Today is the first installment of 120 Seconds, a new regular post that you will see here on DLT. It’s quite simple, we grab one of our local tastemakers and fire a bunch of questions at them for two minutes.  What follows below is the result of just that with chef/restauranteur Mark Tarbell.

Are you ready? YES

When did Tarbell’s open? December 8th, 1994 at 5pm

Favorite all-time Tarbell’s dish that has always been on the menu?
For my long time friends it’s the Wild Scottish Salmon with Local Honey, molasses, and lime glaze. This was the first dish ever to be prepared at Tarbell’s (for a private Birthday “construction” party 2 months before we opened.)  I’ve tried to change it or take it off the menu twice, and folks lost it!

If you cooked for the Obamas at your house tonight, you’d make what entree? At my home, guests get a meal from whatever I have in the fridge. Today I have the fixin’s for a deep pan-seared tomato sauce with hen of the woods mushrooms.  I can crank out some fresh pasta, I have pizza dough and I love to make simple thyme, red onion and parmesan foccacias with hummus. I’m really into making Chilaquiles now with the red chile sauce I make from chiles grown on a friend’s ranch in Chihuahua.  This morning I made banana bread so that along with soft fresh Crow’s Dairy Goat cheese and local honey, that would be dessert. That’s what I’m thinkin’ now…this would certainly change if I’m asked 120 seconds later.

Who is the most under-rated local chef? Hmmm… I don’t get out that much, but the young Executive Chef at Tarbell’s is not just under-rated, he has no rating. He’s 26 years old and displays more potential than anyone I’ve worked with to date. His name is Matt Fenton. He doesn’t want to be famous (and wow, isn’t that refreshing?) so don’t tell anyone.

Do you have a favorite off the grid type place you go? The Lunch Box, Los Reyes de la Torta, el Nortino, Frank and Lupe’s, The Tuck Shop, Shinbay to name just a few.

Coffee or Tea? Hava Java, Carmel Coffee or anywhere that serves Illy.

Paper or web for morning news? My news cycle is to read books written by credible historians.  As history repeats itself I find that I’m quite current but in a peaceful state. If any thing big happens my customers tell me from 5-10pm. Very slow.

Will the Suns have a winning season?  Yes, and will it rain?

Do you miss Stoudemire? Sadly, I didn’t meet him more than twice. Maybe he’ll be back.

What is Phoenix missing? A shorter flight to Manhattan, bring back the Concorde!

Camelback or Squaw Peak? In between and all around.

Is there a new Tarbell’s venture in the works? In my head, always. Currently I’m very happy with Tarbell’s and focused on getting it to where I want it to be.

Where you surprised Freds @ Barney’s did not make it, yes or no? Did they close? How sad.

If you want a taco where do you go? Same for pizza (not Bianco, we know that is likely the first answer)? hmmm… El Nortino for a Taco, Pizza that’ not Bianco??? Wow..

What’s your favorite city outside of Phoenix? New York City. I also love San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Portland, Oregon, Portland, Maine, St. Louis, Paris and Verona. For New York: Many of my friends, family, favorite restaurants, museums, art scenes, theaters, street buzz, and general stimulation are there. NYC is a world class city.

Where do you want to go that you have yet to visit? China

Thanks. 120 seconds is up.  See you soon for some of that Wild Salmon.

About Mark Tarbell:

Mark studied in Paris at the l’Academie du Vin and earned a Grande Diplôme d’Etude Culinaire from Ecole du Cuisine La Varenne.  After working in Paris, Boston, and Deer Valley, he moved to Arizona and became the youngest Food & Beverage Director of any Five Diamond property in the world a The Boulders.  He has been recognized with multiple awards including a two-time induction to The Arizona Hall of Culinary Fame (as Chef and as Media Master) and being nominated for “Best Chef – Southwest” by the James Beard Foundation. He and his restaurants have earned more than 50 city and industry awards, including a “Best Restaurant” from Food and Wine magazine.

Mark’s frequent television time includes being the only winner on the 5th season of “Iron Chef America”, and appearing on other Food Network, Fox, Lifetime, ABC, and local programs. He has been the weekly wine columnist for the Arizona Republic since 2004 and a judge at the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits competition (the largest and oldest in the country) for 17 years.

Visit Tarbell’s by clicking here.

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