MEET CHEF MADDY

If you’ve been loving the changes to our menu since early September, tip your hat to our amazing new Chef, and keep reading to learn a little more about her.

A Lover of tacos, Conquerer of work-life balance, Champion axe thrower, Advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves, Guilty of binging Love Island [UK and AUS only], Collector of novelty hats and fly shoes, Karaoke Dominator of musicals and Disney princes, Leader of the beaten and the damned, Author of a fair and equitable future for my child and my community.

What made you fall in love with food?

My grandmother taught me classic Lithuanian cooking and my Aunt always shared with me her passion for all things flavor. Together, they instilled in me a true love of food.

What got you to the spot you’re sitting [er, standing] right now?

Every restaurant I’ve worked at has taught me new skills and allowed me to work on communicating clearly and confidently in a kitchen. I’ve survived more than my fair share of hazing— so it’s been extremely important to me to create a safe kitchen space at Lonely Pine where we can foster growth and mold creative team players.

Chef Scott Holubetz has been my Mentor and cheerleader since I completed culinary school and his encouragement helped me realize that I was ready to take the leap to Executive Chef.

What does it mean to be a Chef?

Chef is a title I take very seriously. I worked HARD to become a restaurant Chef and I worked even harder to be seen and taken seriously. It’s a man’s world, still, and breaking through that glass ceiling was just the first of many in my career.

How do you share food with your daughter, and what do you hope for her future?

Family balance is a daily tightrope I walk— and having a family and child in this industry means, some days, I don’t see her. I make it a priority to share food every day, and we make breakfast together most mornings. She’s still young, but my “Little Chef” is well on her way to understanding flavors better than many adults. I hope she will forever have my shared passion for food and the skills to cook anywhere.

You’re on a road trip, what’s your favorite food stop?

When we road trip, I try to always dine on local cuisine. Iceland is known for their fish stew, and they should be, its inspirational! Puerto Rico is known for Mafungo and rightly so, it’s divine! I’m a foodie I will try it all! But really... tacos.