Arizona PBS launching new food series ‘Plate & Pour’ with Chef Mark Tarbell

Arizona PBS is serving up a major new original local program to give viewers a behind-the-scenes look into one of the country’s hottest food scenes in “Plate & Pour” with Chef Mark Tarbell.

Each week, Tarbell will take viewers inside some of the most interesting places to eat in the Southwest, visiting with local chefs, restaurateurs and the many people who make the region one of the most dynamic dining destinations in the country. The 13-episode series on Arizona PBS premieres Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019, at 7 p.m.

Tarbell, an award-winning chef who was named a winner on the Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” in 2007, will join veteran and up-and-coming chefs in the kitchen, interview owners, chat with bartenders and uncover the hidden stories of the young entrepreneurs in the Southwest.

Viewers will experience the science and artistry behind some of the region’s most innovative and popular dishes. Plus, they will have the opportunity to recommend their favorite restaurants for Tarbell to explore on the show.

“Arizona is now a true culinary tourism destination,” Tarbell said. “There are so many new and traditional restaurants that showcase the people and cultures of our great state. I am so happy to be a part of this great foodie community and love playing a part in celebrating it through Arizona PBS’ new show ‘Plate & Pour.’”

“Plate & Pour” is building on the momentum of “Check, Please! Arizona,” which ended its run this year after eight successful seasons. The program highlighted more than 300 restaurants across the state and featured Tarbell as its most recent host.

According to Arizona PBS General Manager Mary Mazur, “Plate & Pour” is designed to complement the region’s explosive food scene. She said past episodes of “Check, Please! Arizona” will still be available online and on air.

“In the past 10 years, our state has become the place for chefs to experiment and create exciting new dishes and concepts,” Mazur said. “‘Plate & Pour’ is designed to capture the excitement and creativity of what’s happening right here, showing you some of the very best places to experience in our region. We’re thrilled to have Mark taking us on that journey.”

Tarbell, who was nominated by the James Beard Foundation for “Best Chef – Southwest,” is the owner of the popular Tarbell’s Restaurant as well as The Wine Store and The Tavern in Phoenix. In addition to “Iron Chef America,” Tarbell has appeared multiple times on The Cooking Channel.

Tarbell studied in Paris at the Ecole du Cuisine La Varenne, where he earned a Grande Diplôme d’Etude Culinaire. He also studied at Steven Spurrier’s l’Academie du Vin.

In addition to airing on Arizona PBS, “Plate & Pour” will have a robust online presence, including an interactive restaurant map and other exclusive content. Viewers can access the site at plateandpour.org.

“Plate & Pour” is an Arizona PBS original production made possible by AJ’s Fine Foods, Biltmore Loan and Jewelry, Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers, the Musical Instrument Museum and Valley Chevy Dealers.