The pandemic has been causing trouble for a lot of local businesses, and many restaurants like DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails have closed their doors after years of service.
But it’s hard to keep a good chef down. Since the closure of his restaurant, James Beard Award Winner, chef Janos Wilder, has been busy working on the next chapter of his culinary career.
Virtual meal inspirations
For starters, he’s been hard at work filming a new series of cooking classes named “Janos Cooks in the Time of COVID.” The classes have been designed for people who are looking for a way to be “more energized about cooking.”
“In this difficult time, I want to help spark the joy of cooking,” said Wilder. “My goal is to make preparing and eating family meals the best part of each day.”
So far, the classes feature dishes like Chewy Thai BBQ Pork Ribs with Mango, Cellophane Noodle Salad, Ahi Burgers, El Presidio Pan-Fried Chicken, Pan-Seared Salmon, and many more tasty recipes.
In addition, Wilder will post a video of his collection of Tucson Christmas recipes, which showcase a full holiday menu he has created over the years — complete with full recipes, shopping lists, and step-by-step guidance.
Full-Service Catering for the Holidays
As many Tucsonans know, The Carriage House has continued to be a custom caterer.
With all socially distanced measures in mind, Wilder and his team are ready to help with smaller events for the time being. He’s also looking forward to getting to serve larger groups in the future.
Feed the Homeless and Frontline Workers
Wilder has been delivering meals to healthcare workers throughout the year and is now supporting the Primavera Foundation men’s shelter, which is currently accepting donations in order to serve even more meals.
“Our goal is to provide five dinners a week to the men’s shelter,” said Wilder. “When you support four dinners, we will donate a fifth night. Our goal is to be one month ahead in donations so we have the financial security to keep going once we launch this program.”
Future plans for when gathering is possible again
The future is bright in Wilder’s eyes, too. When the time comes, he’s planning more pop-up dinners, weddings, rehearsal dinners, and “Fifty/Fifty/Fifty Fundraisers.”
“If you are involved in a non-profit, it is not too soon to start planning now. When the time is right we’ll start slowly by supplying the space, meal, and team to host your fundraiser for up to fifty guests at the Carriage House and split the proceeds fifty-fifty with your organization.”
The Carriage House is located at 125 S. Arizona Ave. For more information, call (520) 615-6100 or visit carriagehousetucson.com.
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.
