We are thrilled to announce that this Sunday Dinner at the Duce has been chosen as an Official Qualifying Event for the World Food Championships! The winner of the Dinner, who you will choose with your vote, will go on to compete in the world's biggest chef competition for the chance to win the ultimate prize of $150K!
We are also proudly partnered with Capital Farms, who will be providing all the beef for the dinner!
Tickets: $150 per person
Includes:
Dinner served up by three stellar chefs
Seating will be family-style at large tables. This is a community-focused, interactive dinner so be ready to make friends!
Three cocktails, carefully designed by the talented bar staff at The Duce to pair with each Chef's dish. Mocktails are also available!
An experience to remember
Please email us at cheers@exceptionalvibe.com if you have any food allergies. Modifications are rarely possible, but we'll always do our best!
Availability is limited so reserve your spot today!
Schedule of Events:
5:00-6:00pm - Arrival, cocktail hour with complimentary hors d’oeuvres
6:00-8:00pm - Chef presentations. Each Chef's presentation will include a paired cocktail
8:00-8:30pm - Award Presentation and mingle with the Chefs.
Featured Chefs:
CJ Kahley - Liquor Pig
CJ Kahley is a seasoned culinary professional known for his contemporary American cuisine with global influences, currently serving as the Executive Chef at Liquor Pig in Old Town Scottsdale. His culinary philosophy focuses on exceptional ingredients, raising the standard on techniques as well as continuous improvement.
Following the economic downturn in 2008, Kahley moved to Arizona, where he became a key player in the local food scene. He further developed his craft under Chef Matt Carter at The Mission in Old Town Scottsdale, as well as The Mission in Keirland as the opening Chef. The journey did not end there, as his path brought him to San Francisco with a year stint with Michael Mina Group, while moving back to the valle and later served as the opening Executive Chef at The Americano. From there moving onto Toro at The Fairmont and Geordies at Wrigley Mansion.
His determination of being a staple in the Arizona food scene stems from the rich culture the valley has shown him, in order to ensure its wonderful people are fed wonderfully proper.
Julio Leon Ramos - Tash @ Talking Stick Resort
Chef Ramos is the mastermind behind Tash's delicious cuisine. As the grandson of a baker, Chef Ramos first developed his culinary passion as a child in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico, where his talents were nurtured and took root in family tradition. He has been with Talking Stick Resort for a decade, previously holding positions at Wandering Horse Buffet and the award-winning restaurant Orange Sky. He continues to create new recipes for a memorable dining experience each visit, where guests can be immersed in flavorful bites and intoxicating aromas.
Ramos works closely with local producers to incorporate ingredients like tepary beans,
prickly pear and mesquite flour into the restaurant's dishes. "We deeply respect the traditional flavors of the Piipaash and O'odham cultures, ensuring we honor their heritage." he says.
Whitney Jacobs - WLS Culinary
Chef Whitney Jacobs is the founder of WLS Culinary, a catering and macro-focused meal prep company she launched in 2023. What began as a precision-driven performance nutrition business quickly scaled to serve contracted MLB and NFL athletes, earning her a reputation for delivering elite-level food that performs as beautifully as it tastes.
Whitney built her foundation over 15 years at The Phoenician Resort, working her way up through the ranks and refining both her technique and leadership. She later served as Executive Sous Chef for Cloth & Flame, where she mastered cooking in bespoke, off-site environments — transforming raw landscapes and unconventional spaces into unforgettable dining experiences. Her entrepreneurial drive has taken her to major stages, including opening two Tostitos-branded restaurants for the Super Bowl, blending large-scale operations with chef-driven creativity.
Whitney’s style is bold, modern, and globally inspired. Whether she’s engineering performance meals down to the gram or crafting an elevated tasting experience, she brings confidence, adaptability, and heart to every kitchen she steps into.
Hors d'oeuvres and Desserts provided by:
Andi Rosenstein - The Duce
Andi Rosenstein lives by the motto "Get Comfortable," which also defined her successful Fitigues Clothing brand. After selling her company in 2006, she opened The Duce in Phoenix's warehouse district. Here, she transformed a 1965 Airstream into a kitchen, serving comfort foods reminiscent of her Grandma Rose's Sunday dinners. Signature dishes include Chicken Pot Pie in mason jars, famous Mac & Cheese muffins, and Shepard's Pie in vintage glasses. In 2025, she'll expand with Sweet Lou’s Bakery, honoring her lab, Lou, with unique treats like S’mores cheesecake. Andi's culinary storytelling is all about making people feel at home.