Q and A with “Chopped” Guru and SOBEWFF Judge Marc Murphy

Gracing our presence with his vibrant personality, comical facial expressions, and of course, his incredible knowledge of cooking and restaurants, Chopped judge Marc Murphy came to the Magic City to judge this year’s Red Robin “Best of the Bash” at the SOBEWFF. And while America’s top chef, restaurant owner and household name picked America’s top new burger, we took a moment to find out Marc’s favorite sips, spoonfuls and spots from across the globe — and we are so glad we did.

What is your favorite Miami restaurant, and why?
Mandolin Aegean Bistro is a hidden gem in the Design District; the menu is designed using fresh herbs, local fish and simple ingredients. I love to get a lot of “mezes” to share, but my favorite is the Turkish chorizo — it’s cooked to perfection and absolutely delicious.

What is your favorite dish served at one of your restaurants? What about it makes it your favorite?
It’s so hard to pick a favorite, but the pork chop with apples and caramelized onions is a staple on my menu at both Landmarc locations, one in Tribeca and the other in Time Warner Center. I love it because the flavor of the pork pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the apples and onions; plus, you can enjoy it anytime of year. I love it so much, in fact, that I even included the recipe in my debut cookbook, Season with Authority: Confident Home Cooking, which is due out April 28^th.

What five ingredients do you always need to have in your kitchen?

1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2. Salt + Pepper Mixture
3. Dijon Mustard
4. Lemon
5. Canned Tomatoes

Given your experience as a judge on Chopped, what advice do you give to aspiring chefs and restaurant owners?
If you think you want to be a chef or open your own restaurant one day, my advice is to spend time in a restaurant kitchen first. This job can be much harder than it seems, and the pace can be a killer — so take it for a test drive if you can.

What was your favorite part of the SOBEWFF?
For me, the festival is a time when I get to connect with fans and friends. It’s great to meet people and hear about how much they love the show, or find out that they love to eat at Landmarc or Ditch Plains when they are in New York. It’s also an amazing opportunity to see friends from the industry socially, or friends who live across the country! The food world is a tight-knit community — and it’s a real treat to get to be together in one place for an entire weekend.