Chef Janos Wilder is keepin’ busy with online cooking classes, catering, fundraisers & more

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.