Two Tucson chefs who grew up in the same East Coast city on the same street but never met until they both moved thousands of miles away to Tucson will compete for the title on Saturday, July 30.
Reigning Iron Chef Wendy Gauthier, chef-owner of at 1104 S. Wilmot Road, will defend her title against Kenneth Foy, chef-owner of at 2526 E. Grant Road.
Reigning Iron Chef Tucson Wendy Gauthier of Chef Chic discusses what it's like to return to the competition that she won in 2019.
The pair grew up a mile apart on the same Alexandria, Virginia, block and never met. They graduated the same year from rival high schools before Gautier struck out for culinary school at New York’s prestigious Foy struck out to Washington, D.C., to participate in the training program that led him to cook in some of D.C.’s finest restaurants and a handful of upscale country clubs.
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Chef Chic chef/owner Wendy Gauthier talks about the ingredients she can work with and some that will be more challenging.
Gauthier moved to Tucson in 1998 to escape the East Coast snow. Foy arrived five years later to take the helm of .
“I came out here for a joke — they paid for the trip and I thought I would hate it. I didn’t,†he said with a laugh.
Several years later, Gauthier and Foy became Facebook friends and quickly discovered their shared hometown roots. They finally met in person when they judged a tequila and salsa competition at La Encantada in 2012.
But that’s not where the connection ends: The pair also are Tucson neighbors. They live a couple of blocks from one another.
“We’ve been circling the same drain for years,†said Foy.
Foy opened Dante’s Fire in 2013; Gauthier ran her Chef Chic catering business for 18 years before opening her restaurant in December 2019, not long after winning the 13th annual Iron Chef Tucson title in 2019. The competition was put on hiatus in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, said Nathan Lanham-Baird, marketing and promotions director of the contest’s coordinator
Dante’s Fire chef-owner Kenneth Foy will try to unseat reigning Tucson Iron Chef Wendy Gauthier during the 2022 final at Casino del Sol on Saturday.
Dante's Fire chef-owner Kenneth Foy lays out his strategies for Saturday's Iron Chef Tucson competition
Iron Chef Tucson is a local version of the popular Food Network show that pits chefs in a timed cooking competition. The chefs, assisted by two other cooks, have an hour to create and plate four dishes using a secret ingredient that will be announced at the beginning of the competition. The ingredient has to play a key role in each of the four dishes.
The chefs will get a hint of the secret ingredient on Friday, July 29, when they will learn of four potential ingredients being considered. That will give them a couple of hours to sketch out possible dishes, Foy said.
This is Foy’s first Iron Chef Tucson competition after several unsuccessful attempts.
“I never made it past the qualifying round,†he said.
But that changed when he beat out other chefs in the June 26 Meet the Chefs competition with his coriander and star anise-brined corned pork shoulder with a horseradish potato salad, pickled eggplant and a sweet pea couli.
Gauthier snagged her win three years ago with a series of octopus dishes including a cold jicama sheet enchilada stuffed with shrimp and octopus; a lettuce soup with prickly pear onions and octopus tentacles; cheddar octopus fritter; and a beer crepe with an octopus apple bacon compote topped with brie cream and beer cream.
Wendy Gauthier, chef and owner of Chef Chic, is defending her Iron Chef Tucson title when she takes on Dante's Fire chef-owner Kenneth Foy.Ìý
For Saturday’s competition, Foy admitted it’s “hard to plan in a vacuum†but he said he plans to employ some of the culinary prowess he’s perfected at his 9-year-old restaurant.
“We’ve got a dish under glass with smoke coming out of it, foam and some neat stuff,†he said.
Gauthier said she will rely on the strategy that earned her the 2019 title: “Breathe and try to do what we do and try not to worry about the other stuff,†she said.
“Worry about the clock rather than the other team,†she added.
In addition to serving the four judges, Gauthier and Foy have to prepare enough food for a dozen VIPs. Gauthier said they will have an additional 15 minutes to plate the VIP table.
Restaurants and bars that opened in the Tucson area in 2022
Oh My Chicken
Pictured are sweet chili chicken tenders from Oh My Chicken at Park Place Mall.
Park Place Mall Food Court, 5870 E. Broadway
Korean-style fried chicken
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This new mall vendor serves some of the best fried chicken in Tucson
Mountain Mike's Pizza
Mario Rosales cuts up a a pizza at Mountain Mike's Pizza. The restaurant occupies the former Five Guys space at Oracle and Wetmore roads.
4362 N. Oracle Road
520-524-1700
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The restaurant is known for its 20-inch pies.
Muncheez
Aurelio, left, and Morgan Garcia prepare a customer order for Muncheez, set up outside Dragoon Brewing, 1859 W. Grant Road.
Outside Danny's Baboqivari Lounge, 2910 E. Fort Lowell Road
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Aurelio and Morgan Garcia opened their food stand in September.
This new food stand serves two of our favorite comfort foods: burgers and tacos
Tran's Fats
After years in the making, local foodie Jackie Tran has opened Tran's Fats at Hotel McCoy.
Jackie Tran opened this food truck in November. It can be found at Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Road, most of the time.
Check out Ìýwebsite for other locations.
Tucson's favorite foodie Jackie Tran just opened a food truck
Rollies Mexican food truck
Birria rojo tacos with melted cheese and spiced beef broth are all the rage at Rollie's Mexican Patio.
Rollies Mexican Patio opened its second location with a food truck at the MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento, Nov. 1, 2022.
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Tucson favorite Rollies is opening a food truck at the MSA Annex
Houlden’s Rise Above
Hannah Houlden is the owner of Houlden’s Rise Above. Her vegan pastries, which include turnovers, pop tarts, cookies and more, tend to sell out at Coffee Times Drive-Thru.
Owner Hannah Houlden opened this brick and mortar vegan bakery atÌý5029 E. Fifth St. this year.Ìý
The bakery is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. until items are sold out. Houlden's pastries can also be found at several coffeehouses around Tucson.
Mojo Cuban Kitchen and Rum Bar
Mojo's venue was completely redesigned from the spot's previous iteration as a Caribbean-themed nightclub, at .
1929 E. Grant Road
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Mojo Cuban opened Oct. 30, 2022.
Tita Tita
Philip Rieff and Cody Webster are the masterminds behind Tita Tita, bringing Filipino food to Tucson.
Tita Tita is a pop-up restaurant serving Filipino food. Owners Philip Rieff and Cody Webster hope to open in a brick and mortar location in the future. Go to to see where it will pop up next.
There's a new spot serving Filipino food in Tucson, from lumpia to BBQ
The Cookie Plug
150 N. Campbell Ave.
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Cookies are baked fresh daily. More locations will open in Tucson next year.
Two Hands Corn Dogs
Corn dogs or cheese sticks can be covered in crispy rice puffs or potato cubes and drizzled with “dirty sauce†at Two Hands Corndog shop.
2786 N. Campbell Ave.
781-786-1193
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Two Hands Corn Dogs opened its first Tucson location October 12, 2022. This unique eatery featuresÌýseven Korean-style corn dog options, plus fries and elote.
Two more Tucson-area locations are in the works.
Rudy’s “Country Store†& Bar-B-Q
Construction continues on the new Rudy’s “Country Store†& Bar-B-Q restaurant, 2130 E. Ajo Way. The Texas-based company has three Phoenix-area Rudy’s locations and plans to open its Tucson location on June 21.
2130 E Ajo Way
520-908-7397
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Rudy’s specializes in all things barbecue from their popular brisket to smoked turkey breast, chicken, ribs and pulled pork. Meat is sold by the half-pound — ranging from $6.99 for sausage links to $10.99 for brisket — and sides are a la carte.
Bonafide "Texplorer" Chet Garner, host of "The Daytripper" that explores all things Texas, learns how to cut a brisket like a pro from the Rudy's "Country Store" & Bar-B-Q team.
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Nattha's Bann Thai Asian
Nattha's Bann Thai Asian recently opened in the former Peking Palace, serving up Thai and Cantonese dishes including the pictured shrimp Pad Thai.Ìý
6970 E. 22nd St.
, located at 6970 E. 22nd St., opened around June and serves up Thai and Cantonese dishes from mussaman curry to Pad Thai.Ìý
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By the Bucket
Tucson is getting its first By The Bucket takeout spaghetti shop this fall near Kolb and Tanque Verde roads.
2130 N. Kolb Road
(520) 771-6917
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By the Bucket sells hot spaghetti to go in a bucket, meatballs, meatball subs, deserts and cold drinks.
By The Bucket's kitchens are simple, with steamers for the spaghetti, warmers for the marinara and meatballs, and a toaster for the bread.
Peace, Love and Pops
A pedestrian walks past soon to be popsicle restaurant Peace, Love & Pops, 845 E. University Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz. on March 24, 2022.Ìý
814 E University Blvd
(520) 372-7805
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A new popsicle shop — Peace, Love & Pops — will be going in at 845 E. University Blvd. The restaurant, which Ìýwill feature fresh fruit popsicles as well as more inventive flavors, from regional prickly pear to cream-based popsicles with cereal, is expected to open in late April or early May.
Tooley's Cafe
Tooley'sÌýwill reopen with the original breakfast and lunch menu that dates back to 1989.
299 S. Park Ave
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The restaurant at 299 S. Park Ave. will reopen, after a six-year closure, on Friday, June 3, with the original breakfast and lunch menu that dates back to 1989.
Texas Burrito Company
Texas Burrito Company is located at
1570 E. Tucson Marketplace Blvd
Suite 100
520-367-6050
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This new restaurant on Tucson's south side is run by Jason Scott, whoÌýincorporates his Texan roots and barbecue into traditional Sonoran food.
Ren Bakery and Espresso Bar
Ren Bakery and Espresso Bar opened in the former 8 Degrees Ice Cream & Cookies, an 1,100-square-foot space that already had an oven.
4320 N. Campbell Ave., #43
520-389-8926
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.Ìý
Baked goods from muffins and danish to scones and cinnamon rolls that are used in Ren Coffeehouse nearby, and of course, espresso.
Tanna's Botannas
Marie and Buddy Lozano place their order at Tanna's Botannas, 4426 S. Sixth Ave.
4426 S. Sixth Ave.
520-445-5875
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Spicy candies and snacks are on the menu.
Squared Up Pizza
Squared Up Pizza uses fresh pepperoni and co-owner Mario Badali’s family recipe for Sicilian pies.
5870 E Broadway
520-519-2000
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This pizza spot presents Sicilian pies like you get in New York. Their pies are in the traditional Sicilian square, with a thicker base and crunchy crust.
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Frida's Cafe
Frida's Cafe's Diego Rivera sandwich is a spin on a BLT, with a chile relleno instead of bacon, plus some avocado.
5526 E Grant Road
520-367-4711
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Menu items are inspired byÌýthe famous painter couple, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
The Monica
Chris Ahlers gets some work done in the main dining room near the retractable doors to the patio after lunch at The Monica, 40 E. Congress St.
40 E. Congress St.
520-645-1924
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The Monica opened as an offshoot of El Charro Café. It is named for El Charro's founder Monica Flin and includes a market along with the restaurant.
BoSa Donuts
6872 E. Tanque Verde Road
520-526-2341
BoSa Donuts serves more than donuts and coffee. You can get lunch there with sandwiches and other drinks.
Bun Dock Vietnamese Noodle
3225 N. Swan Road, Suite 111
520-274-7419
The restaurant specializes in Vietnamese Bún (Vermicelli Salad Bowls)
Cruda Mariscos & Oyster Bar
Server Lili Garcia brings drinks to the outdoor dining area in front of the new restaurant Cruda, 31 N. Scott Ave., Tucson, Ariz., Feb. 10, 2022.
31 N. Scott Ave.
520-207-0589
Cruda is the newest in a slew of opulent, Mexican-influenced restaurants across Tucson. It was opened by Danny Cordova in the space left when his first downtown venture, La Chingada, moved into the former location of the now-closed restaurant Cafe Poca Cosa.
Fullylove's
Pictured is half of the V-Licious Vegan Burger and veggie chips from Fullylove's now in Main Gate Square
994 E. University Blvd.
520-534-7896
This lunch to late-night munchies spot has classic and vegan burgers and sandwiches and sides and a considerable dessert menu.
Guadalajara Grille
Guadalajara’s in Marana has opened with the same classic Mexican dishes as its sister locations in Tucson.
5955 W. Arizona Pavilions Drive
520-296-4221
This Mexican restaurant at 5955 W. Arizona Pavilions Drive is the third location for chef-owner Seth Holzman, which include Guadalajara Grill Mexican, 4901 E. Broadway, and Guadalajara Grill Fiesta, 750 N. Kolb Road. It has the same menu of classic Mexican food.
Midtown Vegan Deli and Market
Midtown Vegan Deli and Market wants to make veganism more accessible for all.
5071 E. Fifth St.
520-849-5553
Tanya Barnett started her deli and market out of a desire to make veganism more accessible — for meat eaters and die-hard vegans alike. She asked vegans what ingredients they needed to find and placed them on her first order.
Ni Hao Tea
2800 N. Campbell Ave.
Ni Hao Tea, with this new location, serves Boba tea and smoothies.
The Century Room at Hotel Congress
Shana Oseran spearheaded the idea of opening a jazz club called the Century Room inside Hotel Congress' former Copper Hall. The borderlands jazz and mezcal tasting lounge will open on Feb. 4.
311 E. Congress St.
520-622-8848
Tucson's only jazz club, The Century Room borderlands jazz club and mezcal tasting lounge, is in the former Copper Hall banquet space at at Hotel Congress.
The Delta
Owners of the newest downtown restaurant, The Delta. From left, Steve Dunn, Travis Peters and Bryce Zeagler hope to create a “libation and culinary thrill ride.â€
135 S. Sixth Ave.
520-524-3400
The Delta officially opened on New Year’s Day. It is the downtown sister project of local favorite The Parish.
Tucsonans might recognize The Parish as a restaurant that transforms an Oro Valley strip mall into a shot of New Orleans. The Delta will feature the same Southern Hospitality it will be a bar with a grill menu instead of the Parish's gumbo.
Bata
Bata takes up 6,000 square feet of the historic 1930s warehouse at 35 E. Toole Ave.
35 E. Toole Ave.
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Bata is owned by Tyler Fenton, who, with two siblings, also owns Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink. The menu will consist of foods touched by fire, whether being grilled, charred, flame dried or burned (on purpose).
Pacaws Wings & Things
6255 E. Golf Links Road
520-526-2857
Contact reporter Cathalena E. Burch at cburch@tucson.com. On Twitter @Starburch
Cathalena E. Burch
Reporter
