Mike Isabella, on Deep Frying, His Favorite Tat, and a Jersey Music Rivalry

Before Mike Isabella competed on Top Chef in 2009, he was already a hometown hero. As the executive chef at José Andrés’ Mediterranean mecca Zaytinya, he helped the restaurant become one of Washington, D.C.’s trendiest and tastiest dining hotspots. However, the irrepressible New Jersey-born chef was bound for solo success. Shortly after being the runner-up on Top Chef All-Stars, Isabella opened his first restaurant, Graffiato....