Meet Chef Marc Pavlovic

Chef Marc Pavlovic is a chef-instructor I was fortunate to study under at the French Culinary Institute. Though originally from Nice, France, Chef Marc is a man of many culinary and cultural influences who has eaten and/or cooked in more countries that the average person can name. His love for gastronomical adventure and discovery transpires through his teaching philosophy, which always stresses the importance of mind openness. “Don’t limit yourself. Give a try to anything and everything. Be willing to learn!” is one of the best lessons I’ve learned from him. Here’s your chance to meet the man we endearingly love to call “Chef Badass” – meant in the best way possible.

What type of eater are you?
I’m a gourmet gourmand.

What would your friends or colleagues be surprised to find in your kitchen?
Vodka.

What are 5 items you always keep in the fridge?
Anchovies, olive, butter, eggs and cheese.

What’s an absolutely necessary splurge when it comes to kitchen tools or equipment?
If you can afford one, get a great gas range that gives you a good amount of heat. It makes a big difference. Otherwise, get a set of quality sharp knives.

Your favorite brunch spot? Your typical order?
Diner, in Williamsburg. I don’t have a typical order. It varies depending on the specials.

Your Italian friend is in town. Where do you take him/her for the best cup of coffee?
9th Street Espresso hands down. It’s the best coffee in the city.

What is NY’s most overrated restaurant?
Spice Market.

On the flip side, which restaurant do you consider greatly underrated?
Freeman’s. That alley is reminiscent of a small Parisian street to me.

Any restaurant you would like to try, but haven’t yet?
L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon.

You have a $35 allowance for dinner. Where do you go and what do you get?
I go to Pho Bang and get the Pho.

What’s the last restaurant you went to?
Corton. It was great, but we left still feeling hungry and grabbed some tacos on our way home.

Name a chef you highly respect or admire.
Eric Ripert.

I want a good steak dinner, but Peter Luger is a bit out of my budget? What’s a good thrifty gourmet alternative?
Diner has a good ribeye.

You are offered a free meal at any restaurant. Where do you go?
Le Bernardin. I’m a big fan of Eric Ripert.

Your pick for best burger and best pizza.
Diner for best burger and Joe’s for best pizza by the slice.

What’s a foreign/ethnic food item you love? Where do you get it?
Pho and I get it from Pho Bang. So far, it’s the best Vietnamese food I’ve had in NYC. I have yet to find a great Thai restaurant. Any recommendations?

Name a cheap restaurant where you would go on a date?
Bar Pitti for a casual date and Momofuku Ko if I want to impress on a budget.

You have sweet tooth. Where do you go?
Ceci Cela for a quick bite and The General Greene when I want to sit down and enjoy.

What’s the last bottle of wine you bought?
I DRINK BEER!!!

Give us a thrifty gourmet tip.
Buy your fish whole and filet it yourself. You’ll get more bang for your buck and you can make your own fish fumet with the carcass.

Comments