22 Aug 29th-Sept 4th, 2024 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES | NEWS | FEATURE | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & CULTURE | MUSIC | CONCERTS | CANNABIS | his former downtown restaurant Trapp Haus BBQ and Food Network appearances, Johnson is prepared to bring his best. Joining him is Tom D’Ambrosio, co-owner of AZ Lemonade Stand and Aioli Gourmet Burger. D’Ambrosio is eager to compete. “I’m pumped for this competition,” he says. “Since Covid, many of the competi- tions I have competed in the Valley have been canceled, and I’m excited to test my skills once again.” These culinary pros aren’t just about food — they’re also avid vehicle fans, making the fusion of cars and cuisine a perfect match. “I’m a collector of food trucks, and I’ve always had a need for speed,” D’Ambrosio says. Johnson, meanwhile, cruises around Phoenix in a souped-up Dodge Challenger. “As I gear up to battle it out with talented chefs in my hometown, I can’t help but feel both excited and nervous about what lies ahead,” he says. “The thrill of the competi- tion and the unpredictability of what might happen keep my adrenaline pumping.” A new element of Barrett-Jackson The partnership adds a new chapter to Barrett-Jackson’s storied history. Founded in 1971 by car enthusiasts Tom Barrett and Russ Jackson in Scottsdale, Barrett- Jackson began as a modest auction for classic cars. Over the decades, it has become one of the world’s most prestigious collector car auctions, synonymous with high-end car culture and featuring modern supercars. As the event expanded, so did its vision, incorporating lifestyle elements like fashion and music and drawing celebrity attention. In January, we caught a glimpse of Kris Jenner’s 1956 FordThunderbird and former President Donald Trump’s Chopping Block from p 19 1997 Lamborghini Diablo — before the vehicles went up for auction. This year, a world-renowned culinary competition will be added to the four-day event. “Culinary arts have not only become a fine art but an integral part of today’s pop culture,” says Craig Jackson, Chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Hosting the Southwest Chef Showdown will be an incredible extension of the lifestyle activi- ties that make Barrett-Jackson an event the whole family will enjoy.” Mike McCloud, Founder and Commissioner of the World Food Championships, captured the spirit of this partnership. “Great food, talented chefs, and amazing cars are as vintage American as it gets. While the auctioneers focus on dazzling everyone’s car dreams, WFC will be revving up everyone’s taste buds,” McCloud says. “This is all about delighting the senses of our audience and providing a lot of fun in the process.” Southwest Chef Showdown at Barrett-Jackson Oct. 10-13 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale Kris Jenner’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird (top) made an appearance at Barrett-Jackson’s January auction. Pitmaster Phil Johnson (right) is among competitors in the Southwest Chef Showdown, which will take place during the auction in October. (Photos by Mike Madriaga and Phil Johnson)
