cuisine
Market Street Kitchen is an award-winning, market-driven restaurant and lounge that emphasizes modern twists on rustic American fare – with a brand-new executive chef, Michael Hunn, at the helm. SO, WE HAVE BOLOGNA TO THANK FOR GETTING YOU INTO COOKING? In a way, yes! Growing up, my dad was an executive for Oscar Mayer and Kraft. Of course, in addition to getting exposed to food by these mega-brands firsthand, I was also enthralled by watching both my Italian grandmother and Julia Child – albeit Julia on television – in the kitchen, too. WHAT PHILOSOPHY DO YOU USE IN THE KITCHEN? Running a restaurant well is a team sport. I am a huge believer in building an amazing staff and doing everything I can to motivate them to be their best. It is similarly important to build and maintain great relationships with the sales teams we work with, from our seafood and cheese vendors to our fresh produce providers. Every position and every person counts. WHAT IS YOUR GAME PLAN? My goal is to continue to emphasize communal dining and wood-fired rotisserie cooking. You can expect us to pay homage to our amazing wine and cocktail menus as well with themed dinners and special pairing options starting this winter. And keep an eye out for seafood and other specials coming down the line. WHAT IS YOUR CULINARY BACKGROUND? I got my start as a dishwasher in Chicago. I moved up to cooking positions in Chicago at the Four Seasons, McCormick & Schmick’s, Pili Pili and Rosebud before making my way to Arizona to serve as a chef at Bloom and then Roy’s. I eventually left Phoenix for Las Vegas to join the Light Group, where I managed concepts at the Mirage, Monte Carlo and Aria, among others. Eventually, though, I wanted to come back to the Valley to be a part of the culinary movement in Phoenix. WHAT IS THE CRAZIEST THING YOU’VE EVER COOKED OR HAD TO EAT? I pride myself on always trying everything twice. Everything, that is, except cow bile soup. Never again! Market Street Kitchen, 20825 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale; 480.278.7044; www.marketstreetkitchen.com.
CHEF CONVERSATIONS In the kitchen with Michael Hunn of Market Street Kitchen BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ PHOTO BY MARK MORGAN
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| NOVEMBER 2016
10/21/16 9:58 AM