Chef Spotlight: Executive Chef Joseph Lopez of MITCHELL'S FISH MARKET in Edgewater, NJ

Executive Chef Joseph Lopez of Mitchell's Fish Market in Edgewater, New Jersey is in Broadwayworld.com's "Chef Spotlight." Lopez is an accomplished chef with a strong background in culinary experience that stems from his early childhood in the south - born in Virginia, raised in Florida. He later became a lead cook at the well-known Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando, Florida, where he was an integral part of executing special events that would sometimes have over 1,500 guests! In 2005, he moved to Michigan where he became the Executive Chef of Maggiano's Little Italy. The restaurant specialized in family-style authentic Italian cuisine. As a jack-of-all-trades, his journey led him to becoming the Executive Chef at Mitchell's Fish Market on the Hudson River in New Jersey. Overlooking the stunning Manhattan Skyline, the Edgewater, New Jersey location is the restaurant's first location on the East Coast. The seafood restaurant and bar offers a menu of both traditional and unique, fresh seafood dishes, including Bloody Mary Oysters, Top Neck Clams, Crispy Calamari, New England Clam Chowder, Frutti Di Mare Pasta, Lobster & Shrimp Stuffed Cod, Crab Stuffed Shrimp and much more.

Broadwayworld.com had the pleasure of interviewing Chef Lopez about his career and Mitchell's Fish Market.

What was your earliest interest in cooking?

It started as a child watching my parents cook and being around my grandmother in the kitchen during the holidays.

Who were some career mentors?

I would start with my parents because of the work ethic they instilled in me at a young age. Also my chefs from the Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando Florida, who helped guide me through culinary school and set me on the right path as far as food knowledge and upholding my standards with food.

What culinary styles have influenced your career?

Southern comfort food started me off but I've developed a flare for more Spanish and Mediterranean food.

What do you consider the most distinguishing feature of your work as a chef?

I appreciate the reaction you get from someone when they taste something delicious for the first time. The joy and comfort that you can see coming from them is everything and makes all the hard work worth it!

What is your favorite meal or meals?

My favorite is any meal that is around family or friends. The sharing of food with people is always fun.

Where are you originally from?

I was born in Virginia, but grew up mostly in Florida. I spent a lot of time as a kid in the Virginia and North Carolina area during the summers and holidays.

Any other tidbits or info you would like to include:

I love all types of different cuisines and I don't just cook any one kind. Love to try out new restaurants and explore the food world and see what other chefs are doing with food. I believe it's what pushing the industry forward and helps it to continue to grow.

Mitchell's Fish Market serves the freshest and finest seafood from the world's great fisheries, and their seafood expertise means that they know the ideal species to source depending on region, season and weather. After the day's catch arrives, they inspect every piece to ensure it meets their standards for world-class quality. Then they cut and prepare everything in-house.

Mitchell's Fish Market is located at 541 River Road in Edgewater, New Jersey 07020. Call them at 201.840.9311 or visit their web site at http://www.mitchellsfishmarket.com/home.php.

Photo: Courtesy of Mitchell's Fish Market

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