This year’s Iron Chef Tucson competition and Culinary Experience, which is presented by Stella Artois, is happening at the Casino Del Sol Conference Center and begins at noon on Saturday, June 29.
Before the competition, you can eat your way through the day during the Culinary Experience. Featured demos from local and national culinary experts will be available, along with products to highlight your personal culinary experience.
After that: the main event. Two competitors will face off before a panel of judges who sample their dishes, but the chefs have yet to be determined.
This year, owner and chef Wendy Gauthier is taking on the 2018 Iron Chef Tucson Champion, Brian Smith of Maynards Market and Kitchen.
The Iron Chef Tucson competition unfolds like a fast-paced television show, including a surprise ingredient that’s revealed moments before the culinary clash begins.
Also, be aware that getting a ticket to the Culinary Experience does not get you into the Iron Chef Tucson Competition.
Ticket Prices
Culinary Experience Ticket ($20)
- A showcase of cooking products, services, and demos from noon – 5 p.m.
- Appearances from restaurants and chefs that entered the competition
- Ticket does not include admission to the Iron Chef Tucson competition
General Admission Ticket ($40)
- Includes admission to the Culinary Experience from noon – 5 p.m.
- Iron Chef Tucson competition from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
VIP Admission Ticket ($75)
- Admission to the Culinary Experience from noon – 5 p.m.
- VIP Reception (hosted by Casino del Sol and three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion Chef Ryan Clark) from 3 – 5:30 p.m.
- Iron Chef Tucson competition from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
The Casino Del Sol Conference Center is located at 5655 W. Valencia Rd. For more information on the schedule and tickets, visit ironcheftucson.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.
