For chef Mark Tarbell, his journey to the Southwest all started with a gift. Tarbell, who hails from New Hampshire, was struck with culinary inspiration at the age of 14 when someone gave him a copy of Jacques Pépin’s La Technique.
“It opened up a whole world,” Tarbell said. “I became fascinated by the idea that you could make something with your hands and give someone a moment of happiness.”
From there, it was a tour of European apprenticeships at hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants. However, his culinary education didn’t stop there, Tarbell went on to study at École de Cuisine La Varenne in Paris and earned a diploma from Steven Spurrier’s L’Académie du Vin.
“In Europe, I discovered that wine was part of the conversation at the table, and I wanted to understand why,” Tarbell said. “Why a particular wine could make a dish sing and how, together, they could make a meal more memorable.”
It is no coincidence that next door to the chef’s signature restaurant is Wine Store, his shop that offers one of the best selections of wine in the Southwest.
Getting to Know Chef Mark Tarbell
At 23, Tarbell came to work at Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale, Curio Collection by Hilton and saw the possibilities that Phoenix held as not only a travel destination, but a culinary one. Almost a decade later in 1994, he left the resort to open Tarbell’s Restaurant, which has not only racked in the awards, but been a beloved institution of Phoenix’s Arcadia neighborhood ever since.
Over the years, Tarbell has become a local icon for the Arizona and Southwest dining scene. He’s represented the region over the 11 dinners he’s cooked at the James Beard House and across numerous television appearances, including Iron Chef America, Good Morning America, and The View.
In 2017, he began hosting Check, Please! Arizona, a show focused on diners. He then went on to co-create Plate & Pour, introducing viewers to the people, cultures and stories behind Arizona’s food and drink. Over the years, Tarbell’s work with PBS has won him five Emmys but to the chef, the real goal was to shine a light on other’s work.
“These shows give local businesses a platform,” he said. “It’s a reminder that restaurants are part of the cultural fabric of a community.”
His support of the community matches with his well known philanthropic efforts, supporting an array of local charities, from the Phoenix Art Museum to Hospice of the Valley to St. Vincent de Paul.
“Restaurants exist because a community chooses to support them,” explained Tarbell. “Food is fundamentally about taking care of people, so for me, giving back is a natural extension of that. I’ve been fortunate to build a career here, so I believe that comes with a responsibility to show up for the people and organizations that can make this community stronger.”
With a career spent highlighting and championing Arizona’s flavors and cuisine, Tarbell hopes to see the Valley continue to celebrate its diversity and heritage.
“A great food city is more than a handful of celebrated restaurants,” he mused. “What excites me most is that Phoenix is telling its own story with confidence. It has a voice, and people are listening.”
While Tarbell has patronized many Valley restaurants over the years, here are some of the highlights. So make a plan, and dine out like this famous chef.
Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion
“Christopher Gross is a tremendous talent and someone I’ve known for decades,” said Tarbell. “He has maintained an extraordinary level of craft throughout his career.”
It’s a splurge but Tarbell recommends ordering the eight-course tasting menu ($275) for a visit to this legendary spot. The glass-enclosed restaurant with one of the most enviable views in the city also offers a three-course selection ($125) where guests can choose from Gross’ modern takes on classic French cuisine. 2501 E. Telawa Trail, Phoenix, wrigleymansion.com
Taco Chelo
“When they’re available, you have to get the lengua tacos,” said Tarbell, “plus whatever else catches your eye. [Though] the lengua is among the best I’ve had anywhere.”
But no worries if they’re not available, he added, because chef Suny Santana’s menu offers plenty of tempting choices, all on homemade tortillas. Try the al pastor on Wednesdays ($3.75), adobo marinated chicken ($3.75), or the Taco Gobernador ($5.75) with smoked marlin.
501 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix; and 521 S. College Ave., Tempe, tacochelo.com
Vincent on Camelback
The classic French-Southwestern establishment is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and for good reason.
“Vincent has been an essential part of Phoenix dining for decades,” said Tarbell. “There’s history, warmth and craftsmanship in that dining room and a wonderful sense of hospitality.”
His recommendation is the signature Lobster Chimichanga ($34) or the chef’s Discovery Menu ($225), which features seven courses curated for each diner at the table. 3930 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, vincentsoncamelback.com
Pizzeria Bianco
“A wood-fired pizza; you simply can’t go wrong with the Rosa or Margherita,” said Tarbell. “Chris Bianco has a remarkable gift for making something that appears simple feel extraordinary.”
While the Heritage Square location is focused primarily on Bianco’s pies, Town & Country at 20th Street offers pastas and dishes like short ribs with polenta. 623 E. Adams St., Phoenix; and 4743 N. 20th St., Phoenix, pizzeriabianco.com
théa
Set on the rooftop of the elegant Global Ambassador hotel, théa specializes in Mediterranean bites and stunning sights. Tarbell said he loves taking in the spectacular visage of Camelback Mountain and enjoys the “wonderful energy to the room.”
Overall, the chef is an advocate of building meals around conversation and sharing, and théa offers a large selection of shareable mezze dishes. Order the charred octopush with cashew zhoug ($26) or spiced beef manti dumplings ($19) along with a spread of baba ganoush ($13) and settle in to enjoy the sunset. 4360 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, thearooftop.com
