About Us
Matt Jennings: Executive Chef, Master Cheesemonger, Owner
Matt, Executive Chef, Co-owner and Master Cheesemonger 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 Cheesemakers in the United Kingdom, France and Italy.
Kate Jennings: Pastry Chef, Owner
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.
Katie McManus: Cheesemongress, Head Buyer & Retail Manager Katie joined Farmstead in 2009 with over 15 years of experience in the food and wine industry that she gained in New York City. Now back in New England, she’s taken the reins on carefully sourcing and caring for Farmstead’s array of artisanal cheeses, charcuterie and accompaniments, while managing our retail operations and co-teaching our cheese pairing classes. When she’s not in the shop, you can usually find Katie in her favorite spot: by the water with an aged Valencay and tumbler of Campari.
Trisha Greene: Front Of House Manager, Service Ninja
Trisha Greene, a RI native, began her career in the Florida Keys where she managed a fine dining steak house. She spent 10 years living in the islands, loving all they had to offer. She was a spear fisherwoman, an avid sailor and was fortunate enough to spend the days plucking lobsters from the sea. Fast forward to today, and Trisha is making herself quite comfortable here as the Front of House Manager of La Laiterie. She is leading the way in matching the outstanding food & wine with top notch service. When she is not at the door greeting you with a smile, check down in Newport, she’ll be the one hanging from the sails.
