The Grand Marlin Restaurant in Panama City Beach, Florida: Meet the Chef

Tripveel sat down with Executive Chef Gregg McCarthy of The Grand Marlin in Panama City Beach, Florida.

Executive Chef Gregg McCarthy of The Grand Marlin in Panama City Beach, Florida

Where did you grow up and where have you traveled to that has helped inspire and shape your cooking philosophy? 

I grew up in Albany, New York and have worked and traveled throughout the United States, but most of my inspiration comes from the coastal regions, the New York City restaurant scene and seasonality of food.

The Grand Marlin in Panama City Beach, Florida

Tell our readers an interesting fact or two about yourself. 

I am so proud of my family; my wife is a great Mom and one of the best Estheticians, we have two sons that have incredible careers (one of which is an aspiring chef in New York City). I love boating, golfing, skiing and am a huge dog lover!

Tell us about your absolute favorite food and why readers should try it if they haven’t already. 

Braised anything! I just traveled in Spain and octopus has jumped to the top of the list and I ate so much Serrano ham that I thought I’d never want it again, but now I’m craving it!

The Grand Marlin in Panama City Beach, Florida

What are three ingredients that you simply couldn’t live without? 

Garlic, great olive oil and good old vine ripe tomatoes.

We love the art behind plating. What do you love about designing the perfect dish? 

To me first and foremost, it has to be approachable, if it doesn’t fit your concept then the diner won’t relate. People eat with their eyes, so it has to be attractive, followed up with great flavor that will linger on the palate for a good while.

Tell us about one of the most creative dishes you’ve created?

I can’t help but remember a dish I did for a wine dinner of braised Osso Buco of bone-in Monkfish with chanterelles, red wine, farm fresh vegetables and a charred onion gremolata.

The Grand Marlin in Panama City Beach, Florida

Share your most recent awards and accreditations with us! 

The Grand Marlin of Pensacola Beach and Panama City Beach have both won Wine Spectator Awards, the Golden Spoon Award, as well as numerous OpenTable awards.

What are some of the latest trends you’re seeing in top restaurants across the globe?

I am so happy that the public is becoming more aware of food sourcing and sustainability; healthy eating is going to become main stage.

The Grand Marlin in Panama City Beach, Florida

What’s your favorite cocktail or liquor?

I am alcohol free, but as in the previous question, the crafting of non-alcoholic cocktails are going to be a huge trend for 2020!

What do you love about being Executive Chef at The Grand Marlin in Panama City Beach, Florida?

Every day is different and never a dull moment! I like the relationships that we have with people, from the employees to the guests. Just seeing the success of our employees over the years and knowing that we are able to provide a career for them; We’ve watched them grow up, we’ve seen employees move on in life taking a part of what they learned and gone on to do bigger and better things in life. Just knowing that we can make a memorable dining experience for someone is what it’s all about.