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Tucson Foodie Amateur Iron Chef 2023: Grilled Cheese Showdown

Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Photo by Polina Tankilevitch)

Tucson Foodie Amateur Iron Chef 2023: Grilled Cheese Showdown

Jul 5, 20232 min read

Are you ready to melt some cheese and create mouthwatering grilled cheese masterpieces?

Tucson Foodie is thrilled to announce the ultimate showdown: the Amateur Iron Chef 2023: Grilled Cheese Edition. Also, you don’t really need to use an iron to crisp your bread and melt your cheese.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Photo by Aleksandar Pasaric)

We’re inviting all amateur chefs, home cooks, and foodies to showcase their culinary skills in our first-ever Grilled Cheese-Off with the finale happening at the Iron Chef 2023 competition at Casino del Sol.

Therefore, the Amateur Iron Chef is an entirely new event we’ve created to branch off the main event — the big cook-off between returning champ, chef Ken Foy of Dante’s Fire takes on chef Devon Sanner of Zio Peppe on Saturday, July 22.

If selected, you’ll receive exclusive coaching and guidance from local cheesy chefs: Ken Foy and Devon Sanner. They will share their expertise, help you perfect your technique, and elevate your grilled cheese game to new heights! Keep reading for all of the juicy details on how to submit your recipe and what to expect.

Here’s How it Works:
  1. Submit Your Grilled Cheese Idea: We want to hear your cheesiest, most innovative grilled cheese ideas! Whether you’ve got a secret ingredient or a unique twist on a classic, share your recipe with us by Tuesday, July 11. Submit your recipe here.
  2. Professional Coaching: Contestants will be confirmed by Thursday, July 13. If selected, you’ll receive exclusive coaching and guidance from local cheesy chefs: Ken Foy and Devon Sanner.
  3. Show off Your Skills: On Saturday, July 22, step into the spotlight and showcase your grilled cheese creation in a thrilling head-to-head competition against fellow amateur chefs. Impress the public with your exceptional taste, flawless presentation, and unmatched creativity.
  4. Win Prizes and Bragging Rights: Not only will you gain recognition from our culinary community, but the winners will also receive fantastic prizes, including certificates, culinary-related gifts, and potential collaboration opportunities with local restaurants.

Ready to sizzle your way to grilled cheese glory? Start perfecting your recipe today! Don’t miss your chance to become the ultimate grilled cheese champion.

More about Iron Chef Tucson 2023

The Iron Chef Tucson and Culinary Experience is 1 – 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 22 inside Casino Del Sol’s Grand Ballroom. The big event between chef Foy and chef Sanner takes place from 5 – 7 p.m. and the Grilled Cheese competition will take place at 3 p.m.

Tickets are available now for the Iron Chef Tucson and Culinary Experience.

The Tucson Foodie Amateur Iron Chef 2023: Grilled Cheese Showdown will be held at Casino Del Sol, 5655 W. Valencia Rd. Submit your grilled cheese recipe by Tuesday, July 11.

Article written by:

Addie Ibarra

Addie Ibarra

More about Addie

Addie Ibarra, native Tucsonan, is a fierce lover of adventure, travels, and food. Addie has her Masters in Legal Studies and hopes to one day apply that towards helping people (and animals) around the globe, while traveling and tasting along the way. So far she’s hit 4 continents and counting!

You’ll likely find her on a patio sipping wine with her 4-legged best friend, Spaghetti.

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From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus, giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. 

#sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizonaSonoran Restaurant Week is back for its 8th year!🎉 ❤️Restaurant owners: Applications close August 14. There is no cost to participate, and you’ll be included in Tucson Foodie’s biggest marketing campaign of the year, featuring print, online, social, radio, TV, menu previews, chef interviews, and more. From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus, giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. #sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizona
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Today, Sediq Haidari and his family serve traditional Afghan dishes like bolani, mantou, Kabuli palaw, fresh tandoori naan, and house-made chaka, while preserving recipes and traditions rooted in Afghanistan’s rich history. 

With its warm hospitality, authentic food, and strong sense of community, Kabul Corner has become a little piece of home in the Sonoran Desert. ❤️ 

“These dishes are famous not only in Afghanistan, but in neighboring countries like Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, Iran, and even parts of China. It sits right between Indian and Arabic food.” Sediq Haidari

Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 
Photos by @sea_lyon 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonfoodOpened in 2023, @kabulcorner is Tucson’s only Afghan restaurant, created to provide jobs, community, and a taste of home for Afghan families who made Tucson their new home. Today, Sediq Haidari and his family serve traditional Afghan dishes like bolani, mantou, Kabuli palaw, fresh tandoori naan, and house-made chaka, while preserving recipes and traditions rooted in Afghanistan’s rich history. With its warm hospitality, authentic food, and strong sense of community, Kabul Corner has become a little piece of home in the Sonoran Desert. ❤️ “These dishes are famous not only in Afghanistan, but in neighboring countries like Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, Iran, and even parts of China. It sits right between Indian and Arabic food.” Sediq Haidari Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photos by @sea_lyon #tucsonfoodie #tucsonfood
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Come support our amazing local makers, small businesses, and restaurants while eating an absolutely ridiculous amount of vegan food. 

🐄 FREE ENTRY | FREE PARKING | DOG-FRIENDLY
📍RILLITO PARK • 4502 N 1ST AVE, TUCSON, AZ

#tucsonevents #vegantucson 
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Join them today, August 12, from 4-9 pm to celebrate!

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Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonfoodIt’s grand opening day at @casaveratucson! Join them today, August 12, from 4-9 pm to celebrate! 📍 7265 N. La Cholla Blvd. Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #tucsonfood