Noam Galai/Getty Images for NYCWFFThis month, New York City played host to one of the biggest food events of the year—the New York Wine and Food Festival. From raw vegan events, such as Fresh & Raw, inching over to a carnivorous frenzy with Meatopia and The Blue Moon Burger Bash, the city had it covered. Not to mention every food celebrity was out on the town, like Restaurant Impossible's Robert Irvine.
We caught up with Robert to talk all things burgers, sammies and what he'll be cooking up this fall.
What were some of your favorite dishes at the New York Wine and Food Festival?
Marc Murphy's lamb burgers were amazing at Blue Moon Burger Bash hosted by Rachael Ray. He comes up with great dishes, and this lamb burger with minty chimichurri was just fantastic. My Oktoberfest burger was a highlight of the night too with red pickled cabbage on a potato roll and talleggio cheese and a Brat potato salad.
My smoked espresso-rubbed brisket sandwich at the Stacked Sandwich Showdown was also a crowd pleaser and led to my victory of the event. I was just thankful to win so that the money could go to charities dear to me through the Robert Irvine Foundation.
What are some of your other favorite fall dishes?
The fall is a great period in terms of seasonality, so any kind of hash or fake spaghetti that you can derive from squash, potatoes. I am a big fan of stews – dishes that you can get cozy with.
What are your favorite food holiday dishes?
Holiday time needs to be a simple affair. Not too many dishes, but just a select few that are meaningful. It's more about spending time with the family, so don't spend all of your time in the kitchen and show up to the dinner table exhausted. I do enjoy a good moist turkey, Brussels sprouts with bacon and mashed turnips and carrots with just some butter and black pepper. I am not a big sweet potato fan though.
Have you had any kitchen disasters?
It wasn't really me, but I'll take part of the blame. This one X-Mas my father was supposed to put the turkey in the oven, which he did. We then went off to church, looking forward to return to a nice Christmas dinner, only he forgot to put the oven on.
Who does the cooking at home?
I travel 345 days a year and my wife Gail travels 115 days a year for work. When she's not on the road working, she comes to be with me. We don't get much time at home in the kitchen.
Are you are an advocate for healthy eating?
Yes, food and fitness are very important to me. I love using vinegars and juices for cooking, such as orange and apple. I eat very healthily on the road and I want people to be healthy in their attitude and approach to food. When I was growing up, my mother told me not to play with my food. I like to tell children the opposite – play with your food and get to know it. Kids should be involved in the kitchen.