Downtown Tucson’s Senae Thai Bistro closes for good | Business News

[ad_1]

The acclaimed Senae Thai Bistro is now permanently closed, joining a number of other notable downtown restaurants that have closed since the pandemic began. Chief owner Amonwadee “Dee” Buizer says she has no plans to open another restaurant.

Mike Christy, Arizona Daily Star 2018

After 18 turbulent months with food service stops and starts, the head-owner of the Senae Thai Bistro announced on Wednesday that she will be closing the restaurant for good after five years in downtown Tucson.

Senae Thai, at 63 E. Congress St., joins a list of notable downtown restaurants that have closed since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020. Including Café Poca Cosa, which closed in October, and Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails. which followed two weeks later.

Chef Amonwadee “Dee” Buizer said she made the decision earlier this month during a three-week road trip with her husband Jim. The couple closed the restaurant for a month, and by the time they reached the Bay Area, California, they pretty much decided the time was right.

“I’ve decided this is the time for me to retire,” said Buizer, who turns 60 this year. “I’m going to celebrate my 60th birthday by retiring.”

A sign on the door of the Senae Thai Bistro, 63 E. Congress Street, says the restaurant will be closed in July. But it closed permanently.

Mamta Popat, Arizona Daily Star

Buizer said she struck a deal with her landlord to leave the restaurant, which she opened in 2016, to showcase the upscale side of Thai cuisine she learned in her native Bangkok.

The guests were spoiled by Buizer’s favorite lemongrass soup and rice noodle dishes, which were fried with tofu or chicken in a wok and seasoned with sweet Thai basil or a garlicky dark soy sauce. Her pan-fried duck breast in a red coconut milk curry sauce and a variety of pasta and curry dishes won over a loyal fan base, including vegetarians, who raved about the versatility of their dishes, which could be prepared with or without meat.

[ad_2]