Chef Marc Murphy: Solving Life’s Puzzles With Some Delicious Food
Original story published on Behind the Plate with Kenzie Osborne
Marc Murphy isn’t your average run-of-the-mill-chef . He’s a humble, kind, and inspirational chef who loves running around the kitchen and whipping up whatever creative culinary masterpieces he can! Chef Marc Murphy may just be a Food Network Chef in the eyes of others, but for me, he’s an inspiration who has helped me overcome my biggest life-hurdle — anorexia.
Anorexia VS The Food Network
The Food Network has played a HUGE role in my overall health and wellness. It may sound crazy — but yes, those weird Chopped baskets and ridiculous Guy’s Grocery Games kind-of saved my life… All of the insane challenges forced me to think of an ingredient as a medium for art, rather than a list of nutrition facts. Focussing on the artistry of food allows me to forget about the calories, fats, and all that crap on the nutrition label. When I’m “playing Chopped”, I’m just trying to figure out the damn puzzle of how to make a somewhat-edible meal from a basket of bananas, beef, chocolate, and coconut!
Chef Marc Murphy: Fumbling And Stumbling Into The Food Scene
This past week, I had the incredible opportunity to speak with one of my greatest culinary inspirations: Chef Marc Murphy. Chef Murphy is a judge and contestant on a number of Food Network shows including: Chopped, Chopped Junior and Guy’s Grocery Games (to name a few). Not only is Chef Murphy an extremely talented chef — but he’s also one of the kindest, caring, and most humble chefs I think I’ve ever met.
I guess you could say Chef Marc Murphy kind of “fell” into the food industry… In the end (after fumbling and stumbling through numerous kitchens), he has finally discovered a true love for cooking and sharing food with others.
When it comes to food, Chef Murphy was always surrounded by heaps of fresh, authentic, and high-quality ingredients. Considering his ”exceptional food upbringing”, you can probably guess that he wasn’t born in North America… (if you’ve read my other interviews, you might be starting to see a trend here…).
Chef Marc Murphy was born in Milan, Italy. As a child, he moved all around the world and experienced a vast variety of food cuisines and cultures. He moved to Paris, then southern France, then Virginia, then Rome, then Genoa, and so on — and so forth (I think that may just be my next trip itinerary).
Eat, Eat, Eat, Sleep, Repeat
Chef Marc was always surrounded by a positive food culture. His mother and grandparents were from France — and just like any traditional French family, food was always something that brought them together.
“At breakfast you’re talking about what you’re going to have for lunch, and at lunch you’re talking about what you’re going to have at dinner.”
Ugh — I crave that kind of experience.. Food, food, and more food — my three favourite words…
Culinary Training Since Birth
It wasn’t ONLY the countless seconds spent talking about food that sparked Marc’s passion for culinary arts — it was also the appreciation for exceptional ingredients, and the relationships that are built around the dinner table.
“I’m always asked how I became such a good chef. Sure, I went to a culinary school for 3 months (and I guess that’s where I learned a lot of my techniques), but honestly, I was being trained my whole life. As a kid, I always ate good food. My grandfather and I would go to our local cheese boutique and taste all of the cheeses. Then, we’d go into the bread store and pick up a loaf of the freshest bread. I was constantly exposed to really GOOD quality food.”
Even when Chef Murphy would go to restaurants, he would indulge in something truly special like gobbling up a plate of foie gras with his grandfather. Let’s just say that’s a bit different than the McDonald’s Happy meals we tend to indulge in over here…
I’m starting to see a trend… If you read through my other interviews, it seems like the European folks have the whole “REAL FOOD” thing figured out… They don’t stuff their faces with “Kraft Cheese Singles” on “Wonder White Bread”. Instead, they eat REAL, ACTUAL, WHOLESOME Food!
Turning Heads In North America
So, what happened when Chef Murphy moved to America? I guess you could say his family’s grocery habits were slightly “different” than their fellow American shoppers…
“My mom and I would go to the grocery store and pick up some fresh artichokes. I didn’t notice it then, but people would always ask what the hell are you going to do with those things?”
Other shoppers weren’t familiar with the “unknown” vegetable… Little did they know they were missing out on one of THE BEST classic French dishes… Can you guess it???
Steamed artichoke leaves dipped in vinaigrette!!
Side Note: I tried this for the first time about a year ago. It’s so simple, yet so delicious! Honestly, put the Super Bowl Nachos to the side — I’ll munch on these!
What Is Real Food Anyways??
When Chef Marc Murphy moved to North America, it was clear that there was a disconnect between people and REAL food.
“I think the Food Network has really helped educate America about food, flavours and REAL ingredients. I love going through airports and having people thank me for being on a show. Families can bond over the programs and learn about the incredible benefits of food. One time, someone came up to me and said I was so happy when my child was old enough to turn off Elmo and start watching the Food Network — I was getting so sick of it. These statements prove that the Food Network is a source for building relationships and promoting food positivity.
Beyond Food (On The “Food” Network)
The Food Network goes above and beyond just food… All food stories have a connection to health, happiness, and love for the community.
“I have dyslexia. When I mention my dyslexia on the Network, I will get a swamp of emails thanking me for being so open and honest. Mothers will email me saying My son is dyslexic and is very very down on himself. He doesn’t know that he can be successful… It’s so great for him to have a role model like yourself to show him that he can be successful and achieve his dreams.”
This is what I wish people knew… Some say that the “Chopped” baskets are ridiculous and silly (and I guess that’s sort-of true)… BUT, the show is about MUCH more than a basket of food… Chopped is about embracing the creativity of food, sharing inspirational stories from chefs around the world, and celebrating unknown cultures and traditions. It’s about breaking bread, challenging creativity, and innovating new experiences.
Attending “Food Network University”
The Food Network educates others in a fun and exciting way. Let’s be honest — who actually learns how to cook in high school? How many freshman college students set off the fire alarm when trying to microwave aluminum foil? How many college students survive on boxes of Oreos, frozen dinners, and the occasional bowl of cereal and milk (if they’re feeling extra extravagant)?
REALITY CHECK
We rarely learn how to cook at home or at school. The Food Network is a source of knowledge that has exposed us to the art of cooking!
“Everyone should know how to cook something. Learning to cook is like learning to brush your teeth. You just gotta know how to do it. You don’t have to be a chef… Pursue the career you are most interested in. BUT, even if you’re an architect, you should still know how to roast a chicken!”
I think this is something that’s often misunderstood — you don’t have to prepare masterpieces for your family and be the next big celebrity chef… But, you should know how to hold a knife, how to cut an onion, and how to prepare a basic dinner from scratch. You don’t have to fall in love with cooking — but it’s something that you should be comfortable with and willing to do.
Cooking Can Be FUN (Honestly!)
When you understand the basics of cooking, you will start to recognize the benefits of preparing meals made-from-scratch.
“You get a huge sense of accomplishment when you make a meal for others. The most gratifying feeling is when you see someone smile and say “yummmm” right after taking a bite of your food.”
It’s so true! It’s always an amazing moment when my family gobbles up a plate of something I’ve made from scratch.
What If Your Kid Could Fall In LOVE With Broccoli??
Take a moment to imagine the same reaction from kids when you serve a home-cooked meal. Picture them finishing an entire plate of your special broccoli and vegetable-stuffed casserole…
“If children hear their parents say, “this is amazing”, they’re going to want to try it too! Don’t force your child to eat something they don’t like, but also don’t yuck someone else’s yum. Have an open mind, experiment with different techniques, and try new ingredients.”
Encourage your kids to help you out in the kitchen! When I was suffering from my eating disorder, my mum and dad encouraged me to try cooking with them in the kitchen. Together we experimented, created, and innovated the craziest dishes. The Food Network prompted us with our outrageous ideas, and we bonded over coming up with wild meals to try. Of course, some of them weren’t “make-it-again” recipes, but others were something truly special. Either way, we always had a blast cooking up some goodness together!
Cooking Is Therapy
While I conquered anorexia with cooking, Chef Marc Murphy overcame his dyslexia.
“I constantly got in trouble at school. I had terrible grades, I was kicked out of schools, and I was always the class clown. My counsellor nearly laughed at me when I was finishing up high school. They said I’d never get into college with my grades….”
REALITY CHECK
Marc wasn’t being taught in a way that was appropriate for his dyslexia. He had incredible talent — it just hadn’t been exposed yet.
Fumbling, Stumbling, And Finding His Home
“After high school, I moved to NYC to live with my brother. I spent a lot of my time there goofing around and doing handyman work. Everyday, I would come home and cook dinner. After a while, my brother suggested that I go to culinary school… To be honest, I didn’t even know that was a thing… But I thought, hmmm, I do like to cook… I guess I could give it a shot”.
And so his journey began… Chef Marc Murphy enrolled in a 3-month culinary school in NYC. He LOVED every minute. The writing portion of the program wasn’t exactly his “forte”, but boy could he prepare some delicious dishes!
“Cooking was so much fun! I finally felt like I could learn something. I could SEE how to make a mirepoix, then I could actually go and DO it. Growing up, I was always told that I was “stupid” and “wrong” because I couldn’t learn from text books and class materials. Culinary school taught me that with practice and repetition, I could accomplish something beautiful.”
Realizing His Potential In The Kitchen
Cooking was a major confidence booster that allowed Chef Marc Murphy to realize his true potential.
“I was offered my first job as a line cook at Prix Fixe in New York. The job was addicting — I loved the work, and I loved the people. There’s so much comradery in the kitchen. You learn so much from every chef you meet. Working as a chef wasn’t “a job” for me — it was just fun. I could work for hours and hours on end without a problem. It was shocking that I was actually being PAID to do something I love so much.”
Climbing Up The Culinary Ladder
From restaurant to restaurant, Chef Marc Murphy continued to learn and grow, and learn and grow… He worked at a one-star Michelin restaurant in France, became as a sous chef, then a chef, and eventually opened his very own restaurant (Landmarc) in 2004. The funny part? Even after all of those incredible accomplishments he was still shocked when he was asked to “move up the ladder”.
“People had to talk me into being a chef. I would say I’m a sous chef, not a chef . I never thought I was good enough.”
Well… I think we can ALL confidently say Chef Marc Murphy is BEYOND good enough. Personally, I’m so happy that you continued to climb the ladder to become the inspirational chef you are today!
An Old Pair Of Jeans
Chef Murphy’s humble nature is the basis of his culinary concepts and visions.
“The inspiration behind Landmarc was to create an inclusive atmosphere that my friends and family could visit. I worked in many high-end restaurants, but I didn’t want to open a place that wasn’t accessible to my friends and family. Instead, I wanted my restaurant to be a hang-out spot that they could visit all of the time. So, I sold wines at retail prices rather than marking them up, and I served my favourite comfort foods from my childhood. The best compliment I received from a guest was this place feels like an old pair of jeans — it just feels really good. That’s exactly what I wanted.”
Becoming Inspired By An Over-Ripe Eggplant
Even at home, Chef Murphy isn’t all about the glitz and the glam of his dishes. (Although, let’s be honest — whatever food he makes is gonna be mouth-wateringly delicious — that’s just a fact…).
“I never know what I’m going to cook at home. I make up my mind at the store. Whatever ingredients I see will guide what I make that night. If I have leftovers, or food that’s going bad, I’ll make sure to use it in whatever I’m preparing. Cooking is all about having an open mind and gaining inspiration from what you have on hand.”
Side Note: As we were speaking, Chef Marc was roasting some slightly over ripe eggplants to make a baba ganoush. YUM!
Transforming Nothings Into Somethings
In short, cooking comes down to creativity. It’s so important to use what you have and be free to express yourself through food. There’s such an incredible sense of success when you’ve used “nothing” to make something truly special.
“I wish home cooks understood the creative outlet that cooking offers. It’s so satisfying to draw inspiration from your own culture and create your own experiences.”
Exploring New Flavours
Chef Marc is far too familiar with the wonders and versatility of the culinary world. So, what’s the best foodie-destination to add to your bucket list?
Israel!
“The food scene in Israel is off the charts. It’s so interesting to see their melting pot of flavours. Their food scene is comprised of Arab influences, Jewish flavours, and the most beautiful fish from the Mediterranean — it’s incredible. Oh, and don’t get me started on the colours, flavours, and freshness of the ingredients at local markets. That’s something truly special.”
Over and over I’m constantly reminded to: be creative in the kitchen, embrace my culture, find inspiration from others, and continue to learn and grow! The Food Network has given me confidence, strength, and allowed me to build relationships with my family. I cannot thank Chef Marc Murphy enough for being an inspiring role model for all aspiring chefs-to-be and home-cooks out there. Chef Marc Murphy has certainly impacted my life — and I know he has made a difference in the lives of many others.
If you’re lookin’ for something to do with the kids — switch on the TV to Chopped or Guy’s Grocery Games, and challenge yourself to cook something special with your loved ones!
You never know what innovative creation you can make with a basket of ridiculous food. Maybe it’ll be the next big culinary trend sweeping the nation! Or, maybe it’ll be the world’s greatest disaster on a plate… Either way, cooking is sure to bring love, light, and happiness to your day — guaranteed!
Quick-Fire Questions
Where Do You Think The Culinary World Is Going? Where Would You Like To See It Go?
“I’m looking forward to the world understanding how important the culinary and hospitality industry is. The hospitality and food industry combined represents the 2nd largest employer in our country. Given the current pandemic, and the number of lay-offs, I think the industry will become more respected. The guy down the road selling hot dogs deserves far more respect. The food industry is beautiful, and the community should realize the value and hard work that goes into maintaining it. Even as this pandemic takes the jobs of many in the hospitality industry, so many chefs are still providing the entertainment through social media .It just goes to so that we’re always working hard to bring the community together.”
Side note: THANK YOU SO MUCH to all the chefs out there dedicating your time and effort to bring us a bunch of SMILES from your cooking videos and features! We LOVE it!
What Is One Piece Of Advice You Would Give To Someone Graduating From Culinary School?
“Get ready for some hard work. Think about where you really want to be. Do you want to be a food writer, a stylist, a chef, or a cook ? There are so many avenues within the industry. Have an open mind and find what inspires you. Personally, I like being a line cook — but maybe that’s not the right position for you. It’s the same with any job — find what you love, go do the work, and be dedicated to it. Honestly, just be a sponge — absorb every ounce of information you can.”
What Is The Weirdest Food Combination You’ve Seen On Chopped?
“One time, a contestant on Chopped made a sauce with bacon and mango. I thought it was going to be awful, but it was SO tasty. I can’t even remember what the dish was but that sauce was absolutely amazing — I can still taste it.”
Who Was Your Biggest Culinary Role Model Growing Up?
Marco Pierre White
What Are Three Ingredients You Always Have In Stock At Home?
“Dijon, red wine vinegar, anchovies.”
He suggested anchovies with sautéed greens — I never would’ve considered it, it but I think I’ll have to give it a try… The added kick of salt and pop of funky anchovy flavour probably pairs really well with those bitter sautéed greens!
In One Word, Describe What Food Means To You.
“Life.”
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
What Is Your Favourite Food Memory?
“When I was 10 years old, I went to a restaurant called “The Golden Goat”. I ordered their raspberry soufflé and it was heaven! It was honestly like eating a cloud. I really wanted a second one, but the waiter said “no, this took 30 minutes to make — you don’t get a second one”.”
Hmmm.. I wonder if they’ve changed that… If it’s THAT good, I may have to order a dozen of them….
Thank you SO MUCH to Chef Marc Murphy for taking the time out of your day to speak with me and share your story. You are an inspirational chef, and you continue to be an incredible role model for all aspiring-chefs and home-cooks out there.
If you haven’t already, please go check him out on Chopped, Guy’s Grocery Games, and Tournament of Champions! With his creativity, positive attitude, and unwavering love and passion for food — you’ll be instantly inspired to get into the kitchen!
