Celebrate Local Cuisine: The Devour Summer Chef Series

A Flavorful Stand for Arizona’s Restaurants

By The Tucson Tasty Show

What happens when some of Arizona’s most decorated chefs join forces during the toughest time of year for the restaurant industry? You get a dinner series that’s as heartfelt as it is flavorful. Welcome to The Devour Summer Chef Series—a bold, delicious stand for Arizona’s independent restaurants. This initiative runs from May through September.

Organized by Local First Arizona and the culinary masterminds behind Devour Phoenix, this five-part dining experience is more than just a seat at the table. It's an act of solidarity for the restaurants that shape our communities and feed our souls. This series provides not just food, but a chance to connect, appreciate, and celebrate the local culinary arts.

The Tasting Experience

Here’s the twist: each month, two powerhouse chefs come together for one night only to create an exclusive, four-course tasting menu. They utilize local ingredients and draw inspiration from seasonal offerings. The experience is all about collaborative creativity, immersive storytelling, and celebrating Arizona pride. Each dish highlights the precision and purpose behind their craft.

The Lineup

Mark your calendars! Here’s the lineup for this year’s series:

• May 19: Chefs Stephen Jones & Lori Hashimoto at Larder + Delta

• June 16: Chefs Bernie Kantak & Gio Osso at The Gladly

• July 21: Chefs Justin Beckett & Stephen Jones at Beckett’s Table

• August 18: Chefs Lori Hashimoto & Bernie Kantak at Hana Japanese Eatery

• September 15: Chefs Justin Beckett & Gio Osso at Virtù Honest Craft

  
  

Behind the Scenes

Each dinner kicks off at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of the month. Guests will enjoy an intimate, behind-the-scenes glimpse into what makes Arizona’s culinary community so vibrant and essential. This unique experience goes beyond just tasting food; it’s about understanding the passion and dedication of the culinary teams that work tirelessly behind the scenes.

Kimber Lanning, founder and CEO of Local First Arizona, emphasizes the importance of this series. “Summer is the most challenging season for independent restaurants in Arizona,” she stated. “The Devour Summer Chef Series is our way of celebrating the chefs, teams, and industry that pour their hearts into this work all year long.”

Why You Should Attend

So, what’s in it for you? A front-row seat to Arizona’s thriving food culture. A full-series ticket unlocks a season filled with chef-driven storytelling, hyper-local pairings, and unforgettable bites. You will dive deep into a world where food and community converge.

If you can’t attend all five dinners, consider gifting the series to a friend or loved one. Few gifts say “I care” quite like five months of world-class food and community connection.

Limited Seats Available

Seats are extremely limited. With renowned chefs like Beckett, Hashimoto, Kantak, Osso, and Jones participating, they won’t last long. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary culinary celebration.

Ready to eat with purpose?

Visit Devour Phoenix to reserve your seat and join the movement: Celebrate local. Eat local. Support local.

The Devour Summer Chef Series is not just a dining experience; it's an opportunity to support independent restaurants and celebrate the amazing culinary talent found in Arizona. Come hungry and leave inspired!