Arizona Cardinals: Eddie Matney

Affectionately known as “the most colorful chef” in town, Eddie Matney’s approach to New American Cuisine embraces the belief that the “melting pot theory” applies equally well to cooking as to sociology. According to Chef Eddie, his cooking is a “Mirror of America”, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and utilizes the many flavors that are native to classic American and Mediterranean cooking. Prior to coming to Arizona in 1986 to open Steamers, Chef Eddie co-owned and operated the successful Stockbridge Café in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. In 1988, he opened the award winning restaurant, Eddie’s Grill. In September 1998, Eddie and his wife and partner Jennifer Blank-Matney opened a new restaurant, Eddie Matney’s. Eddie has now ventured back to do what he does best, cook! Eddie’s newest project is Eddie's House in Old Town Scottsdale.

Chef Eddie is co-host of “Your Life A to Z” on Arizona’s Channel 3, two times a week. Along with being dubbed the “Number One Chef in the Valley” for six years by Phoenix Magazine, and also by AZcentral.com, he has been celebrated for his unique culinary style in a number of prestigious publications including Food and Wine, USA Today, Bon Appetit, Food Arts, Nation’s Restaurant News, Arizona Foothills and Money Magazine. While in New York for his dinner presentation at The James Beard House, Chef Eddie was featured on CBS’ The Early Show. This is Chef Eddie’s seventh year representing the Arizona Cardinals at the prestigious “Taste of the NFL” event and couldn't be more excited about being the host Chef in Arizona for the 2008 Taste Event. His colorful and innovative approach to the preparation and presentation of food, coupled with his bold individualism and dynamic persona make Eddie a unique force on the national culinary scene. “Share the Passion.”