For Chef Matthew Brooks, a love of food started at home.

Growing up in an Italian family, Matthew remembers a kitchen that was always busy. His mother would have fresh pasta laid out on cutting boards for dinner, while his grandparents were often baking and cooking when he visited them in Portland. As a child, he thought big family dinners and a kitchen full of food were simply normal. Looking back, he recognizes those moments—especially cooking and baking with his grandfather—as where his love for food took root.

At just 14 years old, Matthew got his first job at a local bakery, Humble Bagel, where he made croissants after school. He knew then that cooking would become his career. Throughout his 20s, he worked in a variety of restaurants, learning everything he could from the people around him.

In his mid-30s, Matthew and his wife moved their family to Bend, where he joined the Oxford Hotel. There, he developed his skills in fine dining and eventually became Executive Chef. During that time, he discovered senior living and had the opportunity to work in an assisted living kitchen. That experience ultimately led him to pursue senior living as his career.

After returning to Eugene, Matthew worked in several senior living communities before discovering The Archer at Springfield. He joined The Archer on July 15, 2024, and now serves as its Culinary Director.

With his Italian roots, Matthew especially enjoys preparing pasta and Italian dishes. Manicotti, stuffed shells, and other Italian favorites are popular with residents, while spanakopita has become another community favorite.

What Matthew enjoys most about cooking for seniors is their honesty and appreciation. As he puts it, residents will let you know if something isn’t to their liking—and they’ll also tell you when something has been done well. For Matthew, that honesty and appreciation make cooking for seniors an especially rewarding role.

Matthew is excited to participate in Chef’s Showcase 2026 – A Night on the Town as an opportunity to showcase the creativity and talent of his culinary team and introduce The Archer to the wider community. He and his team take pride in every dish they create, and, of course, bringing home a trophy to proudly display at their community would be a pretty great bonus!