Q&A: Chef Erik Mar
The most recent addition to the core Tasting TBL culinary team also moved to Alabama from New York City to continue his dynamic career under Chefs Tyler & Jennifer Lyne’s visionary leadership. Chef Erik Mar talks about what it’s like to work with the Lynes on Tasting TBL, his earliest food memories, and more. Learn more about another rock star chef from this close-knit family of NYC-trained chefs.
Are you originally from NYC and if not, what brought you there?
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. I came to Alabama to work with Tyler & Jen. I’ve been with them since I was 18; I’m now 25, and it’s a never-ending learning experience. The familial relationship we’ve grown over these years has yielded me an infinite amount of knowledge, and as a group, we learn from each other every day—whether it’s related to culinary or not. It’s the epitome of the yellow brick road.
What are your earliest memories of food or memories from the kitchen?
My earliest memories of food were during Chinese New Year and cooking with my dad. He and my grandmother were always the default chefs during these family occasions. My ethnic background stems from being Caribbean and Asian. My mom would cook every Sunday and it would be the day I’d help out in the kitchen. During holidays and events, we’d have neighbors come over constantly just for my mom’s food. Both my parents were known for being great home-cooks and they still are ‘til this day. Having my interest piqued at such a young age was probably the reason why I instinctively became a chef. Thankfully they’re both proud of that decision I made for myself.
When did you know that you wanted to pursue a culinary career? Was there an ‘aha’ moment or was it a gradual realization?
The “aha” moment of my culinary career was when I went to college. I did three years of accounting and eventually realized that I didn’t want to have a desk job calculating math all day. I decided to pick up the most rigorous, painstaking, rewarding career of being a chef. My educational and professional journey started to develop on a deeper and more meaningful level once I met Tyler.
Was it hard to leave the elite culinary world in New York City to join Tyler & Jen in Alabama?
Leaving NYC wasn’t a difficult decision. I’m super flexible, and I enjoy traveling and venturing to different places. I’m simply starting a new chapter in my life in Birmingham.
What are your first impressions of the Magic City? Have you found any favorite spots so far?
I haven't explored the Magic City in the two months that I’ve been here. I’m not in a rush to do so since I will be here for a while. I'm also trying to change the fast-paced mindset which I’ve developed from being in NYC. I am looking forward to taking hikes on the trails and going to the museums and historical sites of Birmingham. As for food, I’m a sucker for take-out and the options in comparison to NYC are underwhelming. I haven’t been to many spots, but Marcos Pizza is the bomb.com.
What do you love most about Tasting TBL?
The entire concept of Tasting TBL is simply amazing. Cooking for guests in your own home is probably the coolest part. The supper club experience creates a community-like aesthetic, and it allows strangers the opportunity to socialize with one another. It’s very similar to meeting strangers in NYC. Tasting TBL is super casual and has a fun vibe where it’s easy to socialize. In addition, you also have that visual arousal of seeing how we create great food during the entire experience.