What
Iron Chef Wine Dinner
When
6 p.m. Tuesday, May 31
Where
Mama Louisa’s Italian Restaurant & Catering
More Info
mamalouisas.com
In anticipation of the upcoming Iron Chef Tucson event, Chef Michael Elefante is hosting his own Iron Chef Wine Dinner at Mama Louisa’s Italian Restaurant & Catering at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31.
Growing up, Elefante cooked with his family in Mama Louisa’s kitchen. But, beginning in 2010, he took a position at the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain where he seriously honed his chops. In 2014, he returned to Mama Louisa’s as co-owner and executive chef.
Although Mama Louisa’s menu offers typical American-Italian cuisine, Elefante’s wine dinners – of which there have been three since returning – are an opportunity for him to really show what he’s capable of.
Check it out:
Four Course Flying Leap Iron Chef Wine Dinner Menu
First Course
- Aperol compressed watermelon, hazelnut brittle, Tajín vinaigrette, Sleepy Frog Farm arugula, ricotta salata
- Wine pairing – 2013 Flying Leap Grenache “LaFlor” Rosé
Second Course
- Wild mushroom risotto, mascarpone, pancetta, seared scallops
- Wine pairing – 2014 Flying Leap Escape
Third Course
- Sambuca braised short rib, grilled radicchio, liquid polenta, roasted garlic demi
- Wine pairing – 2014 Flying Leap Sangiovese Reserva
Dessert
- Frangelico crème brûlée, ricotta zeppoli
- Wine pairing – Flying Leap Solo Grenache Dessert Wine
For more information, visit mamalouisas.com. Seats are $70 per person. To make reservations, call 520-790-4702.
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Article written by:

Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.















