12 to Watch in 2012: Matt Jennings

12 to Watch in 2012: Matt Jennings

It's been a banner year for Rhode Island's culinary scene, and when we surveyed our statewide treasure of talented chefs, our eye landed on Matt Jennings to take Rhode Island's culinary profile to an even higher level in 2012.

The gregarious proprietor of Farmstead and La Laiterie with his wife, Kate, seems always to be at the center of forward-thinking culinary events and movements in the state, and it's gotten him national attention and acclaim. In 2010, he was tapped by the White House to take part in Michelle Obama's Let's Move Campaign.

He's a chef's chef, particularly among the passionate butchers who form one of cuisine's most vibrant

movements. Jennings is a three-time winner of Boston's Cochon 555 event, beating out top chefs like Lydia Shire and has gone on to the Grand Cochon event at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen. All the while, he continues to take part in local events with equal passion and commitment while using Farmstead and La Laiterie to provide both educational and innovatie food and drink events.

But the latest and tastiest laurel in Jennings' cap was being nominated this spring in the Best Chef Northeast category by the ultimate arbiter: the James Beard Foundation. He's on the national stage on every level, and Rhode Island waits to see what this talented, passionate chef has up his sleeve next.