About The Chef
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	My passion for cooking began as a teenager growing up on Martha's Vineyard where I worked under some of the best island chefs and gained an appreciation for fresh seafood and all natural ingredients. After earning a degree in English Literature from Westfield State College I worked in various kitchens like Emporio Armani Cafe'  in Boston, the Daggett House on the Vineyard, Whole foods Market and The Tusk n' Rattle of Western Massachusetts. These experiences, as well as others, helped shape the way I cook and think about food. I began my career as a personal chef in 2002 because I wanted to create good food  for people on a more personal level, in their home. It also gave me the freedom for creative menu planning, and the experience of working with a variety of natural ingredients, as well as with people with differing tastes in food. I became, and currently am, a member of the United States Personal Chef Association (USPCA) and continue to educate myself by keeping informed of the latest culinary trends and safe food handling techniques. In recent years I have resided in New Salem, MA, with my wife Angie who is a doctoral candidate in the Plant and Soil Science Department at UMASS Amherst, and our two cats Gary Cooper and Ingrid Bergman. Bon Appetit!! ***references per request*** Chef Matthew Scotten~413-259-5964~roaminpc@earthlink.net