Editor’s note: This article was updated on April 25, 2025, to reflect that the event has been rescheduled for a new date in the fall (TBD).
Local chef John Riley Stancato, James Beard Award-winning baker Don Guerra, his son Teo Guerra, and Enzo Toraño of A. Toraño Wines are teaming up for a five-course dinner at The National (date is TBD).
Over at 98 E. Congress St., the experience will highlight everything that makes Tucson’s food scene shine: thoughtful cooking, heritage grains, and a deep love for community.
“We will be discussing all things Tucson, food, pizza, bread, and wine, while you indulge in a carefully planned five-course meal,” said Stancato. “Each course includes an offering from Don’s Barrio Bread selection, Barrio Bagel and Slice menu, and Barrio Grains products.”
Additionally, every course will be thoughtfully paired by Enzo with wines from Toraño Family Winery.
Tickets are $250 per person and can be purchased ahead of time online. Seating is limited, too — just 46 spots are available.
Dinner Menu
Primero
- Pescado Plato de Fruteria Aguachile con Barrio X La Mesa Totopos Harina – dragon fruit, papaya, mango, piña, ahi tuna, pepino limon aguachile, smoked coconut flakes, chile
- Paired with the “Kick Ranch” Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County: Fountaingrove AVA Vintage: 2022
Secundo
- Barrio Focaccia “Baller” Slice – Barrio Bread heritage grain focaccia, local crispy ridged potato slices, roasted onion, fresh rosemary, osetra caviar, 24k gold flake
- Paired with the “El Bobo” Grenache Sonoma County: Bennett Valley AVA Vintage: 2023
Tercero
- Barrio Grains Wheatberries de El Elotero – cooked Sonoran white wheatberry, mesquite grilled elote, queso cremoso, mesquite grilled onions, micro cilantro, corn reduction sauce
- Paired with the “El Duende” Syrah Sonoma County: Bennett Valley AVA Vintage: 2017
Main
- Ravioli Timbre e Carne – braised osso buco meat stuffed inside a stamp ravioli, Sicilian gravy rosso, herb gremolata, chiltepín spiced Barrio Bread focaccia crumbs, oregano
- Paired with the “Mi Cielo” Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County: Alexander Valley AVA Vintage: 2015
Dulce
- Compressed Cake – layers made with a blend of Sonoran white wheat & red I’fe, blood orange sabayon mousse, blood orange ganache, guajillo caramel, candied cocoa
- Paired with the “Mi Cielo” Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County: Alexander Valley AVA Vintage: 2017
Again, seating is limited, so snag your tickets sooner rather than later, and we’ll keep you in the loop on the TBD date.
The dinner will be held at The National, located at 98 E. Congress St. For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit becomingastancato.com.
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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.
