Las Vegas celebrity chefs, Antonio Nuñez and Scott Cummings have fallen head over heels for Tucson’s incredible culinary scene (we don’t blame ’em), and recently announced that they’re moving a brand-new concept into the current Funk Monk location.
This means the downtown bar at 350 E. Congress oughta be closing soon, getting a makeover, and reopening as 350 Congress.
Chef Nuñez has been around the culinary block, so to speak, operating four highly-rated restaurants in London and Las Vegas. His business partner, Cummings, was the winner of “Hell’s Kitchen” (Season 12) and then ended up working for Gordon Ramsay. After some time, he became the executive chef at Ramsay’s Pub and Grill inside Caesars Palace and executive chef for Lake Las Vegas.
Big love for Tucson
They’re both familiar with working in the desert but there’s something very enticing about the landscape located a little farther south — the Old Pueblo.
“Tucson offers everything I love,” said Nuñez. “There are direct farmers and meat producers within a few hour’s drive, if not shorter. Artisan cheese, tortillas, spices, and more. I love the feel of the downtown culinary scene and the uniqueness of those in the surrounding areas like American Eat Co., Nook, Prep & Pastry, Blue Front, the El Charro concepts, and I’m still a sucker for Hotel Congress.
Nothin’ but options for the menu
The menu is still in the works but you can expect to see dishes like lobster ceviche and charred cactus with chili poblanos. The local food producers they’re planning to team up with for the new concept are Barrio Bread, Desert Pearl Mushrooms, and Maiz Tucson, to name a few.
Also. I don’t want anyone to think this is a Guy Savoy, Eric Ripert-style venue,” said Nuñez. “We are an upscale feel but at casual dining prices. We want this for all of Tucson.”
Tucson Transplants
Nuñez is also excited about living in Tucson and soaking up its culture.
“The homes and heritage — I love the adobe and old brick homes. Vegas is stucco hell. No character to them,” said Nuñez. “The city (Tucson) has grown and kept its integrity intact and the surrounding areas area are something out of a painting. I love Vegas/Henderson but I am looking forward to my time in Tucson. I do have a bit of family and friends here so this will be a fun place to lay my head and learn more about the city.”
There’s no exact opening date just yet but we’ll keep you in the loop when the time comes.
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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.
