William Kovel, Chef-Owner of Catalyst Restaurant and Catalyst Catering is happiest when he’s in his kitchen at Catalyst teaching his culinary team. Described as kind and humble, his interest in food began at an early age and led him to travel in pursuit of delicious food and refining his techniques. Kovel’s culinary career has brought him overseas to the Michelin-starred Orrery in London and across the United States to Jardinière in San Francisco before he decided to settle in Boston. Citing his time at Jardinière and Northern California cooking as his biggest influences, Kovel dedicates himself to using the best and most responsible seafood, produce and other products locally available.
“The food I prepare comes from a love of fresh, simple flavors cultivated from my experience cooking in California,
Boston and Europe, threaded together with classic French techniques”
Food and Wine’s “Best New Chef People’s Choice” Award Winner
Photos by Emily Kan Photography & Cheryl Richards Photography
A native of West Hartford, Connecticut, Kovel cooked in a variety of cities and countries before settling back down in New England.
During his tenure at the Four Seasons, Kovel was recognized by Boston Magazine and was named one of a talented group of upcoming "Chefs to Watch". He was also honored as ‘Boston's Top Restaurants’ by Chaine des Rotisseurs and he achieved the revered status of the AAA Five Diamond Award. Kovel was named Food and Wine’s best New Chef People’s Choice the year he opened Catalyst Restaurant and he’s also been recognized by Wine Spectator (he is Level II Sommelier in the Court of Master Sommeliers).
Kovel enjoys teaching culinary arts at Boston University, fishing, traveling and spending time with his wife Sara, daughter Grace and identical twin sons Owen and Everett when he’s not in the kitchen.
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