Humphreys Pays Homage to 33 Years of Concert Seasons with Celebrity-Inspired Menu

June 17, 2014

What do Steely Dan, Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs have in common, besides their musical genius? They’ve all eaten Paul Murphy’s food. Executive Chef Paul Murphy is a zany guy and he’s helmed the fast-pace kitchen at Humphreys Restaurant for over 12 years. He’s cooked for iconic stars, including Diana Ross, Dolly Parton and Tony Bennett during Humphreys’ popular Summer Concert Series, now in its 33rd year. In celebration of this milestone, he’s unveiled Performers and Plates, a special three-course menu in honor of some of the performers for whom Chef has most enjoyed cooking. The menu costs $33 and is comprised of two dishes and a dessert. The menu is specifically inspired by and modeled after Greg Allman of The Allman Brothers Band, Michael McDonald of The Doobie Brothers and Boz Scaggs.

The esteemed Humphreys trifecta, comprised of the legendary Humphreys Restaurant, Humphreys Concerts by the Bay and Humphreys Half Moon Inn and Suites on Shelter Island, has hosted lineup upon impressive lineup of talented and diverse acts for 33 consecutive summers. Since 1982, artists like Stevie Wonder, Ringo Starr, Diana Ross and Dolly Parton, have taken the intimate stage adjacent the picturesque San Diego Harbor.

Executive Chef Paul Murphy, the man who has satisfied stellar performers with his show-stopping cuisine for the past 11 years, has rolled out Performers and Plates, a three-course concert menu for $33. The special menu features dishes Chef Murphy created to honor several of the artists he most enjoyed cooking for over the years. The menu is available through the end of concert season on Saturday, October 11.

Honey Sriracha Shrimp and Tasso Grits

The three-course Performers and Plates menu is comprised of:

• Honey Sriracha Shrimp and Tasso Grits with cheddar: modeled after Gregg Allman of The Allman Brothers Band to celebrate his Southern roots.
• Petite Filet, Spoon Spinach-Gruyere Soufflè with tempranillo: reminiscent of plates requested by Michael McDonald and The Doobie Brothers. 
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce: inspired by Boz Scaggs.

“In my 12 years at Humphreys, this is one of my favorite menus,” said Chef Murphy, who has followed hundreds of pages of confidential riders and fulfilled a litany of unexpected requests every summer. “It was nearly impossible to recreate notable dishes inspired by my favorite artists who’ve visited Humphreys, because there are so many, but I think we’ve produced a well-rounded and authentic menu guests will enjoy. And now guests will feel that much more connected with the artist through this new menu experience.”

Chef Paul Murphy

Chef Murphy shares his culinary wealth with restaurant diners nearly every day of the year, during concert season and beyond. His globally-inspired cuisine has not fallen on muted taste buds, as performers return to the venue, who commonly do cartwheels for Chef Murphy’s cuisine.

Midway through Humphreys’ 33rd concert season, big names like Steely Dan, Steve Winwood, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Chicago and Sarah McLachlan are still to come. Neon Trees just played on June 6.

“As always, we’re prepared to please these talented artists, who help make Humphreys Concerts an international draw year after year,” said Murphy. “And we do the same for our restaurant guests — local and not — all year long.”

Humphreys Restaurant is located at 2241 Shelter Island Dr. For more information, visit humphreysrestaurant.com or call 619-224-3577.