Jed Hackney Is New Pastry Chef At Harvest

HARVEST
44 Brattle Street (on the walkway)
Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA 02138
www.harvestcambridge.com
617.868.2255

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


HARVEST INTRODUCES NEW PASTRY CHEF
JED HACKNEY

Cambridge, MA.... Paul Dias, Senior Vice President of Operations (Harvest, Grill 23, Excelsior) announces the arrival of Jonathan "Jed" Hackney as Pastry Chef at Harvest, Cambridge, MA. Jed most recently was an instructor at New England Culinary Institute and Executive Pastry Chef at the Ritz Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, Colorado. A native of Vermont, Jed brings an understanding and a respect for the region's seasons and product. "Jed's new menus will be a perfect addition to the Harvest experience, we are delighted to welcome him to the team" says Dias.


JONATHAN "JED" HACKNEY

From snowboarding the peaks of Colorado's Bachelor Gulch to whisking stiff peaks of meringue, Jed Hackney is a thrill seeker. As the new Pastry Chef of renowned Harvest in Harvard Square, Hackney combines his respect for New England's local produce with his commitment to flavor as he creates contemporary dishes brimming with rustic comfort.

A graduate of New England Culinary Institute in Montpelier, VT, Hackney's career includes stints as an assistant innkeeper at Killington, VT, line cook at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT, to more recent positions as instructor at NECI and executive pastry chef at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch, CO. "I traveled from Vermont to Colorado and back again" says Hackney. "Both locales are gorgeous and blessed with amazing seasons and produce. It's great to bring those qualities to the desserts I'm creating."

The Apple of His Eye
Born in upstate New York near his grandmother's apple & cherry orchard and farm, Hackney grew up within the farm culture. His family's commitment to the farming community continued when they moved to Vermont. Inspired by amazing local produce and by his grandmother, Hackney began spending more and more time in the kitchen.

As a pastry chef he prefers a simple and straightforward technique. "It really is all about the ingredients. Seasonality is best part of living here in New England, so my menus will reflect the seasons, with frequent updates. Everything on the plate will be there for a reason; balance and flavor are key."

Hackney is currently scouting the best apples for his fall dessert menu at Harvest. His #1 favorite is the Northern Spy apple, known for being "the best" for pies and baking. Spy apples are tart, firm, and terrific for baking pies, and very hard to find.

Harvest Time
Hackney knew of Harvest's tradition of culinary excellence, as he puts it "Everyone in the business that is a standard bearer has worked here." He says "the deal was sealed when I learned that Mary Dumont was coming as Executive Chef. It's great to work in the kitchen with someone who shares my respect for New England product, and who has a family connection to it."

Look for Jed Hackney's updated dessert menus at Harvest at www.harvestcambridge.com. Jed's desserts are available for Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Brunch and at the Harvest Bar.

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