Restaurateur, television host, author and award-winning recording artist Roger Mooking has earned an international reputation as a chef and entertainer showcasing his globally inspired vision. Roger is best known as the host of the dynamic grilling and barbecue show "Man Fire Food" on Cooking Channel. The popular traveling food series showcases live fire cooking, including whole hog barbecue, lobster boils, Hawaiian emus, seafood roasts and more. As if he didn't already have a full plate, Roger is also the host of "Greatest of America" on Travel Channel, the host and co-creator of the internationally broadcast television series "Everyday Exotic" on Cooking Channel, and co-host of "Heat Seekers" on Food Network. In addition, Roger hosts "Man's Greatest Food" on Cooking Channel, in which he sets out on a culinary odyssey around the USA seeking "Man's Greatest Food."The Trinidadian-born, Canadian-raised chef is influenced by his culturally rich family background, his love of people and travel, and interest in global flavors to create new culinary experiences. While Roger's earliest influences are his family's Chinese and Caribbean specialties, Roger has also trained under Japanese, Chinese, French and Swiss German chefs. He has opened and consulted on many restaurants, including Twist by Roger Mooking at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Over the years, Roger has garnered many accolades, including the prestigious "Premiers Award" for excellence in the field of Creative Arts and Design, a Gourmand World Cookbook Award, a Socan Classics Award and countless "Best Of" mentions.His talents have led to appearances throughout Southeast Asia, India, North America, Europe, Australia, the Caribbean and Latin America, and include features on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Top Chef Canada, Iron Chef, Guy's Grocery Games, Supermarket Stakeout and Chopped (he was also the winner in the special All-Star Chopped celebrity chef episode!).
Chef Marc Murphy challenges Iron Chef Bobby Flay. Whose cuisine will reign supreme?
Judges
Ted Allen
Cady Huffman
Julie White
Challenger stats: Chef Murphy
From: Grew up all over, now I live in New York City
Restaurants: Landmarc, Ditch Plains and Landmarc at Time Warner Center
Cuisine: French bistro, rustic Italian
Interests: Family, surfing, cooking, art, ballet and opera, motorcycle riding
Ideal secret ingredient: Bacon
Culinary inspirations: Traveling. I grew up all over Europe and each city I lived in (Rome, Genoa, Paris before I was 10) provided inspiration.
Ideal judge: Gale Greene, Ruth Reichl, Melissa Clark
Culinary secret weapon: My team
Favorite restaurant: Crispo, Extra-Virgin, A Voce
Favorite food: Grits with blood sausage and a fried egg
Food you won't go near: Coffee, okra
Weirdest thing you've ever eaten: Goat eyeballs
Favorite food destination: Italy
Alternative dream job: Racecar driver, architect