In collaboration with Copenhagen Imports and 11 outstanding local chefs, Tucson Foodie hosted its second Art of Plating event on Thursday, January 30.
All of the chefs graciously donated their time and food in support of The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. Thank you, chefs, you are absolute culinary superstars.
We extend our thanks to all those who participated and contributed to the event’s success.
Here were each of the chef’s submissions:
Erika Bostick, Fonda La Hermanita
Art of Plating dish by Erika Bostick from Fonda La Hermanita (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Moody Elbarasi, The Coronet
Art of Plating dish by Moody Elbarasi from The Coronet (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Wendy Gauthier, Chef Chic
Art of Plating dish by Wendy Gauthier from Chef Chic (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Roderick Ledesma, PY Steakhouse
Art of Plating dish by Roderick LeDesma from PY Steakhouse (Photo by Jackie Tran)
John Martinez, Tito & Pep
Art of Plating dish by John Martinez from Tito & Pep (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Maria Mazon, BOCA Tacos y Tequila
Art of Plating dish by Maria Mazon of BOCA Tacos y Tequila (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Kyle Nottingham, Ares Collective
Art of Plating dish by Kyle Nottingham from Ares Collective (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Gina Skelton, First We Eat Catering
Art of Plating dish by Gina Skelton from First We Eat Catering (Photo by Jackie Tran)
David Solorzano, Penca
Art of Plating dish by David Solorzano from Penca (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Dominique Stoller, Doma’s Delights Catering & Personal Chef
Art of Plating dish by Dominique Stoller from Doma’s Delights Catering & Personal Chef (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Matt Thompson, Nook
Art of Plating dish by Matt Thompson from Nook (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Award winners
The votes were close, but two victors emerged. Gina Skelton from First We Eat Catering won the People’s Choice award, while John Martinez from Tito & Pep won the Judges’ Choice award.
Jackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.