Interview: DJ Chef Marc Weiss

In case you missed it, last week was DJ Week at Food Republic — where we interviewed some of our favorite clubland characters, but more about Serrano than Serato. People like Dan The Automator, A-Trak, Carl Craig and The Hood Internet told us about their favorite restaurants, rider requests and their obsession with hummus. For real, all DJs love hummus.

As an added bonus, here's an interview with DJ Chef Marc Weiss. What is a DJ Chef? According to Weiss' website: "The celebrity chef and spin master is a nationally recognized culinary entertainer who takes the fun of cooking and food to a whole new level." We checked in to find out what traveling to the next level is all about.

What do you suppose DJs are so into food, restaurants, chefs and cooking?

For me it's a creative process. Both are using your creativity to create your own interpretation of the art. Both arts move people and touch the senses.

So how did you become the DJ Chef?

I stared out as a DJ in junior high and started cooking during the day. I then went to culinary school and worked in fine restaurants in NYC. After experiencing many areas of cooking I took a job as a corporate chef, which gave me nights and weekends free so started doing straight dinner parties. Then people started hanging in the kitchen sand I started teaching as I was cooking. I later brought in the music and created an all-out cooking party.

Now I travel around the world for larger special events and food festivals—DJing and cooking up a tasting at the same time. I also host and emcee Iron Chef events and cooking competitions. I keep the energy up with music while talking cooking.

What did you usually prepare?

Three courses: black pepper crusted tuna over a micro greens salad, sesame ginger dressing, wasabi aioli. Pan roasted Chilean sea bass with panko and lemon garlic beurre blanc. And DJ Chefs' famous chocolate-banana dream.

How do you describe your sound?

Party music! Today's hits, throwbacks and party rock.

Who have you performed for?

Bret Michaels, Vince Neil, Lindsay Lohan, Meatloaf, Russell Simmons.

But what about DJs and chefs!

DJ AM, Guy Fieri, Bobby Flay.