Tucson’s culinary showdown returns this weekend as chefs prepare to face off at the 17th annual Iron Chef Tucson competition. The event takes place Saturday, July 26, at the Diamond Center inside Desert Diamond Casino in Sahuarita.
Reigning champion chef Anthony Dromgoole will defend his title against challenger chef McKenzie O’Leary. Dromgoole helms the kitchen at OBON Sushi Bar & Ramen, while O’Leary is executive chef at Tanque Verde Ranch.
Last year, Dromgoole clinched the Iron Chef Tucson title by defeating two-time champion Kenneth Foy of Dante’s Kitchen + Cocktails. In May, local chefs battled in the “Meet the Chefs” cook-off for a spot in the Iron Chef Tucson finale. O’Leary emerged victorious in that preliminary competition, earning her place in this weekend’s main event.
Now, Dromgoole is eager to defend his crown. “I’m excited to go through the whole process again — to see who shows up to Meet the Chefs, who wins, and mostly, to get back out there doing what I love,” he said.
Similar to the Iron Chef TV show, the competition will present the chefs with a mystery ingredient and a time limit. They must craft gourmet dishes on the spot to impress a panel of judges in front of a live audience. Each year, the live showdown draws over 700 attendees.
Meanwhile, food lovers can arrive early for the Culinary Experience from 1-4 p.m. with tasting booths, cooking demonstrations and classes, and showcases of local products and services from Tucson’s culinary community. This expo-style tasting event leads into the evening competition and is included with admission.
The Iron Chef competition runs from 5-8 p.m. Attendees can purchase tickets starting at $60 through the official Iron Chef Tucson website. However, only guests 21 and older may attend. Additionally, organizers will donate a portion of the event’s proceeds to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
For more information, visit ironcheftucson.com.
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