The next R&D Dinner, led by Chef Ken Foy, will take place at Dante’s Fire on Monday, February 24, from 6 – 9 p.m.
In 2023, we brought the R&D dinner experience to Tucson — a chef-led dinner series, inspired by Tasting Collective’s popular model running in 20+ cities around the country.
These dinners create an interactive experience between guests and the chef. Multi-course meals are presented, featuring experimental dishes in development for future menus, while guests share their feedback through comment cards and direct conversations with the Executive Chef.
Throughout the night, Chef Foy will stroll throughout the dining room, explaining each dish and engaging with guests, culminating in a final discussion to wrap up the evening.
R&D Dinner Menu

Tickets to the R&D Dinner are $65 for Tucson Foodie Members (can be purchased in the Tucson Foodie app), and then $75 for non-members (can be purchased here).
Also, if you’d like cocktail and wine pairings, it’s an extra $30 per person.
Get your seat at the table soon! Space is limited.
Tucson Foodie members can purchase tickets in the Tucson Foodie app. All others can grab a seat at the table by visiting tkt.page.
Dante’s Fire is located at 2526 E Grant Rd.
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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.















