Calling all kid foodies! Be a restaurant reviewer on a special ‘Check, Please! Arizona’ episode with Chef Mark Tarbell
Kids ages 9 to 13 can share their favorite local restaurants and dish out their reviews alongside Chef Mark Tarbell.
Do you know a kid who loves to try new foods? A kid who skips the kids’ menu and heads straight for the ramen, sushi, dumplings or enchiladas? Who gets excited when the family says, “Let’s go out to eat!”
If your family loves discovering new restaurants and sharing meals together, Arizona PBS wants to hear from you!
We’re looking for adventurous young diners ages 9 to 13 from across the Metro Phoenix area to join Chef Mark Tarbell for a special “Check, Please! Arizona” episode, where kids take the lead as restaurant reviewers.
This is your family’s chance to share a favorite locally owned Arizona restaurant, enjoy great food together and help other families discover their next favorite place to eat!
About “Check, Please! Arizona”
“Check, Please! Arizona” is Arizona PBS’s popular restaurant review show, hosted by Chef Mark Tarbell. In this special kids edition, three young diners will dine, review and recommend Arizona restaurants, sharing their favorite dishes, pro-tips and what makes each restaurant special. Around the table, they’ll share their perspectives, discover new favorites and help other families find great places to eat across the Valley.
Curious about the show? Watch “Check, Please! Arizona” on air at 7 p.m. on Thursdays, or stream full episodes online or on the PBS app.
Application details
Who can apply?
No television or acting experience is required! Applicants must:
• Be 9 to 13 years old at the time of filming
• Live in Arizona, ideally the Metro Phoenix area
• Have permission from a parent or legal guardian to apply and participate
• This is a non-union position
• Be available for filming in mid January 2027. Exact date: TBD
• Love trying new foods and dining at locally owned restaurants
• Be enthusiastic, friendly and comfortable sharing their opinions on camera
• Have big personalities, curious taste buds and a genuine love of local food
• Love eating beyond the kids menu: no chicken nuggets or mac and cheese! 🙂
Restaurant requirements
To be eligible for “Check, Please! Arizona,” the restaurant you recommend must:
• Be locally owned and independently operated
• Be located in Metro Phoenix area
• Have been open for at least three (3) years
• Cannot be a national or international chain restaurant; Ex: No McDonald’s, Freddy’s, Taco Bell, Chick-Fil-A, etc.
We’re looking for restaurants that showcase the unique flavors and communities that make Arizona special.
What to Expect
Three young food lovers will be selected to appear on a special “Check, Please! Arizona” episode with Chef Mark Tarbell.
Selected participants will:
• Join Chef Mark Tarbell and two other young diners for a fun roundtable conversation about their favorite restaurants
• Visit and experience each other’s restaurant recommendations
• Share what they loved about each dining experience on camera
• Help Arizona families discover great locally owned Arizona restaurants
• May be eligible for other children’s programming and events produced by Arizona PBS
Applicants will not be considered without the video submission.
Ready to apply?
Complete the application and upload your video here:
