Obon’s Chef Dromgoole Faces Off Against 2-Time Champion Foy in Tucson Iron Chef Showdown

Executive chef Anthony Dromgoole of Obon Sushi and Ramen is set to face two-time champion Kenneth Foy of Dante’s Fire at the 16th annual Iron Chef Tucson. The competition showcases the culinary talents of Tucson chefs, pitting them against one another in a test of skill, flavor, and presentation. Foy, who has secured victories in both 2022 and 2023, is aiming to clinch a third consecutive title.

Chef Ryan Clark remains the only titleholder to achieve three consecutive wins. “The chef who won the three years in a row was retired, so this might be my last chance,” Foy remarked, highlighting the significance of his upcoming performance. Foy has been diligently preparing, crafting a “menu in a vacuum” around known ingredients. “The only ingredient we won’t know about is the secret ingredient,” he explained.

Although the competing chefs will receive a list of potential secret ingredients ahead of time, the exact ingredient will be revealed during the competition, serving as a centerpiece for each dish. This element tests not only their culinary expertise but also their creativity under pressure.

Dromgoole, who became Obon’s executive chef in January 2024, shared that cooking has always been integral to his life. Reflecting on his early culinary inspirations, he noted, “When I was in the eighth grade, we got cable and we used to watch the Food Network.” His passion developed into making pastries and BBQ sauces during his teenage years, alongside cooking for church banquets.

Although he attended Pima Community College for culinary studies, Dromgoole opted to enter the workforce instead of completing his degree. His career journey included stints at chain restaurants, such as Olive Garden and Texas Roadhouse, before joining Ermanos Bar. There, he honed his skills under chef Paulo Im, who also joined Obon’s opening staff.

His diverse culinary background includes experiences at venues like Maynards Bottle Shop and Kitchen, Flora’s Market Run, and Sushi on Oracle, ultimately leading him back to Obon as executive chef. Dromgoole mentioned, “Making sushi as a non-Asian doesn’t happen often.” He also acknowledged historical gender norms in sushi preparation, noting Japan’s past restrictions on women in the profession.

Competing in Iron Chef Tucson has been a long-held dream for Dromgoole. “It’s a crazy milestone to not only be there but to actually be competing,” he stated. “The little kid in me is very happy. If I told little me that he would be competing in Iron Chef Tucson, he would probably tell me I’m crazy.”

Iron Chef Tucson takes place on Saturday, Oct. 5. Ticket prices range from $45 to $75 and include access to a Culinary Experience from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., featuring food sampling, cooking demonstrations, and classes. The highly anticipated Iron Chef competition will commence at 6 p.m. and conclude at 7:30 p.m.