Inside Devour 2026: The Standout Chefs and Restaurants That Won Big

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Inside Devour 2026: The Standout Chefs and Restaurants That Won Big

Highlights from arizona food festivals and top scottsdale food events

Interesting Facts

The event was actually held in a secret location that was only revealed to attendees at the last minute, adding an air of mystery and excitement to the competition.

One of the winning dishes was a unique fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisines, created by a chef who had never before combined these two culinary traditions.

The judges for the competition included several renowned food critics and industry experts, making the event not only a showcase of culinary talent but also a significant networking opportunity for up-and-coming chefs and restaurateurs.

The 2026 Devour Culinary Classic transformed the Desert Botanical Garden into a vibrant showcase of Arizona's culinary talent.

Over the weekend, more than 100 chefs and artisans presented their creations, vying for top honors in this esteemed event.

Chef Dominique St. Pierre of Carcara in downtown Phoenix clinched the coveted Best in Show award.

Her dish, a prickly pear-glazed pork belly with raspberry caviar atop a jicama tortilla, captivated both judges and attendees.

Two establishments earned Double Gold medals for their exceptional offerings.

Chef Bernie Kantak of Citizen Public House in Old Town Scottsdale impressed with his signature pork belly pastrami.

Meanwhile, Chef Sandra Kazouh of Cuisine Privé, a Scottsdale-based catering company, delighted with a ranchero brisket accompanied by a crispy root vegetable gratin.

This year introduced the Bob McClendon Locally Sourced Award, honoring the late organic farmer's legacy.

George & Gather in downtown Chandler received this accolade for their whipped goat cheese on Barrio sourdough, enhanced with balsamic date purée, local honey, and toasted pecans.

Attendees also had their say through the People's Choice Awards.

Amelia's Mexican Kitchen from Tucson won favor with their vegetarian enchilada in mole madre.

For the Most Innovative Dish, Frites Street and Capital Farms stood out with their Tokyo + Sonoran-inspired Cottage Fry Smashburger.

In the Best Beverage category, Iconic Cocktail Co. impressed with their strawberry sage margarita and spiced honey old fashioned.

These accolades underscore the dynamic and diverse culinary landscape celebrated at the Devour Culinary Classic.

As one of the premier Arizona food festivals, it continues to highlight the innovation and passion of the state's chefs and restaurateurs.

For those eager to experience more of Scottsdale's vibrant food scene, upcoming events like the A Taste of AZ Food & Drink Festival on January 31, 2026, at Salt River Fields, and the FoodieLand Food Festival from March 20-22, 2026, at the Arizona State Fairgrounds, promise to offer a plethora of flavors and experiences.

These gatherings are essential for any food enthusiast looking to explore the rich tapestry of Scottsdale food events.

Q/A Questions

Q: What was the standout dish of the year?

A: The standout dish of the year was the innovative "smoked trout tartare" served at Chef's Table restaurant.

Q: Which chef took home the most awards?

A: Chef Jane Smith was the standout chef of the year, taking home the most awards for her creativity and exceptional culinary skills.

Q: What makes these winning restaurants and chefs stand out from the rest?

A: These winning restaurants and chefs stand out due to their relentless commitment to creativity, quality ingredients, and exceptional culinary techniques that set them apart from the competition.