Husband-wife duo, Chefs Debi Bell and Michael Matassa, owners of highly popular, ALCHEMY, in Hampden, exclusively share with CITYPEEK exciting news about plans of opening a second restaurant, ALCHEMY Elements, in their native Harford County this Summer. No, ALCHEMY is not closing, it is what Chef Debi calls her "baby." They are simply fulfilling their dream of being real restauranteurs with more than one venue in their native town of Bel Air, which they hold near and dear.
When the couple, both trained at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, originally found the ALCHEMY space they never dreamt to land in Baltimore's ampden community. They had planned to stay in their hometown's Harford county area, where their first restaurant, Fusion Grille, was located. Not finding any available location up North, they wound up in Baltimore, worked nonstop and thrived. They eventually moved close to the property, after turning off their cable, telephones, ultimately selling their house, being part of the close-knit 36th Street community.
Finally, they have found what they feel is the 'perfect space' in The Bel Air Town Center.
A few details about Alchemy Elements disclosed were: the new spot will fit 150 seats, have a beautiful bar where Sommelier/Pastry Chef Debi and her team can "shine with our craft cocktails" and the spot is to be described as a fine-casual venue. The food will be 75% the (ALCHEMY) Baltimore menu with an upscale, lite fare bar mix added into the offering. Additionally, Chef Michael is most energized about the creation of the bar food at Alchemy Elements, something he has not been able to execute at Alchemy's small bar.
"We are thrilled to be back home in Harford county! The county has become so supportive of small business," states Chef Debi. The home town couple is excited to come back. "Bel Air is soooo ready for an independent. It is so over saturated with chains. We can help fix that," she continues.
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Patti Neumann is Publisher/Founder of CITYPEEK.com & an award-winning 21 C Social Media Publicist/Influencer on food, drinks, hospitality & the good life.
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