A Gathering of Chefs: Chef Martin Thomas leads kitchen team a final time
Martin Thomas always makes room at the table because to him, enjoying a meal together feeds both the body and the soul.
“Meals spent together are just so important,” said Thomas, executive chef at Chartiers Country Club in Robinson. “Being able to prepare food for others is what a chef dreams of.”
Those dreams began at age 16 when Thomas was bussing tables at Oliver’s Public House in Center Township, Beaver County, owned by Pappan’s Family Restaurants.
He hasn’t left the restaurant scene since.
“I immediately loved the camaraderie in the kitchen,” said Thomas. “There was instant gratification, and I am so thankful for all of the people I have worked with because it takes everyone. We are a team in that kitchen.”
Thomas has demonstrated teamwork the past seven years for A Gathering of Chefs, an annual dinner where guests enjoy home-cooked meals by Thomas and his colleagues to benefit The Bradley Center in Robinson. The center helps children and teens who experience trauma, mental illness and behavioral challenges. The event raised $165,000 this year, and nearly $900,000 since its inception.
The seventh annual soiree was on Sept. 17 at The Barn at Soergel Hollow in Portersville, Butler County.
It was Thomas’ final year leading the event. He said he will miss it, but he is close to retiring and plans to do additional ministry work with St. Vincent DePaul, which is connected to Vincentian, a Catholic ministry that helps the poor and disadvantaged.
Thomas also wants to spend more time with his wife of 42 years, Vicki, and their three grown children and two grandchildren.
Having Thomas leading “A Gathering of Chefs” has been incredible, said Bradley Center CEO Lisa Fox.
“He has had such an impact on our agency and our event and those we serve,” Fox said. “His fundraising has championed it. He is such a community-based person.”
Thomas and seven chefs donate time and food and prepare their signature dishes. Over his career, he has established relationships with farmers who let him know the freshest products, allowing him to prepare a farm to table concept.
Thomas, who graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1982, said his final dinner at the helm of the benefit was special.
“The event was great, the rain held off and we had clear skies,” he said. “It was so nice to be at the farm. It really is a great venue. It’s perfect for a farm to table harvest dinner.”
For this year’s A Gathering of Chefs, Thomas created a dish centered on beef brisket from McElhaney Family Farms with kugel, zucchini, corn and beets.
“Working with farmers elevates what we can prepare,” Thomas said. “Farm to table is my passion. The best food can be made from using ingredients from local agriculture.”
Thomas has a wonderful reputation in the community, Hargest said. He is a leader and a friend and the steadying force. He is a mentor to everyone. He never says “I.” He always says “we,” Hargest said.
“It is about the team,” said Thomas. “We have a great team, and The Bradley Center has leaders who are passionate about this event to raise money for the kids. I am proud to be a part of it.”
Thomas is a role model, said Carrie Butler, who is a trustee at The Bradley Center. He devotes himself fully to everything he does, she said.
“He is self-reliant, charitable, deeply humble, creative and kind,” Butler said. “I can think of no better person with qualities better for the Bradley kids, and all kids, to aspire towards. Where many chefs appreciate and enjoy a spotlight, chef Martin prefers to use it to lift up his colleagues and the next generation of culinary professionals.”
He shines a light on local talent, and local people raising and growing amazing product, and he does it all in a way that supports the most vulnerable children in our region to heal, grow and have things that help them enjoy being kids and to feel their worth, Butler said.
“I was hooked on this event because of the food and because of the children that food would help,” Thomas said. “I also love working with the other chefs to produce these meals. It’s about inviting people to the table to share a meal which helps others in need.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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