In this episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, Guy Fieri takes us on a culinary journey to the bustling city of Phoenix, Arizona. Amidst warm nights, great tunes, and the camaraderie of friends, Guy discovers a unique restaurant concept that encapsulates all these wonderful experiences: The Duce.
Located in a vibrant warehouse area, The Duce offers a diverse mix of shopping, a boxing gym, a food bar, and more. This eclectic spot is the brainchild of Steve and Andi Rosenstein, Windy City transplants who brought their vision of a personal playground to life in Phoenix.
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The Experience at The Duce
The Duce is not your average eatery. It’s a unique combination of a hangout spot, a boxing gym, a shopping destination, and, of course, a place to enjoy delicious food. Steve, who manages the boxing aspect, and Andi, the culinary mastermind behind the kitchen, have created a space that feels like an adult playground. As Guy puts it, “There’s nothing like it in Phoenix.”
The Dish: Loaded Chicken Pot Pie in a Jar
The star of the show is Andi’s family-favorite dish: the Loaded Chicken Pot Pie in a Jar. This isn’t your typical pot pie. It’s a flavorful, hearty meal, baked and served in mason jars, making it as fun to eat as it is delicious.
How the Chef Made It
Andi begins by preparing dough with flour, kosher salt, sugar, and butter, which she then rolls out and uses mason jar lids to cut perfect circles for the tops and bottoms. She par-bakes these dough circles to get them ready for the filling.
For the filling, Andi starts with a generous amount of butter, adding boneless chicken thighs because, as Guy notes, “Chicken thigh makes it. It’s still tender and has great flavor.” She then includes chopped onions, diced celery, carrots, a hint of curry powder, and chicken stock, allowing it all to simmer.
A roux of butter, flour, chicken stock, and heavy cream thickens the mixture. Finally, fresh corn and parsley round out the flavors. Andi fills the par-baked jars with this savory mix, tops them with another circle of dough, and bakes them until golden and flaky.
Guy Fieri’s Take
Throughout the episode, Guy is visibly impressed by Andi’s culinary skills. He particularly highlights the innovative use of mason jars and the rich, flaky crust of the pot pie. The inclusion of fresh corn and chicken thighs adds layers of flavor that elevate this comfort food to gourmet levels. “It’s amazing,” Guy exclaims, savoring the combination of tender chicken and slightly sweet crust.
The Duce: A Culinary Playground
Apart from the delicious food, what makes The Duce special is its unique atmosphere. Steve and Andi have successfully created a space that offers something for everyone, from boxing enthusiasts to foodies. As Guy jokingly mentions, “You got the gym right next door, so I plan on working out after I eat!”