Marc Forgione facts for kids

Marc Forgione (born December 16, 1978) is a famous American chef. He is well-known for appearing on Food Network's Iron Chef America. He also owns several popular restaurants in New York City, like Restaurant Marc Forgione. He won The Next Iron Chef competition in 2010.

Early Life and Learning to Cook

Marc started cooking at a young age, just 16 years old. He joined his father, Larry Forgione, in the kitchen. His father was also a famous chef. Marc learned a lot from his dad.

Marc chose to go to college. He studied Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. During his summers, he worked in different kitchens in New York City. He learned from chefs like Kazuto Matsusaka. After college, he continued to work with his father. He also worked with other great chefs.

To learn even more, Marc traveled to France. He worked in several restaurants there. He learned new cooking styles and techniques. This helped him become a more experienced chef.

Becoming a Top Chef

When Marc returned to New York, he continued to work with top chefs. He became a chef de cuisine at BLT Prime. This role meant he was in charge of the kitchen. Later, he became a corporate chef for the BLT Restaurant Group. He helped create new recipes and made sure the food was always excellent. He helped open many new restaurants across the country.

Marc's own restaurant, Restaurant Marc Forgione, became very successful. He received a star in the Michelin Guide New York City. This is a very special award for restaurants. He was the youngest American-born chef to get this award for three years in a row (2010, 2011, 2012).

His restaurant also received other honors. It was named a "Key Newcomer" by Zagat Guide. Modern Luxury magazine called it one of the "Top 25 Restaurants in NYC." Forbes magazine called it an "All-Star Eatery." Marc himself won the "Star Chefs Rising Star of the Year Award 2010."

New Restaurants and Cookbooks

In 2012, Marc announced he would open a new steakhouse. It was called American Cut. It opened at the Revel Resort & Casino in Atlantic City.

In 2013, he partnered with Chef Soulayphet Schwader. They opened Khe-Yo, a restaurant inspired by Laotian food. They used fresh ingredients from local markets.

Chef Marc Forgione also opened a second American Cut location. This one was in New York City in September 2013.

Marc also wrote his first cookbook. It is called Marc Forgione: Recipes and Stories from the Acclaimed Chef and Restaurant. It was published in April 2014.