Matt McCallister promoted to executive chef at Stephan Pyles Restaurant in Dallas

by PegNews wire

DALLAS — Chef Matt McCallister, a self-taught chef and Stephan Pyles protégé, has taken the helm of the kitchen as executive chef at the acclaimed Stephan Pyles in the Dallas Arts District.

He replaces Tim Byres, who recently left for the Cliff Cafe at the Belmont Hotel.

An up-and-coming culinary star, McCallister recently served as executive sous chef and began in the kitchen as a line cook, working his way up to the top creating and developing unique menu items for the award-winning restaurant. In his new position, McCallister oversees the kitchen and works closely with Pyles to enhance the restaurant’s menu and culinary direction.

“Matt is a hard-working, exceptionally talented chef with laser beam focus. The fact that he has progressed from pantry cook to executive chef in just three years still amazes me. I’ve only had one other cook in my 26 years of running restaurants demonstrate drive, natural talent, and ability like Matt. Most importantly, he is that rare intuitive chef who is destined for greatness,” said Chef-Owner Stephan Pyles. “I am confident Matt will bring an energy and creativity to the Stephan Pyles team that will be unmatched.”

The Arizona native is a self-taught chef who learned his way around the kitchen helping his mother prepare family meals from the young age of six. McCallister’s professional career began at Guido’s Italian Restaurant, a small restaurant in Scottsdale which prides itself on cooking all things in-house. After moving to Dallas and trying his hand at landscape design, McCallister felt a need to get back in the kitchen and renewed his passion for food and joined the Stephan Pyles team as a line cook with aspirations of moving up the ranks. Even during vacations, McCallister often stages in other great kitchens, including Minibar by Jose Andres in Washington D.C.

When not honing his skills in the kitchen, McCallister enjoys the outdoors, fly-fishing, rock climbing, and tending to his home herb garden. McCallister is expecting his first child with his wife Iris in August. His love for horticulture and sourcing seasonal ingredients with local farmers and ranchers makes him a perfect fit at Stephan Pyles.

Source: Stephan Pyles