinated Rib-eye and short ribs which were all very good and flavorful. A couple of traditional Korean dishes were served as well.
Short ribs, rib eye and pork belly on the grill
Short ribs, ribeye and pork belly on the grill
All meals are served with an array of side dishes including cabbage and cucumber Kimchi using various seasonings.
side dishes
side dishes
Bibimbap is Korean for “mixed rice” and came served in hot bowl with rice on the bottom cooking and topped with beef, peppers , mushrooms, bean sprouts and other veggies along with a fried egg laid on the top. Mix it up and add some spicy sauce and watch the egg yolk cook and you’ve a satisfying and filling bowl of food. Spicy and good flavors of the mixed ingredients I would put this up with any kind of bowl from any other cuisine.
Bibimbap
Bibimbap

Many other items on the menu include sushi, tempura and goyza.

I’m glad I had the opportunity to taste Korean and would recommend Koryo to the 1st timer or an experience Korean BBQ enthusiast as this restaurant is clean and very accommodating in addition to the good food served.

Koryo is at 10040 N. 43rd Ave. Suite 1K Glendale AZ 85302 (623)234-8530 and has hours of 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Mon. – Fri. 12 noon – 10 p.m. on Sat. & 12 noon – 9 p.m. on Sun.