It's Getting Hot in Here!
Congratulations Chef Charles Lazzarechi from the Dayton Street Grille for willing the 2008 Culinary Conqueror title at the 2008 Madison Food & Wine Show.
On Sunday, October 19, Chef Charles defeated Chef Andrew Lickel from Samba Brazilian Grill in a heated final round to claim the title of culinary conqueror.
Beginning Friday, six chefs competed in elimination heats where they advanced until there were only two chefs left standing for the final round on Sunday. The final prepared cuisine was judged based on presentation, creativity and taste by three celebrity judges and one audience member.
Dueling Chefs Emcees
Patrick O’Halloran
Lombardino’s Restaurant
Lombardino’s has been a part of the Madison landscape for over fifty years and has the distinction of being one of the city’s oldest continuously operating eateries. Founded by Sicilian immigrant Matteo Lombardino as Lombardino’s Garden Restaurant on State Street, the eatery quickly became a local favorite. The restaurant took a dramatic turn from its Italian American roots in 2000 when Patrick and Marcia O’Halloran bought the business and implemented their philosophies of a seasonal menu, friendly service and the introduction of an exclusively Italian wine list. The menu is a reflection of several journeys to Italy combined with the wealth of local ingredients available in the Madison market.
Robert Von Rutenberg
Von Rutenberg Ventures
The start of von Rutenberg Ventures goes back to 1961 when Bill and Betty von Rutenberg purchased the Nibble Nook, an eight-stool hamburger spot on East Washington Avenue. Five years later, Bill and Betty sold the Nibble Nook and bought Jack Burke’s Supper Club (now the Mariner’s Inn). The von Rutenbergs saw the need for more casual dining on Lake Mendota, and soon the Nau-Ti-Gal was created. Next they developed a moderately priced seafood restaurant: Captain Bill’s. The most recent addition to von Rutenberg Ventures is Betty Lou Cruises. Bill and Betty’s sons – Bill, Jack and Robert – now carry on the von Rutenberg tradition of waterfront hospitality.
2008 Dueling Chefs
Dueling Chef Winner History
| Year |
Chef |
Restaurant |
City |
| 2007 |
Shinji Muramoto |
Restaurant Muramoto |
Madison, WI |
| 2006 |
Shinji Muramoto |
Restaurant Muramoto |
Madison, WI |
| 2005 |
Shinji Muramoto |
Restaurant Muramoto |
Madison, WI |
| 2004 |
Robert Hughes |
Serendipity |
Cambridge, WI |
Madison Originals
Madison Originals is a grassroots confederation of more than three dozen independently owned restaurants dedicated to preserving the area’s unique local flavor amid the onslaught of national chains. Their mission is to call attention to the concept of eating locally through collective marketing efforts, special events and sponsorship of charitable causes.
