We’re excited to announce that the Farm at Eastman’s Corner now has an Executive Chef! Please join us in welcoming Chef Christian Pasternak to the Farm team. Born, raised, and trained in New Hampshire and Vermont, and inspired by renowned Spanish Chef Jose Andres, Chef Chris brings us local, hands on, Farm-to-Table experience with international flair. Read on to discover what makes him the perfect fit for our Farm community!
Where did you grow up?
The Manchester, NH area. I graduated from Londonderry High School, and went to Culinary school at New England Culinary Institute in Montpelier, VT.
When did you know that you wanted to be a chef, what inspired you to make that decision?
When I was a kid I used to watch Julia Child on TV. I loved her style and the way she had fun with food. I knew I wanted to be a chef at a very young age and used to cook and bake with my Mom regularly.
What about the Farm made you decide to come here?
During culinary school I did a two year internship at Shaker Village in Canterbury, NH. All of the food that we prepared was Farm to Table, local cuisine and it made me realize that it was the way that cooking should be done. I came across this opportunity at the Farm and I was thrilled to return to those roots and that style of cooking.
What are you most looking forward to at Eastman’s Corner?
Working with so many farm fresh, local and wonderful ingredients. I want to develop a fun atmosphere with my food and cooking. To inspire people to think about where their food comes from and make good choices.
What are your favorite things to cook or prepare?
My favorite thing to cook is, the next thing that I am going to cook! I love to be challenged by new ingredients and to come up with new ideas. I also have a passion for fresh pasta made with local flour and grains. It is amazing.
Best piece of advice for a home cooking enthusiast?
If you are just starting out, get a good cookbook and follow it. Also, don’t sacrifice on ingredients. Better ingredients always create better dishes and food. Even if you mess up a recipe, if you use high quality, fresh ingredients it will probably still taste good!
Who do you admire in the food world?
Jose Andres. He is a Spanish Chef and he is passionate about Farm to Table and modern cuisine. He is an inspiration and he is using his experience and position in the culinary world to make a difference. He believes that food can fix many of the world’s problems and is contributing to the development of kitchens in Haiti helping to provide food and jobs while minimizing the impact on the environment.
What is your favorite food to eat or what do you crave?
PIZZA! I love wood-fired (brick-oven) pizza. Simple is best, no more than two toppings on a pizza. I have family in the New Haven area and Pepe’s pizza is the best pizza in the world!
