Meet the Chef: Matt Stasko

12.11.15

Coming up with a menu for a dinner party is pretty stressful- you have to think about appetizers, main course, dessert, drinks. Will there be enough food? What about allergies? And that one super picky eater of the bunch? Now think about coming up with a menu for a restaurant, and a whole other can of worms opens up. Luckily, we’ve got Matt Stasko, Head Chef at Sunny Street Café.
 
A seriously goofy soul and an incredibly determined and driven leader, Matt is responsible for all the delicious menu items you find every day at Sunny Street Café, and tell me, has he ever let you down? I work beside him every day in the office and down at the restaurant, but wanted to get to know him a little better.
 
 

MEET THE CHEF: MATT STASKO

 
 

What was the first thing you ever cooked? And was it edible (be honest)?

  • The first thing I cooked was hamburger helper. I was only 8 years old! I threw it all in the pot and cooked it up. And, no, it was definitely not edible.

 

Mild, medium, or spicy salsa?

  • Spicy, big time. Your mouth has to be totally on fire for it to be good salsa.


When you’re in the middle of a big lunch rush, describe the mindset that you are in.

  • I view it as a competition, and I want to win. Customer satisfaction is a touchdown for me. When tickets go long, or when things aren’t made right, it makes me want to work even harder. I have a competitive drive not to fail the customer. That’s the mindset I’m in: game time.

See the dishes Matt created for you: New Menu Items: Reimagining Comfort Food

 
 
What ingredient should everyone have in their fridge?

  • Butter. I mean REAL butter, not margarine. With butter and flour, you can go places.

 

Everyone has one- what’s your secret guilty pleasure food?

  • American cheese- slices of Kraft singles make the best grilled cheese. It takes me back to my childhood.

 

–Anna Hetzel, Social Media Manager