Local First Arizona just announced the winners of the 15th annual Devour Culinary Classic and the chefs from the Gastronomic Union of Tucson (GUT) came out on top! 

The event, which was in partnership with the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA), showcased some of Arizona’s top chefs this past weekend on Saturday, February 24 – Sunday, February 25 at the Desert Botanical Garden. 

A panel of top food critics and journalists from around the country tasted dishes served by more than 50 restaurants and purveyors — scoring on taste, presentation, degree of difficulty, and creativity. 

The GUT team consisted of Juan Almanza, Kelzi Bartholomaei, Mat Cable, Michael Elefante, Obadiah “Obie” Hindman, Sarah Lamberth, Roderick Ledesma, and Devon Sanner. The judges were pleased to say the least, calling the dishes “mouthwatering,” “killer,” and “luscious.” 

Keep scrolling to read about GUT’s award-winning dishes at the 2024 Devour Culinary Classic.

“Best in Show” Dishes

• Birria Campanelle – Campanella with Barrio Beer Beef Birria Guisado, Cotija, Cilantro Oil, Avocado + Lime Salsa, Corn Crema
• Tacos de Canasta de Calabazo + Cascabel – Mesquite Roasted Local White Squash, Cascabel Chiles, Pepitas, Tepary Beans, Corn Tortilla, Pomegranate Pickled Shallots, Azafran Vegan Crema, Mushroom Chicharron with Sonoran Chile Crisp, Mico Cilantro
• Jamaica & Limoncello Cheesecake

This year’s other awards were the Double Gold Medal, Gold Medal, Silver Medal, Bronze Medal, and Heritage Food Medal. The second year of the Heritage Food Medal honors the best dish with ingredients that are indigenous, heirloom, low-water, desert-adapted, or locally sourced (within a 100-mile radius of the restaurant) and more sustainable for Arizona.

Climate-smart foods are essential for farmers, chefs, and diners to support and expand for the future of our state.

In addition, Devour volunteers helped attendees divert a record three tons of waste from the landfill to recycling or composting, a 70% diversion rate.

Keep up with the latest by following GUT on Instagram. Also, read our August 2022 article “A Pop-Up Dining Experience with the Gastronomic Union of Tucson (GUT).”

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