User:Dblackwelder/Chef Marvin Woods

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Marvin Woods is an Emmy Award-nominated television host, celebrity chef and author of cookbooks, Home Plate Cooking and The New Low Country. He is recognized by fans and peers for his personality, signature bandana and take on food rooted in Africa, South America, the Caribbean and the Low Country. His food has been regularly featured in national publications, including O Magazine, Food & Wine, Southern Living and many more.^[1]

Woods was born and raised in Monmouth County New Jersey. He graduated from the Atlantic Community College- Academy of Culinary Arts in Mays Landing, and relocated to New York City to begin his culinary career. At age 22 he was the youngest line cook at The Sea Grill at Rockefeller Center.

Career

In 2010, Chef Marvin was chosen as one of the first chefs to kick off Michelle Obama's Let's Move! cooking series. As an invited participant in Let's Move!, Marvin visited the White House kitchen to create menu plans for American families. In the Let’s Move! video, Let's Cook, Chef Marvin demonstrates how to eat healthy at home and how to create nutritious and affordable meals.^[2]

In August 2010, Marvin appeared on NBC's Today Show illustrating his knowledge of grilling and low country cooking and later that year, Chef Marvin joined the Cooking Light's Casting Call judges at Taste of Atlanta to present the “Healthy Cook of the Year” award.

Chef Marvin also has traveled the country educating and motivating kids and parents through his own program, Droppin' Knowledge with Chef Marvin Woods since 2006. The national program focuses on a positive way to reduce childhood obesity and other children's health issues, particularly aiming to Educate, Empower and Entertain.

Restaurants

A 25-year veteran in the hospitality and restaurant industry, Chef Marvin began his career at Harrah's Trump at Trump Plaza, Rockefeller Center, Seagrill, Windows on the World, Arizona 206, Café Beulah and Café Orbit. He also has lead the kitchens of Savannah Restaurant, The National Hotel, Hollywood Prime at the Westin Diplomat and M. Woods.

When Marvin took over as Executive Chef at New York's Café Beulah's, he won wide industry acclaim and caught the attention of publishers and television executives.^[3]

Following his passion for healthy eating, Chef Marvin provided the culinary vision for a fast-casual restaurant, called FunXion, in Washington, DC, as executive chef and partner.^[4] Serving common American favorites, like pizza, tacos and burgers (with a healthy twist), FunXion menu items feature at least one Superfood ingredient and are made without a drop of oil, grain of salt or added sugar. Chef Marvin believes that food can be prepared in a whole and healthy way, without sacrificing enjoyment and flavor.

Books & Appearances

In 2000, Marvin caught the attention of executives at Turner South who were looking for new talent for the newly created regional cable network. Marvin was selected to host Home Plate - the perfect vehicle to showcase his charismatic personality and lighter twist on traditional Southern cooking.^[5] Home Plate aired for four seasons and attracted more than 7.2 million viewers until the network was acquired by Fox Sports in 2006. The show inspired Chef Marvin's second cookbook, Home Plate Cooking.

Along with the restaurant accolades, came a book deal with William Morrow. His first effort, The New Low Country, garnered national media attention including appearances on CBS This Morning, Discovery Network and Lifetime. Publisher's Weekly proclaimed, "Woods' inventiveness makes him a chef to watch!"

Traveling internationally for appearances and cooking demonstrations, Chef Marvin continues to consistently draw audiences of 200+. He has served as guest chef at the James Beard House, been featured as a celebrity chef at The Pillsbury Bake Off, the Miami Wine & Food Festival and Charlotte Shout as well as selected as a judge for The Southern Living Cook Off. Marvin has participated in special promotions and campaigns for Char-Broil, Food Lion Supermarkets, SCANA and Publix, among others.

Chef Marvin is currently working on a line of spice blends and sauces. He also continues to travel the country on behalf of the American Heart Association and other organizations that promote healthy lifestyles.

Personal Life

Woods married Angela Rae Clack in 1996 and divorced in 1998. Woods married his second wife Petra Navarro in 2002 and they have a daughter Madison Paige Woods and a son by Petra’s first marriage, Christopher Castillo.