Chef Matty Matheson of ‘The Bear’ on Culinary Stardom, On and Off The Screen
Dec 16, 2024
auto_awesome
Matty Matheson, a Canadian chef, restaurateur, and star of 'The Bear,' shares his culinary journey, from executive producing to acting in a beloved series. He candidly discusses the emotional highs and lows of cooking for family and the delightful chaos that culinary creativity brings. Matheson highlights the importance of community in cooking and reflects on his role in empowering Indigenous culinary students. With humor and warmth, he underscores the value of comfort food and the evolving paths for chefs in today's landscape.
Matty Matheson highlights how discovering his passion for cooking transformed his personal growth and self-esteem after struggling in traditional academics.
He advocates for a supportive and respectful restaurant environment, moving away from toxic practices to foster better teamwork and communication.
Deep dives
Maddie Matheson's Culinary Journey
Maddie Matheson emphasizes the transformative power of cooking, which became a significant part of his life after struggling in traditional educational settings. He found his passion through culinary school, where he excelled in a subject that resonated with him, unlike previous academic experiences. This newfound confidence in his cooking ability built his self-esteem and paved the way for a successful career as a chef and restaurateur. His evolution from someone who did not thrive in school to becoming a celebrated chef illustrates how finding one's passion can lead to profound personal growth.
The Challenges of Family Cooking
Matheson shares the often stressful dynamic of cooking for a family, highlighting the inevitable frustrations that arise when each family member has different food preferences. He recalls a specific instance when he cooked beef stroganoff, only to have his children express their disinterest in the meal, leading to a humorous negotiation to appease their tastes. Such experiences reflect the balancing act many parents face in trying to prepare meals that everyone will enjoy amidst the chaos of daily life. Despite the challenges, he views cooking as an act of love that has the potential to create memorable family moments.
The Evolution of Culinary Environments
Matheson discusses the shifting dynamics within the restaurant industry, particularly the move away from toxic environments characterized by yelling and stress. He advocates for a more collaborative and supportive atmosphere where chefs nurture team members rather than resort to harsh critiques. This changing mentality fosters better communication and ultimately leads to more effective kitchen teams. By creating an environment that prioritizes empathy and respect, Matheson believes the culinary industry can cultivate healthier and more productive workplaces.
Impact of Digital Cooking Shows
Through his YouTube channel, Cooking Something with Maddie Matheson, he aims to inspire and empower individuals to embrace cooking, emphasizing the joy it brings. He recognizes the accessibility of online cooking platforms, allowing him to reach a wider audience and foster excitement around food preparation. His humor and authenticity resonate with viewers, helping to demystify the cooking process and encourage them to try new things. Matheson believes that, whether through laughter or learning, his show serves as a valuable resource for people looking to enhance their culinary skills.
Canadian chef Matty Matheson has been a force in the culinary world for over two decades, but the non-foodies of the world recognize him as Neil Fak, the goofy, handyman-come-waiter-in-training on the FX/Hulu hit series The Bear. Aside from being the show’s much-needed comic relief, Matheson is an executive producer and a culinary consultant on set. Matheson first became chef de cuisine in his early 20s and now owns over a dozen restaurants. He also runs an incredibly popular YouTube channel with over 1.5 million subscribers and he’s authored three cookbooks – his latest, Soups, Salads, Sandwiches, came out in October.
Kara and Matty talk about the good, bad and ugly of the restaurant industry, why he loves both haute cuisine and homestyle cooking and how his YouTube persona changes when he puts on his chef’s hat.
Questions? Comments? Email us at on@voxmedia.com or find us on Instagram and TikTok @onwithkaraswisher