10 thoughts: Matthew King

Matthew King is the national director of culinary development and the corporate chef for Smith & Wollensky. 

1. One thing you don’t know about me is that I can quote almost any line from any Mel Brooks movie ever made.

2. If I could trade places with one chef it would be Thomas Keller, who has inspired me with his relentless passion for food and flavor. I hope to have that impact on young chefs who work with me.

3. If there were no bacon, I’d have no reason to live. It’s the perfect food: sweet, salty, smoky, fatty and umami. 

4. My go-to drink is Maker’s Mark and Diet Coke. But if I’m skiing, then it’s a Bloody Mary all the way, though sometimes I just want a beer.

5. If I were on death row my last meal would be two corned beef reubens and a six pack of Heineken. It has to have enough dressing that it dribbles down your chin a little.

6. If I could change one thing about me I wish I would enjoy exercising, but I have not seen the inside of a gym in years.

7. My favorite junk food is Doritos all the way, but none of these crazy new flavors. I want old-school nacho cheese.

8. If I wasn’t a restaurant operator, I’d love to be a drummer.  I love playing my drums; it’s a great stress release.  

9. If I could have a meal with anyone living or dead, I’d invite John Oliver, Jimmy Fallon, Van Morrison, Julia Child, Tina Fey and JFK. 

10. I would make them something classical French: a little pâté on crusty sourdough to start, then a frisee salad with bacon lardons, sherry vinaigrette and a poached egg. Then I’d serve one of Julia’s favorites, boeuf Bourguignon, served with a 2009 Bordeaux. I’d finish off the evening with great cheeses and a vintage port.