Name: Chef Mark Hawley
Restaurant: Worcester Restaurant Group ( Sole Proprietor, 111 Chophouse, VIA Italian Table )
Town: Worcester
Q1 What is your first or best memory of cooking and who was it with?
I had the privilege of cooking at the James Beard House with a team from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston a few years back
Q2 What is your most popular dish?
People always ask me this question and I end up rattling off so many dishes to them because we have a very well spread out menu and i can never leave out my personal favorites. But if I had to give specifics I would say the perfectly tender filet mignon at the 111 Chophouse, at VIA Italian Table the slow braised beef short rib, and at the Sole Proprietor its fresh lobster everything!!!
Q3 What is your favorite dish to make?
My Favorite dish to make is something that actually doesn’t live on our main menu. At VIA we offer a whole roasted suckling pig dinner that serves anywhere from 8-12 people. Its a complete 4 course dinner that’s an unmatched experience to anything you’ve had around here.
Q4 What do you eat when you are not working/ favorite thing to eat?
I’m a pretty simple eater in and out of work. I usually just make a salad and throw whatever protein I’m cooking that night on top of it and I’m good to go. I’m really not picky at all.
Q5 Person you would most like to cook for (Anyone, including a Celebrity or historical figure )?
Honestly these days I would have to say all my family and friends. It’s been tough for all of us and not having those cherished moments with your loved ones takes a toll.
Q6 Favorite Vacation spots, not necessarily food related ?
Every year I go up to York Beach with my two boys and my soon to be wife Maria. Its truly my favorite place filled with so many memories and great experiences
Q7 Not your own spot, what is your favorite restaurant?
Geez, so many great great spots that I absolutely love to go to in and around the city. But I really love going to Eller’s Restaurant in Cherry Valley. We love going on Saturday mornings and sitting at the bar and having some brunch. They do a really solid job and always make us feel welcome.
Other items we love from Worcester Restaurant Group
