Recently, New York Magazine featured a MasterCard Priceless New York interview with Marc Murphy, the owner and Executive Chef of Benchmarc Restaurants by Marc Murphy (which includes Time Warner Center’s Landmarc), and regular judge on the Food Network series Chopped. Murphy spoke to the magazine about his expertise on the Columbus Circle area and his picks for a Priceless day.

How has the area changed?
Time Warner Center has radically changed the face of Columbus Circle. It’s been an incredible rejuvenation, which has attracted many exciting new businesses and residents.

What do you enjoy about working in the neighborhood?
It’s a bustling atmosphere with so much to offer – great stores, restaurants and even nightlife. Likewise, Landmarc is a true neighborhood bistro with something for everyone, whether it’s tourists looking for a New York experience or families who want a great “adult” meal that still pleases the kids. We also have a phenomenal wine program.

What are your favorite spots?
I’ve spent a lot of time at Lincoln Center. I have many friends who are dancers in the New York City Ballet, and I love the opera. As for restaurants, some of my favorites are Blue Ribbon and Bar Boulud.

What makes the holidays priceless in New York City?
The amazing energy. I love the snowflakes on 57th Street, the tree at Rockefeller Center, Time Warner Center’s Holiday Under the Stars and watching all the shoppers rush around with their packages. It’s electric!

What’s top of your holiday list?
Something from the super-cool, new J.Crew Men’s Shop.

MARC’S PICKS FOR A PRICELESS DAY

• Start the day with a warm cup of tea and a golden, buttery croissant at Bouchon Bakery, then take a walk through Central Park and ice skate at Wollman Rink.

• Stop at Robert restaurant (2 Columbus Avenue), at the Museum of Arts and Design for lunch or a late-afternoon cocktail. (Try the MAD Manhattan with bourbon, blood orange vermouth and cherries.)

• Head over to Time Warner Center for some afternoon shopping and check out the J.Crew Men’s Shop.

• Have a sophisticated dinner at Landmarc and then unwind at the Stone Rose Lounge for a drink and snack, courtesy of Benchmarc Events by Marc Murphy.

Photo: Landmarc