What’s cooking at the Grand Tasting?

Marlon Manty | Johnny Utah’s

You've been to the one in Miami. What's your fondest/craziest/drunkest memory there?
It started with some wholesome fun at The Madonna around 11 p.m. I knew that there was trouble in my future when I got into the van headed to a warehouse party in Hialia. Who knew that the sun would come up early that day? It's nice to know I still have an all-night dance party left in me.

What are you serving at the Grand Tasting?
Smoked chorizo on a mini biscuit with five-onion mustard and pickled okra. This is something that we serve at the restaurant that sums up what we do at Johnny Utah's. As always, freshness and integrity of product cannot be sacrificed.

Will you be attending any of the other festival events?
I plan on hitting up some of the after-parties, although having the festival in New York means that there is still a restaurant to run. As far as meeting people, I'm more excited to see people that I know. I plan on catching up with my old friends Bobby Flay and Eric Kleinman.