Exceptional Vibe's Sunday Dinner Series Heads to Carcara at Sheraton
Phoenix Downtown for an Unforgettable Seafood Showdown on June 7
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Exceptional Vibe, the Phoenix-based marketing and events company behind beloved Arizona food experiences such as AZ Brunch Fest and Arizona Soup Festival, announces the next installment of its popular Sunday Dinner series. On Sunday, June 7, the series makes its debut at Carcara, the signature restaurant at Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, for an extraordinary evening of culinary competition, craft cocktails, and community.
A Dinner Where YOU Are the Judge
The Sunday Dinner is not your average dining experience. Three exceptional chefs will go head-to-head in a cooking showdown centered around this season's theme: Seafood Remix. Guests will taste all three dishes, each paired with a cocktail crafted by Carcara's talented bar team, then cast their vote for the best plate of the night.
The stakes couldn't be higher. In partnership with the prestigious World Food Championships (WFC), the winning chef will receive a Golden Ticket to compete in the WFC Seafood Category in 2027.
"The Sunday Dinner series celebrates Phoenix’s exceptional culinary talent while giving guests the opportunity to try innovative and creative dishes they haven’t seen before," said Johann Warnholtz, President of Exceptional Vibe. "In addition to tasting each chef’s creation, guests get to vote for their favorite and crown the evening’s winner. It’s friendly, community-driven competition and we are thrilled to be hosting it at Carcara!"
A New Home: Carcara at Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
Previously held at The Duce in Downtown Phoenix, the Sunday Dinner series is expanding its reach by taking the experience to iconic venues throughout the Phoenix area, with Carcara serving as the first stop on this journey. Known for its refined atmosphere and commitment to culinary excellence, Carcara provides a stunning backdrop for an evening of friendly competition and fine dining. Hors d'oeuvres and desserts for the evening will be provided by Carcara's kitchen team, rounding out a fully immersive dining experience from start to finish.
Meet the Competing Chefs
Chef Dominique St. Pierre — Carcara at Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Originally from Providence, Rhode Island, Chef St. Pierre brings precision, creativity, and an unrivaled palate to the Arizona culinary scene. A graduate of two prestigious culinary programs, she built her career at beloved seafood restaurants in Rhode Island before heading west to Arizona. She honed her craft at The Phoenician and rose through the ranks at Mowry & Cotton before being promoted to Chef de Cuisine at Sheraton Phoenix Downtown in August 2025, where she oversees the kitchen at Carcara. Her recent accolades include Best in Show at Devour, a victory at Arizona Soup Festival, and a standout performance at the inaugural AZ Brunch Fest last December.
Chef Jose "Pony" Flores — Pony's Miches Bar & Grill
Born and raised in California to Mexican parents, Chef Pony is the founder of Pony's Miches, a brand he built from the ground up starting in 2020 — selling micheladas and ceviches from the tailgate of his pickup truck during the pandemic. What started as a dream to own a food truck has grown into three Pony's Miches restaurant locations. He is also the creator of Pony's Michelada Mix, a 20-year-old family recipe, and his signature Aguachile Black Sauce. Rooted in innovation, cultural flavor, and an unrelenting work ethic, Chef Pony brings bold, boundary-pushing cuisine to the Sunday Dinner table.
Chef Brian Paskvan — Ella on the Park at Hotel Solaya
Chef Brian's culinary journey has taken him through some of the most celebrated food cities in the world — Seattle, Los Angeles, New York City, Ho Chi Minh City, Houston, and New Orleans — before landing in Arizona. Known for going against the grain, he draws inspiration from process-driven cooking and thoughtfully sourced ingredients. Now in Phoenix, Chef Brian brings Southern-influenced cuisine to life through heritage ingredients and small-batch products rarely seen in the state, creating a dining experience that is both deeply rooted in tradition and entirely his own.
Ticket Information
Price: $150 per person
Includes appetizers, the Chefs’ three dishes, three paired cocktails, and dessert.
Tickets available: www.exceptionalvibe.com
About Exceptional Vibe
Exceptional Vibe is a Phoenix, Arizona-based marketing agency and event production company dedicated to creating extraordinary experiences that bring communities together. From large-scale food festivals like AZ Brunch Fest and Arizona Soup Festival, to intimate dining experiences like the Sunday Dinner series, Exceptional Vibe is committed to celebrating food, culture, and connection across the Valley. Learn more at www.exceptionalvibe.com.
About World Food Championships
The World Food Championships (WFC) is the premier food sport competition globally. This multi-day, live culinary event showcases some of the world's best cooks competing for food, fame, and fortune across multiple categories. Each year, thousands of teams vie for a coveted Golden Ticket at ohicial qualifiers to earn their spot at WFC. Since its debut in 2012, the event has attracted participants from nearly 40 countries and every state in the U.S. The 2025 World Food Championships took place October 16-19 at the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion, located at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center in Indianapolis. For more information, visit WorldFoodChampionships.com.
