3Harford STYLE Summer 2015423

by Anne Fullemphotography Amy Joneswww.amyjphoto.com

Alchemy ElementsLocal Restaurateurs Chef Michael Matassa and his pastry chef/sommelier wife

Debi, are finally returning to Harford County with the Opening of their new restaurant

Alchemy Elements in Bel Air Town Center. With a passion for fusion and a flair for

molecular cooking, Debi and Chef Michael are bringing a unique dining experience to

their hometown Harford County. Opening in early fall 2015, they are already

receiving reservations for upcoming holiday parties.

243www.harfordstyle.com4

Many long-time residents will remember Chef Michael Matassa and his wife Debi as the owners of Fusion Grille in Fallston which opened in 1999. If you had the pleasure of dining there then you already know how creative this couple can be. "This was our first restaurant, and we definitely had a big learning curve," smiled Chef Michael. What you may not know is that even though the restaurant was successful, they reluctantly had to close in 2004 when Debi came down with breast cancer for the second time. "Things came to a screeching halt for my family," said Debi. "Michael was taking me to chemotherapy treatments, and we were just trying to hold things together," she added. At this point, Chef Michael was working in the distribution side of the food industry and was content with his job... Debi on the other hand was itching to open a new restaurant. Chef Michael did not feel the same way, but agreed that if Debi could raise the money... they would open a new restaurant. Debi set out with single-minded dedication and within a year, she had raised the funds. The only problem was they couldn't find a suitable location in Harford County. "I called Michael and told him I had found the perfect little place on 36th Street in Hampden," said Debi. Shortly thereafter, Alchemy held their grand opening. The new restaurant was wildly successful, allowing them to open a second location in Bel Air.

The couple are hard at work renovating the space most of you know as the old Open Door Cafe. When I met with the couple at the construction site, it was completely unrecognizable... the trademark murals were gone along with most of the walls dividing the space, creating an open and airy feeling. The couple have spared no expense when it comes to the interior decor and equally as important, the kitchen design. They are working with interior designer, Joley R. King, the owner of the The Works Hospitality, who just finished re-designing The Owl Bar. Debi had a very clear picture of what she wanted and chose all the decor herself, with Joley adding her experience with measuring and ordering custom pieces... which is what everything is - custom. The elements are reflected in all of Debi's luxurious choices. Rich metals in gold and copper will reflect the light, like the hand-hammered copper tables engraved with the Alchemy Elements logo, the artist-created metal cubing that showcases the liquor bottles behind the bar and the nailhead trim that finishes off the upholstery. Rich woods and buttery leather pay homage to Harford's equine history. Soft, textured fabrics pair classic and modern styles for a high-end look. The floor is going to be concrete with a stained texture, giving guests the feeling they are walking on storm clouds. The back of the large bar is one huge slab of translucent onyx in a swirly cream and white pattern, which will be lit from behind with tiny LED lights. The lighting is unique and modern with sparkling sputniks and industrial chic pendants. Tiny little details like brass rings on the back of the barstools, and places to recharge your phone while having a drink, are what will make this such a unique experience. The couple are using lots of local artisan's not just for the furniture, but to create sculptures and original art to reinforce the elemental theme.

The bar is the focal point of this fine-casual venue. Debi is excited about her extensive list of craft cocktails, and Chef Michael is busy expanding the bar menu now that they will be able to accommodate more patrons. "We're not a molecular restaurant," said

Upstairs dining room at the couple's Hampden restaurant - Alchemy

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People are Talking About Chefs Michael & Debi Matassa!

1Chef Michael Wins

Maryland Chef of the Year Award 2015

1Alchemy Wins

1st Place - Kettle One Best Cocktail 2014

1Baltimore Sun Top 50 Restaurants 2014

1Open Table Winner Award of Excellence

2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 & 2015

1Best Fish City Paper 2001

1Best Chef America 2013, 2014 & 2015

1Featured in:

Zagat • Jewish Times Magazine • The AegisChesapeake Life Magazine • Style MagazineBaltimore Magazine • Gay Life Magazine

Urbanite Magazine

1Guest Appearances:

WBAL TV & FOX45

1Starred in:

What's Next on RL-TV Documentary Reality Show

For more information check out the Alchemy website at www.alchemyon36.com

Chef Michael. "Our food is cross-cultural, a modern take on fusion. We do however, have some molecular components in our recipes," he added. Chef Michael's rotary evaporator, which looks like something in a mad scientist's lab, is taking center stage at the bar where guests can watch the fruits and herbs being distilled for their cocktails. What exactly is molecular cooking? It blends physics and chemistry to transform the tastes and textures of food. The result? New and innovative dining experiences. The term Molecular Gastronomy is commonly used to describe a style of cuisine in which chefs explore culinary possibilities by borrowing tools from the science lab and ingredients from the food industry. Flavors are distilled without using heat, leaving the pure undisturbed essence of the vegetable, fruit or herb.

Chef Michael locally sources as many ingredients as he can, and is constantly working on perfecting his techniques and menu offerings. What can you expect to find on Alchemy Elements menu? How about Lamb Picadillo Stuffed Sweet Potato to get you started with a cup of Crab Bisque and Pecan Crusted Lamb Chops for dinner. If you are looking for a vegetarian option, how about this... Stuffed Acorn Squash - Roasted squash with Israeli couscous, ancient grains, smoked almonds, seasonal vegetables, ricotta salata, truffle butter and a quinoa artisan salad. Yum!! Everything on the menu at Alchemy Elements may seem familiar at first, but look a little closer and you will see that Chef Michael has taken it in a wildly exciting direction. For example - Chef Michael has deviled eggs on the menu - but these aren't the eggs your grandmother made "We make our own variation called Black Tea Eggs," said Chef Michael. "We cook the eggs for 9 minutes, then remove them from the water and spider crack them before we let them simmer in a pot of Chinese Black Tea for an hour and a half. The result is a fabulously smoky flavor. I'm still perfecting the ingredients for the filling, but I'll have it figured out before we open," added Chef Michael

"We really feel that Alchemy Elements will elevate what Harford County consumers can expect from their dining experience," said Chef Michael. "We aren't a white tablecloth restaurant, this is just fabulous space with delicious food, and we want people to have fun. The Matassas are working on developing a kids menu - which definitely won't include chicken nuggets. It will include smaller portions of some of their most popular menu options for young foodies to enjoy. "We are always pushing the envelope," said Chef Michael. I'm always trying to improve and change, but their are certain things that Debi won't let me tinker with," he added. "Our Red Snapper that won Best Fish in the City Paper in 2001. It's been on the menu forever, but we can't take it off because our customers love it," added Debi. "The blend of our unique food and really cool cocktails are what is going to make this restaurant successful," smiled Chef Michael.

"We are so excited to be back in Harford County doing what we love," they both chimed in together. I think I'm speaking for everyone when I say "I can't wait until Alchemy Elements opens is September! See you there!