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Each month we feature a Chef of Chef Works®. If you’re a fan of Chef Works gear and are interested in being featured, email marketing@chefworks.ca. This month, we are happy to feature Chef Matthew Casola, Chef Owner and Cheese Maker at Sul Tavolo, our January Chef of Chef Works. Pictured above is Chef Matthew in a Utility Cook Shirt with his logo customized on the left chest and a Cool Vent™ Baseball Cap .
Chef Works: Tell us your “a-ha” moment when you wanted to be a chef, and especially now as a handcrafted cheese artisan…
Matthew Casola: I knew from a young age I wanted to be immersed in food. I did not really have an “a-ha” moment when it came to my career choice. It was more of something that developed over time and that I enjoyed doing.
Regarding the cheese, I knew this is what I wanted to pursue in particular when I saw the reactions on people’s faces as I was making it. I did not know what this would turn into, I just knew that I wanted to do it.
Chef Works: What’s the most rewarding part about your job?
Matthew Casola: I really enjoy being able to be a part of people’s special days and occasions, whether it is a special live event, or simply having my Burrata on their table during a dinner for two. It is very special being there for moments that will last a lifetime.
Chef Works: Can you share a memorable experience from your journey of making handcrafted cheese?
Matthew Casola: I have been extremely blessed to have had countless memorable experiences in these very infant stages of Sul Tavolo. I would have to say being able to meet David Rocco and having a guest appearance on his television show is way up there and definitely hard to beat.
Burrata by Chef Matthew at Sul Tavolo
Chef Works: Your all-time favourite culinary tip…
Matthew Casola: Consistency. #1 above all else. How can you be expected to lead a team if you cannot even show up for yourself every day?
Chef Works: What’s something about you that would surprise people?
Matthew Casola: I am my toughest critic and very self-conscious. You wouldn’t be able to tell, the way I put myself out there on socials all the time.
Chef Works: How does your culinary uniform make you feel?
Matthew Casola: It makes me feel trusted. Whenever you put on that coat or apron, and people see it before you cook for or make cheese for them, they trust you.
Chef Works: Can you share what exciting plans you have in your pipeline for 2024?
Matthew Casola: We are heading into 2024 with the same grit and determination that everyone has come to know from Sul Tavolo. More events, more pop-ups, more deliveries, and a few new programs that we are working on. We promise to do everything we can to get you all the gift of cheese.
To learn more about Chef Matthew Casola, visit his online profiles:
- Website: sultavolo.ca
- Instagram: @sulltavolo_