What Does an Iron Chef Do in His Downtime?

By Kunal

January 26, 2016 9:00 am

MARC FORGIONE
ACCLAIMED CHEF / MUSICIAN

With three restaurants, a Michelin star and 18 Iron Chef wins to his credit, you’d think Marc Forgione never thought about anything other than cooking. You’d be wrong – turns out the world-renowned chef is actually a pretty skilled guitarist as well.

“Coming up with a great dish to me is very similar to figuring out how to play a great song.” says the chef-slash-axeman. “It’s a very similar kind of satisfaction.” Another thing his secondary passion grants him: balance. “I think the music influences my cooking because it’s opened my mind to letting go a little bit. It makes me relax, and I think that my creative process is a lot more successful when I’m in a relaxed state.”

Solid advice. Play on, Forge.

GO-TO CHEF TOOL

MORTAR & PESTLE

“Found in my parent’s garage. They bought it at a yard sale when they were living in London. Made in Paris, circa 1920s. There is no make and model but I would highly recommend.”

GO-TO CHEF TOOL

MORTAR & PESTLE

“Found in my parent’s garage. They bought it at a yard sale when they were living in London. Made in Paris, circa 1920s. There is no make and model but I would highly recommend.”

GO-TO-GUITAR

PAUL REED SMITH

MODEL 408

“When I went to pick out my first electric guitar, I sat in the store for 2 hours picking up guitars off the wall. Until I finally found the one that fit.”

GO-TO-GUITAR

PAUL REED SMITH

MODEL 408

“When I went to pick out my first electric guitar, I sat in the store for 2 hours picking up guitars off the wall. Until I finally found the one that fit.”

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I think it goes back to the basics of any craft or technique. Whether you’re playing the guitar or making a dish or fixing a car or making a painting. Everybody you know by name in any field paid attention to their technique and practiced at it and sacrificed. I think sacrifice is a huge word when you think about craft and technique and the end product being something that you’re proud of.

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