Every seat in the house was filled, customers thirsting to sample Chef Ken’s award-winning dishes. The chef is the winner of the 2022 Iron Chef Competition, and, as expected, a taste of his food is in high demand.
Despite being called Dante’s Fire--which might cause one to think of an Inferno-- the food is heavenly. The dishes and cocktails are incredible and the polite staff only adds to the atmosphere.
“I wanted this title more than anything else that I have done,” Chef Ken says about what drew him to the competition in the first place. He wanted validation for him and for his team.
"We have worked very hard to create our concept: old school flavors in true food. Food that is made from real food- we run a scratch kitchen that creates fine New American food in a casual atmosphere and that caters to everyone!”
Right before the start of the competition, cherries were announced as the secret ingredient. The contestants had 60 minutes to cook and dish their concoctions.
“I was as stressed as a 14-year-old on his first date. At minute 45, we thought we were not going to finish on time. Our sweet potatoes had just started boiling at minute 35. It was very dicey…but we got it done with only 11 seconds left on the clock!”
His winning menu consisted of
* Beet and Cherry Borscht with Carrot Aioli, Toasted Pepitas and Carrot Chips
* Seared Shrimp with Sweet Potato Mash, Cherry Beurre Rouge and Parmesan Touille
* Cherry Cayenne Compote with Candied Bacon, Beer Pesto, and Seared Asian Pears, Candied Orange and Cheddar Touille
* Cherry Crumble: Sweet Cherries with Pecan Streusel, Allspice Whip-and Caramel
It’s been 9 years since Dante’s Fire opened, and they are having their best year ever, “even before the competition,” he added. Food from the heart is a rarity, and if you add in high quality, locally sourced ingredients and cook from scratch, the flavors reach a whole new level.
“My Goal is to Grow,” Chef Ken says of Dante’s Fire. As for challenges? “The Margin. Even though we are rocking and having our best year ever, it is difficult to keep up with the weekly rising prices on food and staffing.”
Dante’s Fire serves customers with a full kitchen and bar until 2 a.m. from Thursday through Saturday, and until 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday. They are located at 2526 E. Grant Rd., Tucson, AZ 85716. For reservations call (520) 382-9255
