Maine's Back Bay Grill Appoints Chef De Cuisine And Hires New Sous Chef

PORTLAND, ME - Robert Hartman, formerly Sous Chef at Back Bay Grill, was recently promoted to Chef de Cuisine. Back Bay Grill has hired a new Sous Chef, Harding Lee Smith. The Executive Chef and owner Larry Matthews, Jr. is taking over the management of the restaurant while continuing to oversee the kitchen.

Hartman has been at Back Bay Grill for the past two years. Prior to his position with Back Bay Grill he was in Seattle cooking for the 1200 Bistro and Lounge. A native of Maine , Hartman earned a BA at the University of Southern Maine before his discovery that he wanted to be a chef. Hartman is a resident of Portland and graduated from Deering High School .

Smith was most recently Executive Chef of Portland's MIMS Brasserie. Smith has a BS in Hotel and Food Administration from Boston University and has taught at the California Culinary Institute of America as a teacher's assistant. He is also a native of Maine and a graduate of Deering High School. He is a resident of Portland.

Matthews said, "It's a wonderful feeling to see the kitchen run by these two professionals filled with creativity and energy. I can focus more on overseeing the restaurant and take some time to get to know my customers by being able to greet them and talk to them about their dining experience." Matthews added, "Now that I'm not cooking as much I have more time to enjoy the wonderful food!"

The Back Bay Grill has been the recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence every year since 1998 and has been included in "Art Culinaire," "Down East," the "Maine Sunday Telegram" and the "New York Times." The Back Bay Grill will be participating in Boston's 20th annual Gala Festival of Food & Wine, a fundraiser for the Anthony Spinazzola Foundation, in January 2005. This is the second time the restaurant has been invited to participate. Back Bay Grill is located at 65 Portland Street in Portland, Maine. Reservations are recommended; call 207-772-8833.


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