On the Table With Matthew Pottle, Executive Chef of No. 29 Sudbury

Though he was born and raised in Concord, MA, Matthew Pottle’s family is from Puerto Rico. It was there that he spent summers as a kid, and there that he learned how to cook.

Pottle is the executive chef at 29 Sudbury, a modern restaurant and bar that features Italian-influenced, scratch-made American cuisine and craft cocktails.

“During the day I would fish with my uncles and in the evenings I’d cook the day’s catch with my grandmother,” said Pottle of his childhood days in Puerto Rico. “That’s also where my love for good, scratch made food began.“

Pottle attended Le Cordon Bleu in Cambridge and after graduation, a year and a half ago, he took a junior sous chef position at Sel de la Terre. He was promoted to Chef de Cuisine, and ultimately left there to take the executive chef position at 29 Sudbury.

Most important chef’s tool: My miyabi knife

What’s in your fridge at home? Vermentino and all the essentials for Miripoix (carrots, celery, garlic and onions)

Ever cook for anyone famous? I cook for my boss, Greg Hill, every day. Besides the Hillman, we do see the occasional VIP at 29. Chris Evans and his family love to come in. We recently had Ryan Wendell of the New England Patriots stop by for dinner. We’ve had Julian Edelman and other Pats players in the past, the Andelman brothers from Phantom Gourmet, Celtics players…it’s a growing list!

If you could cook for anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? My mom. She lives in Puerto Rico and I don’t get to see her nearly often enough.

Best cooking music: In the morning, when I’m alone in the kitchen, I like to put on nature sounds. Waves crashing, birds chirping, it’s such a relaxing way to start the day! On a busy Saturday it’s a different story, and when I’m in the zone behind the line I’m usually grooving along to the Police Academy theme song.

Favorite dish to make: Anything with a poached egg.

Favorite dish on the menu:
Salmon with quinoa

Most inspirational to you as a chef: We work in an open kitchen, which I love. We’re able to see our guests enjoying their food, the atmosphere, the company. Occasionally I’ll have a guest walk right up to the line to compliment the food, ask me about a recipe, or just chat about how much they love coming in. Those moments are the best for me, and they are what inspire me to push myself and my team to cook the best and most creative food possible. I want to keep our guests coming back, and make sure they always leave full and happy.

Cooking shows you watch? Kids Cook Off - those kids are ridiculously talented!

No. 29 Sudbury is located at 29 Hudson Road in Sudbury.

Know a chef who should be profiled? Have restaurant or food news? We’d love to hear from you. Email charlene.arsenault@patch.com.

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