That’s a wrap — until Saturday, October 5, at least.
This past Sunday, six local chefs squared off in the Meet the Chefs cooking competition in the Copper Ballroom at the Tucson Convention Center.
All six chefs and their teams sliced, diced, and impressed judges. Each chef was judged on three categories — taste, creativity, and presentation/visual appeal — and Chef Anthony Dromgoole of OBON came out on top, taking first place at Meet the Chefs.
With over a decade of culinary experience under his belt, including seven years dedicated to the art of sushi, Dromgoole became OBON’s new chef earlier this year. Since his debut in the kitchen at the downtown restaurant, the menu has been brimming with his blend of innovative creations and time-honored Japanese dishes.
Read more about Dromgoole’s culinary journey in our February 2024 article.
The other local chefs who competed in Meet the Chefs this year include Chef AJ Mortazavi of The Barnyard Crafthouse & Eatery, Chef Jose Contreras of Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen, Chef Alex Cole of Proof Artisanal Pizza and Pasta, Chef Mat Cable of Zio Peppe and Fresco Pizzeria, and Chef Logan Tessier of Pin + Flour (the restaurant inside The Eddy Hotel Tucson).
Iron Chef Tucson
So, what’s next for Dromgoole and the team at OBON?
This October, he’ll compete against the current two-time champion Chef Ken Foy from Dante’s Fire at Iron Chef Tucson. Last year, Chef Foy was defending his 2022 title and beat Chef Devon Sanner, who is now the brand-new Executive Chef at the Lodge at Ventana Canyon.
“I look forward to defending my title as Iron Chef in the upcoming competition,” said Foy.
The two chefs will go head-to-head on Saturday, October 5 at Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita, 1100 W. Pima Mine Rd.
Reserved seating is available starting at $50. Your ticket includes entry to the Culinary Experience from 3-5 p.m. with two hours of food and drink sampling, cooking demos, classes, and more.
Then, the main event — the Iron Chef Tucson Competition — is from 6 -7:30 p.m.
Get your tickets soon if you’re hoping for a reserved seat.
For more information on all things Iron Chef Tucson, please visit ironcheftucson.com.
