Have You Tried the Corn Pudding? A Talk With the Chef at the Coach Grill in Wayland

The Coach Grill in Wayland is a traditional steakhouse that also serves fresh seafood options. Changing its menu seasonally, recently the restaurant has partnered with Mainstone Farms to feature its locally grown produce. 

Wayland Patch spoke with Patrick Lally, executive chef at the Coach Grill, who got interested in cooking as a young adult and revisited that interest after six years serving in the U.S. Navy. 

Wayland Patch: What’s your signature dish at the Coach Grill?
Chef Lally:  Our corn pudding. It has a rich, velvety and features sweetcorn.

WP: Who was the biggest influence on your cooking?
CL: My stepfather Bob was probably my biggest influence growing up.  He was Italian taught me how to cook great food featuring fresh ingredients.

WP: Do you watch any cooking shows? If so, which ones?
CL: Yes. I enjoy watching Top Chef and Chopped.

CP: What’s in your refrigerator at home?
CL: My family and I enjoy organic gardening and have fresh seasonal vegetables.

WP: What’s the most important kitchen tool?
CL: I think a well-made forged Chef's knife is worth its weight in gold. It's the most important purchase any great cook will make.

WP: If you could cook for someone famous, who would it be?
CL:  I would love an opportunity to cook for Tom Colicchio.

WP: Have you cooked for someone famous?
CL: We used to cater all of the Patriots home games when I worked at a Radisson early in my career. I remember those guys used to eat nearly 50 pizzas and 500 pounds of chicken wings!

WP: What’s your favorite thing to eat?
CL: My favorite food is definitely pasta. I don’t discriminate.  I love all types — ravioli, tortellini, flat noodles…

For more information on the Coach Grill, visit here. 

Want a feature on your favorite chef or restaurant, or have other story ideas? Email us at charlene.arsenault@patch.com.