An Evening with Chefs Marc Murphy & Amanda Freitag


On January 8, 2017 Chef Amanda Freitag posted a GIVEAWAY on her Instagram page stating that she and Chef Marc Murphy from Food Network's Chopped, were going to pick 7 lucky people attend an exclusive dinner hosted by these two Chefs in NYC. Little did I know I would be one of the lucky 7 winners to get the opportunity to experience this once in a lifetime event.

On Jan. 25th the dinner was held at 179 West Broadway at a former restaurant now called "Landmarc Triebeca Events" which is an amazing location for private events that is owned by Chef Marc.



Being the first to arrive I was welcomed by a wonderful gentleman who offered to take my coat while introducing me to David Lombardo, a close friend to the Chefs. David offered me a drink from the bar that was stocked with an array of drinks. There was a collection of wines from the winery Archer Roose.  I decided to try the Rosé wine which was absolutely delicious; I highly recommend it.




As the lucky guests arrived one by one I made friends with these wonderful people who, like me, were also feeling the same excitement about the evening. I soon began to realize that I was the only person who got a plane to come all the way from Los Angeles to attend.


With the wines and spirits beginning to flow along with excitement and conversation going around the room the hors d´oeuvres arrived. They consisted of "Parmesan Cookies" a recipe from Chef Marc's Mother and these delicious mini "Tortilla Frittatas" garnished with a roasted red pepper puree as well as an array of cheeses, sliced apples, nuts and my favorite, truffled salami.


While everyone was enjoying the delicious hors d´oeuvres I had the opportunity to take a sneak peek at the delicious dinner menu that awaited us. As the excitement built up the moment had arrived for our honored hosts to come out from the kitchen to greet us. We all introduced ourselves by name and by our Instagram name since that was what brought us all together. We had some time to mingle with our hosts while they explained the hors d´oeuvres they prepared for us. 


Chefs Amanda and Marc were so friendly and bubbly to all of us; it was as if we had been acquaintances for awhile. I think its amazing how the topic of food will do that, it brings complete strangers together. I think we need more of that today.


It wasn't long before we all took our seats as our hosts snuck away to the kitchen to begin the first course of the evening. With the incredible smells pouring out from the kitchen, out came Chef Amanda with what looked to be a 10-12 quart pot of soup which she happily dished up for us.


Winter Squash Soup garnished with Gruyére Cheese, sliced Apples & Crunchy Maple Croutons


While enjoying our soup we had the opportunity to ask our hosts some questions about their careers and their experiences with Food Network's Chopped. 


I could have eaten that Winter Squash soup all day! Those maple croutons were divine. Not long after our first course our wonderful chefs headed back to the kitchen to bring out the main course.

Rosemary Polenta 


Kale Sprouts with Garlic & Red Chili

Wild Mushrooms with Shaved Brussels and Quinoa

Pan-Seared Gulf Snapper with Cara Cara, Blood Oranges, and a Grapefruit & green Olive Relish

Roasted Rack of Lamb with Dijon Mustard and Sesame Seeds


Chef Marc had traded seats with Chef Amanda at our table to share some amazing stories of his travels over seas and his time working at "Windows on the World" a former restaurant that occupied the 106th & 107th floors of World Trade Center prior to the Sept. 11th attacks. 


After that delicious dinner our hosts left to the kitchen one last time to bring out the final course of the evening: dessert.


Which they were so proud to show us!


Tarte Tatin with Vanilla Ice Cream 


\

That homemade puff pastry by Chef Marc was incredibly delicious.  


David Lombardo introduced us to a "Chartreuse" which is a French Liqueur made by the Charthusian Monks since 1737. Delicious!


After that scrumptious dessert we took turns having our photos taken with our hosts and they even took time to sign a few things for us. I can't even begin to tell you how incredible these two beautiful souls are in real life. The conversations and stories we shared throughout the evening, as well as some  wonderful words of advise will stick with me as I continue my own journey in the culinary world. I am forever grateful to Chef Marc and Chef Amanda for this amazing opportunity to have dinner with the two of them and the impact it had on me.



A group photo of the amazing people from that night as well as some friends of the hosts that were invited to share this dinner with us. I am so thankful for meeting each and every one of these amazing, talented souls.

 










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