How Great Chefs Are Celebrating Father's Day
"I always tell my kids I'm going to be the king for the day and they laugh at me," said Waxman. "I always cook on Father's Day, and my wife shops and cleans up. As for what I make... since it's June, it's strawberries asparagus and spring lamb season, just not all in the same dish!" Chef Waxman, who has three kids between the ages of 11 and 17, said his ideal Father's Day gift would be a romantic weekend in a hotel with his wife.
Norman Van Aken — Norman's, Orlando
Chef Van Aken will be spending Father's Day with his son, Justin, with whom he just wrote a book called My Key West Kitchen. "Father's Day weekend is also a festival in Key West named Key West Bacchanalia," said Van Aken. "Justin and I will be cooking together that weekend out of our cookbook in a restaurant I used to work in. Cooking with my son on Father's Day... yes [I will] be happy." Van Aken also tells us he can't wait to dig into his wife's famous BBQ ribs.
Marc Murphy — Landmarc, New York City; judge on Food Network's Chopped
Marc Murphy has some great gift ideas for food-loving dads, like coffee or bourbon gift sets, or even something whimsical like a pickle of the month subscription. "I'm looking forward to spending quality time relaxing with my wife and kids," Murphy said. "I want to eat something simple and delicious off my new grill!"
Geoffrey Zakarian — Owner of The Lambs Club in New York City and culinary director of The Plaza Hotel
Chef Zakarian is looking forward to celebrating Father's Day with his newborn son, and with a glass of rosé in hand (not at the same time!). "Honestly? I just can't wait to hold him and watch him grow quickly from infancy! We will be in Niagara Falls for Father's Day with the whole family in tow."
Larry Forgione— James Beard Award-winning chef
Chef Forgione's family is definitely going to have to save up for his ideal gift! "I would definitely want a 1974 Mercedes SL, Marrow with beige interior, hard top in excellent condition with less than 40,000 miles," said Forgione, jokingly. "Or... just having my family around for the day!" Forgione will most likely be grilling meats and veggies and enjoying the outdoors on Father's Day.
José Andrés — Owner of minibar, barmini, and é, among other restaurants
Chef Andrés certainly has the right idea when it comes to celebrating Father's Day. He and his family will be visiting the Dupont Freshfarm, and going home and cooking together from what they find."The kitchen is the heart of our home," said Andrés. "My family is always there supporting me and motivating me to be better and better. So this Father's Day isn't about me, I just want to take the day to celebrate my family."