By CAREN WEST
The Sunday Paper
Published on: 11/06/05

Tom Murphy whoops it up at Murphy’s 25th anniversary celebration last week, where Caren finally came to a stark but critical realization: She’s a certified chef-stalker. (photo Spark St. Jude)

Klaskala, who I have been slightly obsessed with since my arrival in Atlanta, humored me by saying, “No, Caren. You’re just a fan.” Truth be told, I am a huge fan of Klaskala and of Atlanta’s culinary scene in general. Pathetically, the all-star chef lineup assembled to pay tribute to Tom Murphy and the Virginia-Highland restaurant had me at hello.

Guests weaved through a packed house at Murphy’s while sampling creations from some of its former chefs including Klaskala, Hector Santiago of Pura Vida, Michael Tuohy of Woodfire Grill, Alon Balshan of Alon's and Shaun Doty of Table 1280. Of course, Nick Oltarsh, Murphy’s current Executive Chef, and Pastry Chef John Hamstra were also on hand to dish out delicious offerings from their kitchen.

My next aha moment was when I lost all control and belly bumped my date to the side, because being surrounded by a room full of men wearing clogs and asking me to sample their tasty treats was simply too much for me to handle. I had no choice other than to accost one of the cocktail servers and sashay around the room gawking at the talent and the impressive turnout of foodies, neighbors, media and notable guests like WAGA Good Day Atlanta co-host Suchita Vadlamani, Murphy’s business partner, Bob Amick of ONE., TWO. and piebar and Blane Bachelor, single girl columnist and Sunday Paper’s newest addition.

When the crowd thinned, I finally had the chance to jibber jabber with Pura Vida owners, Chef Santiago and his wife Leslie, who were still awestruck after being named restaurant of the year by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. In Spain at the time, and genuinely surprised when they heard the news, the two have established Pura Vida as a favorite in-town tapas hotspot that in addition to having amazing Spanish and Latin American inspired dishes entertains its diners with Argentinean Tango dancers the second and fourth Thursday of each month. I also had the rare chance to catch up with a very busy Shaun Doty who was basking in the glow of success as he continues to earn nothing but praise for his efforts at Table 1280.

The festive event marked the debut of the commemorative cookbook, “25 Years of Recipes and Memories,” by Tom Murphy and award-winning writer Jan Butsch. More than just a recipe dispenser, the cookbook also brings to life the rich history of a neighborhood and an Atlanta institution through the eyes of its patrons, owners and the numerous chefs and contributors that have shaped the Murphy’s story. Think of it like a yearbook with amazing recipes from some of Atlanta’s best haunts. You can get it at the restaurant, bookstores around town—even on Amazon.

Although I’m still coming to terms with my inner chef-stalker, I will always appreciate the sense of community among Atlanta chefs and take advantage of the wealth of diverse eateries this city has to offer. And let’s be honest: As someone who doesn’t know how to use a stove and eats out seven days a week, I can’t help but to be a fan.

At least I didn’t ask them to sign my yearbook.