THE SHOP
Owner & Executive Chef Andrew Christie has had a long and illustrious career that started in 1985 where he worked in several restaurants in New Jersey and Virginia before attending The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY in 1989.  He did his externship at the 5-diamond Boston Harbor Hotel in Boston, MA.  He graduated with honors and received an Associates Degree in Occupational Studies in 1991.    
Pastry Chef Margaret Matz started her pursuit of becoming a pastry chef at the young age of 15. While attending the Somerset Vocational School culinary arts program, she attained her first job at Acqua Ristorante in Raritan, New Jersey. After graduating high school, Margaret was accepted into the baking and pastry program at The Culinary Institute of America. She completed her externship at the renowned Four-Star Four Diamond resort, The Greenbrier in White Sulpher Springs, West Virginia. Here she honed her knowledge gained at The Culinary Institute of America, under Award-Winning Pastry Chef Brian Schoenbeck. Margaret was able to learn all aspects of pastry while having the opportunity working in The Main Dining Room, Sam Sneads Golf Club, The Tavern Room, and Drapers Café at The Greenbrier. Upon receiving her Associates of Occupational Studies Degree in Baking and Pastry in 2004, she secured a pastry cook position with Benchmark Hospitality International at The North Maple Inn in Basking Ridge, New Jersey; she was promoted to Pastry Supervisor in 2005. Margaret diversified her skills over 2 years while on the pursuit to one day become an Executive Pastry Chef.

When the opportunity arose to open The Heldrich in New Brunswick, New Jersey in 2006 she left her position at The North Maple Inn to fulfill her dreams of becoming an Executive Pastry Chef. Margaret’s innovative flavor profiles with a contemporary American flare attracted patrons into Christopher’s Bar and Restaurant at The Heldrich. Margaret made her return to what is now Dolce Basking Ridge in late August 2007 as the Pastry Chef of the hotel. In 2008, Chef Margaret launched the new American Vita Restaurant at Dolce Basking Ridge debuting a fresh-faced modern restaurant and a progressive neo American dessert menu. In 2011 while striving to exceed guest expectations, Margaret supported the growth of Thoughtful Foods Thoughtful Minds which focuses on local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients. With her wide range of knowledge and culinary expertise, Margaret continues to push the envelope. Chef Margaret Matz currently resides in her hometown of Manville, New Jersey with her husband.

Margaret’s passion, talent and commitment really show in everything she does.  We are fortunate to have her on the Christie’s Artisan Bread & Pastry Shop team.      

27 Leigh Street    Town of Clinton, NJ 08809    908 735-0402

MARGARET MATZ
Pastry Chef