Culinary Fest winners
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 10.29.2008
The recent sixth annual Tucson Culinary Fest crowned a new winner of the Copper Chef Challenge, and a winner of the World Margarita Championship. Winning the title for best “Classic Margarita” was El Charro restaurant. Peoples' Choice Award went to Brian Metzer, owner of the newly-opened Jax Kitchen.
Jax also won the top prize for the restaurant's "Virgin de Guadalupe," a non-alcoholic Margarita.
The pannel of judges included Ann and Paul Tuennerman, founders of the annual Tales of the Cocktail event in New Orleans; Jennifer English from the Food & Wine Radio Network and Flavorbank; Edie Jarolim, culinary/spirits authority and journalist; and Cointreau Mixologist Erin Williams.
The winner of this year's Copper Chef Challenge was Chef Jim Murphy, who was up against last year's winner, Jonathan Landeen. Chile was the secret ingredient, and Landeen, of Jonathan's Tucson Cork, and Murphy, with Kingfisher, had to whip up three courses. Murphy's winning combo:
Seared Shrimp Poblano Ceviche with mango, lime, vanilla, corn, dried chipotle, chili powder, red jalapeno and cilantro served over heirloom tomatoes and zucchini.
Pan Seared Ancho Chile Rubbed Tilapia over a Pork Stew with Poblano peppers, sweet potato, tomato, mulatto chili, shitake mushroom, and served with a lentil cake made with, cascabel Chiles, tzatziki sauce , topped with jalapeno red onion jam.
Dry Hatch Chili Marinated Roast Chicken was next on his menu with roasted fingerling potatoes, sautéed spinach with yellow peppers and garlic, topped with cascabel chiles and a pomegranate gastrique.
Kathleen Allen
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