Chef Marc Forgione: Continuing the American Cuisine Dynasty

Chef Marc Forgione has become a culinary powerhouse, blending innovative flavors with a deep respect for tradition. From earning a Michelin star to winning the title of Iron Chef, his journey is a testament to his passion and dedication to the art of cooking. As a leading figure in New York City's bustling restaurant scene, he brings a fresh approach to traditional American cuisine. Let’s dive into the story of his rise to fame and how he’s made his mark in the world of cuisine.

Getting To Know Chef Marc Forgione

The son of renowned American chef Larry Forgione, Marc Forgione began developing his culinary skills at the age of 16. He first worked in his father's New York City restaurant, An American Place.

As a young man, Marc traveled the globe honing his craft and studying French technique under Chef Michael Guerard. Upon his return, Laurent Tourondel recruited Forgione to serve as chef de cuisine at BLT Prime. He was later named corporate chef for the BLT Restaurant Group. Forgione was influential in opening BLT Steak, BLT Fish, and BLT Market locations nationwide.

He opened Restaurant Marc Forgione with his partner Christopher Blumlo in 2008. Now simply known as Forge, the Tribeca neighborhood restaurant serves farm-fresh, New American cuisine to locals and the Wall Street crowd in New York City.

Forgione founded Respect Hospitality, the restaurant management company that owns Forge. Respect Hospitality also manages Peasant in Nolita and Trattoria One Fifth in Greenwich Village, where Forgione celebrates his Italian heritage with seafood-inspired dishes, handmade pasta, and pizzas.

Accomplishments

In 2010, Chef Forgione appeared on Season 3 of Food Network's The Next Iron Chef. He competed alongside ten of the most talented culinary minds across America to earn the coveted title. Forgione's use of venison as a tribute to early settlers and the classic American Thanksgiving meal secured the victory, making him the youngest contestant in history to win. That same year, Forgione:

• Earned his first Michelin star at the age of 30. He was subsequently awarded Michelin stars for four consecutive years (2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013), making him the youngest American-born chef to do so.
• Received a two-star review in The New York Times
• Was awarded the "Rising Star of the Year" Award by StarChefs and the "Rising Star" from Restaurant Hospitality magazine
• Was named "New Formalist" by Esquire magazine

For Marc Forgione, NYC remains a place to give back to the community he loves. He is a Chef Ambassador for Family Reach Foundation, Chefs for Kids Cancer, City Harvest, and a member of Feeding America's Entertainment Council. In 2014, Forgione published his first cookbook, "Marc Forgione: Recipes and Stories from the Acclaimed Chef and Restaurant."

Influences

Chef Forgione's innovative, modern American cooking style is influenced by his father and other notable chefs such as Kazuto Matsusaka, Patricia Yeo, Michael Guerard, and Laurent Tourondel.

Marc Forgione's Culinary Philosophy

As an acclaimed celebrity chef, Forgione believes fresh ingredients are the key to delicious eating. He relies on community farmers and purveyors to supply his restaurants. Forgione has built his culinary foundation upon local ingredients, bold flavors, whimsical touches, and family legacy. His dishes blend creativity with tradition.

Now, Marc and his father, Larry Forgione, are bringing signature seasonal dishes directly to their customers' doorsteps in partnership with CookUnity. Small batches of Forgiones’ latest creations are prepared fresh in kitchens across the country. Sample Forgione recipes such as:

• Rigatoni Bolognese
• Four Cheese Ravioli With Arrabbiata Sauce and Crispy Basil Breadcrumbs
• Baked Rigatoni Mezzi With Pomodoro and Whipped Ricotta in Basil Pesto and Herb Breadcrumbs
• Flap Steak With Creamed Spinach, Baked Potato, and Grilled Onion Steak Sauce
• Cauliflower, Capers Olives, and Sundried Tomato
• Guanciale Bee Sprout Pizza
• Homestyle Four Cheese Mac & Cheese
• Jerk Chicken, Anguillan Slaw, and Rice and Beans
• Mascarpone and Spinach Ravioli With Wood-Roasted Mushroom and Pine Nuts
• Mediterranean Spiced Lamb Cavatelli

Visit Larry and Marc Forgione X CookUnity to view the complete menu.

Behind the Recipes: Inspirations and Techniques

Forgione draws inspiration from a variety of global cuisines. His dishes incorporate French influences from the period he spent studying under Michael Guerard and his grandfather's Italian heritage. Perhaps most prominently featured in Forgione's repertoire is his father's influence. Larry Forgione is often referred to as the Godfather of American Cuisine.

Marc's earliest experiences centered around American-style cooking. Hearty meat and potato dishes, comfort food, and regional stylings all find their place on Forgione's menus. Chef Marc can frequently be found sharing his tricks of the trade, including advice for selecting and grilling the most flavorful steak. He often pulls inspiration for new dishes from old favorites. A caper shallot brown butter from Forgione Restaurant's famous brick chicken recipe served as inspiration for a novel take on whitefish.

CookUnity and Marc Forgione: A Perfect Match

Sample Marc Forgione's gourmet culinary creations and simplify your life with CookUnity's chef-prepared, ready-to-eat meals. CookUnity subscribers value healthy, delicious dishes that can be heated and enjoyed at home or in the office, with little to no meal prep required.

There's no need to sacrifice quality when time is in short supply. Experience restaurant-caliber cuisine from some of the country's most accomplished food artists, including James Beard award winners, Food Network alums, and acclaimed restaurateurs, all without making a reservation. Internationally acclaimed chefs are local to each delivery area and responsible for every thoughtfully designed recipe.

Marc Forgione is working in collaboration with CookUnity to deliver his exclusive chef-crafted dishes and award-winning recipes directly to your doorstep. His use of fresh, seasonal ingredients aligns with the quality standard for all of CookUnity's kitchen-to-door products. Check out all of Marc’s dishes available on CookUnity by visiting Marc Forgione’s Chef Profile.

Be part of the Marc Forgione dynasty with signature American dishes prepared by local celebrity chefs. Different meals are added to the menu weekly, allowing you to try something novel or stick with your tried-and-true favorites. Choose a meal plan that includes four to 16 meals per week. Heat dishes according to chef-provided instructions and savor the taste and value of chef-inspired cuisine.

Explore the menu and discover how CookUnity’s partnership with Marc Forgione can make eating fresh, seasonal ingredients easier than ever!

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Marc Forgione

Who is Marc Forgione married to? Marc Forgione is married to Kristen Angelilli. Together for over 10 years, the couple tied the knot in November 2016.

What restaurants does Marc Forgione own? Marc Forgione owns several acclaimed restaurants in New York City, including his namesake restaurant, Forgione, in Tribeca, Peasant in Nolita, and One Fifth in Greenwich Village.

How many Michelin stars does Marc Forgione have? Marc Forgione’s restaurant, Forgione, has earned 3 Michelin stars in 2010, 2011, and 2012. He has also received many other notable accolades, solidifying his reputation as a top chef.

Is Marc Forgione related to Larry Forgione? Yes, Marc Forgione is the son of Larry Forgione, a celebrated chef often referred to as the "godfather of American cuisine."

Who is the godfather of American cuisine? Larry Forgione is widely regarded as the "godfather of American cuisine" for his transformative impact on modern American dining and his commitment to using fresh, local ingredients.