From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creatives on Jackalope Ranch.
Today: A couple we'd like to keep on a short leash.
Tastemaker(s) 61: Brad and Kat Moore
Brad and Kat Moore started Short Leash Hotdogs in 2010 because of their belief in doing the things you love in life, eating well, and surrounding yourself with people who make you happy. With backgrounds in art, design, soccer, retail, and banking, the couple eventually grew tired of the corporate world and wanted to be creative and work for themselves. Their family includes two dogs, Igby and Oliver, whose namesake hot dogs have become favorites of Short Leash fans. All of their signature combinations are named after their dogs or those of family and friends.
We arrived in Phoenix with... a pair of soccer shoes, some art supplies and inflatable furniture. Kat and I thought our time in Phoenix would be short lived. We rented a small apartment in Willo and instantly felt at home and decided to stay.
If I was sitting down to dinner for six, my five dream dining companions would be... we both had a parent that passed away unexpectedly before we started this business, so, I would have my Dad and Kat would have her Mom (they would have loved what we are doing) and then, because we love to laugh we would add Albert Brooks, Steve Martin, and Louis CK.
One place everyone who comes to Phoenix must eat is... Durant's. We love the history, the swanky charm and a perfect steak.
One menu item this city could do without is... an overpriced greasy burger from yet another chain restaurant.
My last meal in Phoenix would be... this is tricky because we love so many places it would be hard to say but definitely some place in Central Phoenix. I have seen Kat make a meal out of the shishito peppers from Windsor so she would be happy with that and a Four Peaks Hop Knot as long as she's on a great patio. She also loves mexican food and would probably pick the pork quesadilla from La Condessa. I would have to make mine an eclectic mix from several places. To start; Salsa & Chips from Richardson's, a Rosa and Wise Guy pizza from Pizzeria Bianco, and last but not least I would concoct an ice cream sandwich from my favorite dessert places; Urban Cookies, Sweet Republic and Goody Two's Toffee.
The Tastemakers so far: 100: Tracy Dempsey 99: Craig DeMarco 98: Lara Mulchay 97: M.J. Coe 96: Betty Alatorre de Hong 95: Eric Schaefer 94: Hanna Gabrielsson 93: Shinji Kurita 92: Silvana Salcido Esparza 91: Mike Pitt 90: Christina Barrueta 89: Christopher Gross 88: Jan Wichayanuparp and Helen Yung 87: DJ Fernandes 86: Cullen Campbell 85: Chris Lee 84. Gwen Ashley Walters 83: Tony Morales 82: Lylah Ledner 81: Andrea White 80: Lori Hashimoto 79. Mrs. White 78: Eugenia Theodosopolous 77: Lou & Lovey Borenstein 76: Anthony Patafio 75: Carl Seacat 74: Sacha Levine 73: Sharon Salomon 72: Johnny Chu 71: Susie Timm 70: Jason Silberschlag 69: Gina Miller 68: Cindy Gentry 67: Amy Binkley 66: Dave Anderson 65: Mark Tarbell 64: Marianne Belardi 63: Audrey Lasalle 62: Brandon Gauthier