Back in 2008 when I started this blog I was pretty convinced that Anthony Bourdain had my dream job. But now that I have had time to reflect on it, I am pretty sure it is Jen Murphy of AFAR.
Jen is the deputy editor of AFAR magazine and the lucky gal assigned to all the Wandering Chef articles. One part travel article mixed with one part food makes me whole parts happy! And all slightly more civilized than the frenetic Mr. Bourdain (although I still love him!).
Anthony in Paris with Joel Robuchon and Eric Ripert
Whether it is my local hometown heroes like latest Top Chef Masters winner and offal specialist Chris Cosentino in Montreal and newly double-starred Michelin crowned (and first woman at that) Dominique Crenn of Atelier Crenn visiting my beloved Paris or chefs previously unknown to me, like John Gorham of Portland Oregon visiting another favorite like Barcelona and sharing great tapas, you get a sneak into what chefs like to eat and where they like to hang out when they travel.
Chris Cosentino hanging out with chefs in San Francisco
Only thing is, I want to go with these guys! It’s the ultimate chef’s table. Chefs serving other chefs around the world, let me pull up a chair!
So if I could transport myself back to grade school and select who I want to be when I grow up, I am pretty sure I’d want to be Jen Murphy! Here experiences writing for AFAR are like everything else associated with this collaborative guide, they are out of the ordinary yet totally attainable, and that’s the approach I like when it comes to travel – it’s not exclusive, everyone can do it!
If I can’t have her job, maybe we can have a meal?
Jenny, I am waiting for you. How about Joel Robuchon’s Atelier in Las Vegas?
I recently read a Johnny Jet interview on Ms. Murphy which shared insight on Jen and what seems to be a pretty laid-back-go-with-the-flow travel style, which I love. She gave a really great tip which Mr. Misadventures have definitely used and benefited from: “ask the local bartenders where to eat.”
If you are a fan of travel and food, don’t miss Jen’s articles each month in AFAR.
Until then, we can dream!
How about you? Which chef would you like to travel and dine with?
I had never heard about her before, checking her out now!
I love AFAR. I’ve been fairly active in their online community (was a finalist in their first CATCH! contest!). It’s a beautiful magazine filled with beautiful stories. If you manage to snag a lunch with Ms. Murphy, can I come? Pretty please?
Love Jen’s work for AFAR! Since she’s based in SF, maybe that meal isn’t so far-fetched?
@Lindsey, I hope!
Side note: Chris Cosentino was one of the very first people I met in SF when I moved there in 2008!
@Kristin, what was that experience like?
So nice! And his food is delicious! It was for a head-to-heel meal at Incanto.
I have watched just about every episode of Anthony Bourdain. I love watching shows about different types of good. Im addicted to the Foodnetwork channel lol.
It does sound like a dream job. I would love to travel with Anthony Bourdain- he cracks me up, However, I don’t know if I could hang with dining with him. I have seen him enraptured with things that would never pass my lips.
Great info. Never would of thought to ask the bartender.
I want to travel and dine with Anthony Bourdain.
The only way to get a dream traveling foodie job is to be a recovering alcholic/drug user. Anthony and Zimmern have both battled demons in their past. Of course being a chef and loving food also helps.
@Cassandra, I have never thought about it that way – no thanks!
@Carlabree, me too! Me too!
@April, I think I can eat with him, but I could never keep up with his drinking!
@Athena, me too! But watching on an empty stomach can be dangerous!