Morgan Murphy (food critic)

Morgan Murphy (born 14 February 1972) is a Southern food critic, humorist, author, and journalist.

Career
His most recent book, "Off the Eaten Path: Second Helpings" (Time Inc. 2013) is the sequel to his first successful "Off the Eaten Path," a collection of his 75 favorite restaurants and 150 of their most famous recipes from the American South. Both books became bestsellers, climbing to no. 4 and 8, respectively, on Amazon. He also currently hosts a series of Off the Eaten Path webisodes for Southern Living. His first book, "I Love You--Now Hush," co-authored with author Melinda Rainey Thompson, released in 2010, takes a humorous look at male vs. female relationships and the "Southern sense of place that drives him home." The book was met with critical acclaim from the Independent Book Publishers Association and was named the gold humor book of the year by the American Library Association “America’s funniest food critic” has appeared on the  TODAY Show, Fox & Friends, Fox News, CNN, Sirius/XM, Food Talk, Car Talk, NPR, and the Speed Channel.

"Morgan Murphy could charm a dog off a meat truck." Murphy’s trademark wit has been read by millions. He began his career at Vanity Fair as a special projects assistant after introducing himself to Graydon Carter in an elevator at Condé Nast—a story repeated by Toby Young in How to Lose Friends & Alienate People. While at VF, Murphy researched for Dominic Dunne, Aimee Bell, and Willie Morris. In 1998, Murphy was hired by Jim Michaels, the editor of Forbes, where he reported on the automotive industry and small business. He was the first journalist to estimate the net worth of Harry Potter author, J.K. Rowling. In 2000, Murphy became the travel editor, food critic, and national spokesman for Southern Living. Under his leadership the magazine garnered multiple awards, including gold awards from the American Society of Travel Writers. Murphy became an executive editor for the magazine in 2006.

In 2007 Murphy founded Motorpool.com, the world’s first social-network for classic car enthusiasts after raising seven figures in venture capital.

Military career
As a Lieutenant Commander, Murphy has served on four continents since joining the United States Navy in 1999. In 2010, Murphy was called to Afghanistan, where he served as the Director of Media Outreach for the International Security Assistance Force and briefed General David R. Petraeus, 40 general officers, and two ambassadors on a daily basis. “The Frontline Foodie” was awarded the NATO Freedom Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his service in Operation Enduring Freedom. He is currently assigned to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.



Education
Murphy holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Oxford, is a member of Exeter College and was elected by the university as the MBA of the Year. He was voted by his peers to deliver the class commencement address at University Church. He is a 1994 cum laude graduate of Birmingham-Southern College, where he majored in English literature, edited the school paper, and was elected vice-president of the student body.

The Duchess
While searching for another rare Cadillac in 2005, Morgan Murphy, an avid car collector, discovered The Duchess in a barn in Fort Worth, Texas. The famed limousine, created for Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, was a one-of-one creation by General Motor’s legendary designer, Harley Earl under the direction of the company’s powerful chairman and chief executive officer, Alfred P. Sloan. No single body panel on the Windsors’ car matched any other 1941 Cadillac. The hood, trunk, fenders, fender skirts, roof, and doors were all crafted by hand, and all interior appointments were hand-fitted. The fenders forecast Hooper’s future coachwork on Rolls-Royce. Inside, four brushed stainless-steel jewelry cases, each of them lined in velvet, served to carry the Duchess’s prized jewelry, and two custom lighted mirrors were hidden in the cabinetry. For the Duke, there were no fewer than three cigar lighters and two ashtrays, as well as a humidor and a custom rack for his favored Sasieni pipes.

The Duke and Duchess of Windsor kept their beloved Cadillac at the Waldorf Astoria New York, where it appeared in many newspaper clippings and newsreels of the day. The ex-king sold the car in 1952, whereupon it disappeared from public view and was thought to be destroyed.

When Murphy purchased The Duchess, as the car was known, it was in complete disrepair and its provenance unproven. Murphy tracked the car’s Vehicle Identification Number and with the help of historians, other Cadillac enthusiasts, and fellow journalists, discovered the original build sheets, delivery schedule, coachwork by Fleetwood, and involvement of Alfred P. Sloan. He also tracked down photos and newsreel footage of the Duke and Duchess in the car. Afterwards, Morgan Murphy embarked on a 3-year restoration, which involved 20,000 man hours and more than 200 specialists.

In November 2013, Murphy placed the car for sale with Sotheby’s at their first collector car sale in 16 years. The famed British auction house sold the Duke and Duchess’ personal effects in 1997 and the Duchess’ jewels in 1987.

Personal life
Murphy was born in Mountain Brook, Alabama. He was married in 2001 to the former Amy Taska Campbell, an opera singer from New York. The couple met while performing together Off-Broadway for the Blue Hill Troupe. They divorced in 2010.