Meet Chef Matt

Chef Matt has been enthralled with cooking and food since childhood. He recalls taking cooking classes at the public library as an elementary student, and began to realize his true culinary talents and passion in high school. It was then that he entered a nationwide cooking competition, Careers Through Culinary Arts Program (CCAP), and received a scholarship to attend the prestigious Johnson & Wales University. Having found success with the program and graduating from Johnson & Wales University with a B.S. in Food Service Management, Matt continues to be involved with CCAP, now as a mentor in hopes of training and inspiring others.

Further pursuing his passions, Chef Matt then traveled extensively throughout the United States gaining as much knowledge about food, culture, and cooking as possible. He was able to gain unparalleled experience working underneath many chefs and restaurateurs respected in the food service industry. Most notably, Chef Matt was the Food & Beverage Manager for the Tarbell’s family of restaurants in Phoenix, Arizona and Denver, Colorado. Chef Mark Tarbell mentored Chef Matt for nearly 10 years, leading him to make many unique memories such as cooking at the James Beard Foundation House in New York City.

Continuing to expand his knowledge, Chef Matt received accreditation from the Court of Master Sommeliers, an educational organization dedicated to beverage service. He found the wine industry to be just as fascinating as the food industry, and a passion to talk about, and of course taste, wines from around the world continues today.

After moving to the Quad Cities, Chef Matt began to see an opportunity to bring a unique, elevated dining scene to the Midwest by highlighting local produce with a contemporary take on traditional dishes. He focuses on using simple ingredients to create a meal that is both innovative and comforting. Chef Matt opened his flagship restaurant, Monarch kitchen + bar, in late summer of 2020. It did not take long for him to immerse himself in the welcoming community found in the Midwest, and has fostered lifelong friendships and new memories.