Alan Zeman | CEC, AAC

A Certified Executive Chef and member of the American Academy of Chefs, “The Z-Man,” Alan Zeman, graduated first in his class at New York’s prestigious Culinary Institute of America, after learning the restaurant business “from the ground up” in his hometown of Chicago.

Since settling in Tucson, Arizona, in 1975, he has served up Southwestern specialties at the Tucson Country Club, Arizona Inn, Sheraton El Conquistador Resort and Country Club, Skyline Country Club, and the DoubleTree Hotel. He was twice awarded “Chef of the Year” by the Chef’s Association of Southern Arizona.

Chef Zeman’s own restaurant of eleven years, “¡Fuego!,” was voted “Tucson’s Best New Restaurant” in the 1998 Zagat Survey, and was a perennial recipient of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence.

Chef Zeman enjoys showing off his flair for the dramatic: ¡Fuego! (Spanish for “fire”) was named for one of his signature dishes, a flaming concoction of Jumbo Scallop, Shrimp, Chorizo, Onions, Peppers & Garlic brought to the table on a sizzler, set ablaze with Tequila, and extinguished with a sprinkle of the same “Sonoran Seasoning” available to you here.

Zeman’s bold and innovative style emerges from his conviction that eating should be fun, and not pretentious. “I like to bring the kitchen aromas and action right into the dining room” says Zeman. “That makes the dining experience more entertaining.”

Chef Zeman is now a full time Chef Consultant, performing cooking classes and demonstrations with his gourmet product line Southwestern Originals, and the RATIONAL Self Cooking Center, all over the world. His Southwestern Originals line of sauces and seasonings allow you to replicate the unique flavors of his authentic southwestern dishes.

Chef Z’s Prickly Pear Barbecue Glaze is a grilling sauce for seafood, poultry, and vegetables. Fuego Red Seasoning is a spicy fusion of aromas, herbs, and spices. And Sonoran Seasoning Spice Blend represents an all-purpose offering of herbs and spices. He also coined the term “sprub” for spices that work equally well as rubs. Each is available with or without salt, and each is sold by the bottle or by the case.