Matthew Levin (chef) facts for kids

Matthew Levin is a well-known American chef. He is famous for his cooking in Philadelphia. He has worked at many top restaurants. From 2010 to 2011, he was the chef at Adsum. This restaurant was known for its creative dishes. Later, he became a chef and co-owner of Square Peg.

Early Life and Education

Matthew Levin was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1975. He first attended Syracuse University. He studied business there. He also played lacrosse on a scholarship. After that, he decided to follow his passion for cooking. He went to the Culinary Institute of America. This famous school is in Hyde Park, New York.

A Chef's Journey

After finishing culinary school, Matthew Levin trained with some amazing chefs. He learned from Georges Perrier at restaurants like Le Bec-Fin. He also worked with Craig Shelton at The Ryland Inn. These experiences helped him become a skilled chef.

Levin then worked in many famous restaurants. These included:

• Aureole in New York City
• Charlie Trotters in Chicago
• The Millhouse in Langhorne
• The Pluckemin Inn in Bedminster, New Jersey

Moonlight Restaurant Success

Matthew Levin gained national attention at the Moonlight Restaurant. This restaurant was located in New Hope, Pennsylvania. Bon Appetit magazine wrote about his cooking. They said his food shared the spotlight with art. The Philadelphia Inquirer food critic Craig LaBan gave Moonlight three bells. This was a high rating for the restaurant.

Returning to Philadelphia

In 2006, Levin came back to his hometown of Philadelphia. He joined the kitchen at Lacroix. This restaurant is in the famous Rittenhouse Hotel. Soon after he arrived, Craig LaBan reviewed his cooking again. This time, LaBan gave Lacroix a rare four-bell rating. He said Levin's cooking was "Philly’s most sophisticated contemporary cooking." This showed how much Levin had improved the restaurant.

Awards and Recognition

Matthew Levin received many honors for his work. Lifestyle Magazine named him one of the best chefs in the area. Philadelphia Style magazine also called him one of Philadelphia's "Hot Chefs in 2007." In 2008, Philadelphia Magazine ranked Lacroix very highly. It was named the second-best restaurant in Philadelphia.

Opening His Own Restaurants

At the end of 2008, Levin left Lacroix. He wanted to open his own restaurant. In 2010, he opened Adsum bistro. This restaurant became known for its unique dishes. These included creative items like Tastykake sliders.