Farmstead

ABOUT US

Matt Jennings: Cheese & Food Geek, Decision Making, Vision
Matt, co-owner and Master Cheese monger of Farmstead, has been handling, selling and falling in love with all things cheese since 1995- while at culinary school in Vermont. Since then, he has worked as a chef, as well as across the country for numerous artisan cheese stores, wholesalers, and producers. Matt has also spent time in Europe studying with Master Cheesemongers and cheese-makers in the United Kingdom, France and Italy.

Kate Jennings: Baking, Pastry, Final Approvals, Vision
Kate is a classically trained Pastry Chef and co-owner of Farmstead, who is most content when her hands are in the flour. Kate describes her style as “Rustic yet refined”. Although she enjoys pushing the envelope with such recipes as “Sausisson and Ricotta Torta”, or “Pumpkin and White Chocolate Cheesecake”, she often defers to the classics. “..There is just nothing better than a chocolate chip cookie and a glass of cold milk”. We couldn’t agree more.

Liam Maloney: Specialty Foods Procurement, Employee Management, Retail Orderly
Liam is a Rhode Island native who left some time ago to study the theatre in New York . As such things happen, ten years later he has gone through theatre school, become a chef, moved to Brooklyn ,gotten married, and moved back to his home with his lovely wife to be with the cheese at Farmstead. It doesn't get any better than that. Liam is a skilled cheesemonger and selects all our gourmet products in the shop.

Benjamin Sukle: Food Geek, Kitchen Logistics, Organization & Menu Development
Since the age of fourteen it has been clear to Ben that the culinary world is one in which he belongs. Through the food he creates, it now becomes clear to those for whom he cooks. His creativity and diligence have earned him the title of Chef de Cuisine at La Laiterie. A recent graduate of Johnson and Wales, Ben has spent the summers throughout his four years at the University spanning the country from east to west coast and into the south, developing his passion for the culinary arts. His authentic cooking style allows for no shortcuts, with a major focus on seasonal, local and sustainable goods.

Eric Taylor: Beverage Director & Fancier, Front Of House Task Master, Beloved Loose Cannon
"It's just juice", Eric Taylor has been known to say. Bringing a unique twist of vast wine knowledge, seasoned industry experience, endless bad humor, high service standards and that certain 'joie de vive', Eric Taylor, General Manager and Beverage Director, is a true asset to our team- in a Hunter S. Thompson meets Tiny Tim meets Randall Grahm type of way. Eric has worked as a member of some of the finest restaurant service teams, including most recently Spiaggia in Chicago and Wild Ginger in Seattle. Eric is a member of several tasting groups and wine accreditation organizations- including the International Sommelier Guild. Eric conducts frequent wine classes at La Laiterie and can be found running the floor at La Laiterie, nightly.