Do you believe you’ve got what it takes to take on some of the best chefs in Tucson?
Can you perform under pressure, enter a culinary battle with a local chef using a secret ingredient, and wow the judges with unique flavor, presentation, and creativity?
If you answered yes to all, then the 13th Annual Iron Chef Tucson is for you. It will be held on Saturday, June 29 at Casino del Sol.
Applications open
The application process to compete in the 2019 Iron Chef Tucson Competition against 2018 Iron Chef Tucson winner chef Brian Smith of Maynards Market and Kitchen is now open.
If you’re serious about competing this year, you should consider getting a move on because the deadline for the competition is Sunday, April 28.
Although, not just anyone can apply.
In order to be eligible, take a look at the following:
- Applicants must be the executive chef, head chef, or owner-chef
- Must be employed by a full-service restaurant located in Tucson or within 60 miles
- The chef’s restaurant must be open to the general public for lunch or dinner reservations
- The chef must develop or create a portion of the menu for the restaurant
- Each chef must participate in the “Meet the Chefs” event on Sunday, May 19 at Casino del Sol
Perks if you take home the championship:
- Get your own commercials on 94.9 MIXfm, 96.1 KLPX, Rock102.1 KFMA, and ESPN Tucson during the first week of July
- You’re guaranteed a slot in next year’s competition to defend the title unless it’s your third time winning
- You’ll also receive a plaque to display at your restaurant and an Iron Chef Tucson chef coat provided by Stella Artois
Are you convinced? Head over to ironcheftucson.com for more details and to submit your application.
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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.















