The River Grill seasonal outdoor dining at The Stewart House

Meet the Chef: Rachel Bartlett of The Stewart House in Athens NY

By inside + out | September 20, 2024

Rachel Bartlett brings a lifelong passion for food and a culinary career that started in High School in Central Florida. She has brought her experience and dedication to the northeast for the last twenty years, creating flavor-rich food built upon seasonal, locally grown ingredients and strong relationships. She recently joined the team as the Executive Chef at The Stewart House, a cornerstone hotel in Athens, NY, known for its excellent food and gorgeous decor. It also has a hopping bar and great live music and has become a coveted gathering spot for locals and urban travelers.

Athens was settled initially in 1706, but by the time The Stewart House opened the doors of its boarding house in 1883, the town was well at the peak of its prosperity. Meanwhile, brickyards, shipbuilders, ice harvesters, and prolific potters of the day also made their descent. Still, the town remained rich in history and natural beauty, and many of the residences and buildings still bear the original character and unique details of yesteryear.

Lon and Lois Ballinger bought the old Stewart House in late 2017, and though the old place needed love, the entrepreneurial couple brought a shared passion for creating lasting spaces as social hubs. As owners of the iconic Webster Hall in NYC for more than thirty years, they shifted their focus to this new venue’s beautiful potential, and with the help of designer Tim Albright, the Stewart House reopened once again in May of 2018. Together, the trio recharged the space with an “elevated authentic style,” a homey balance of classic elegance with a modern zhush.

Come visit the Stewart House soon, and have a drink and a meal at the waterfront of the mighty Hudson River while you can still enjoy these beautiful, temperate fall days. And don’t forget to say hello to Chef Rachel!

In the meantime, get to know more about Rachel Bartlett in our Exclusive Interview below…

INSIDE+OUT: Where were you born, and how did you wind up in the Hudson Valley?

Rachel Bartlett: I was born in Augusta, Georgia, and grew up in central Florida (Sebring). My culinary instructor sent me to Woodstock, Vermont, where I fell in love with the landscape. Met someone who was from Delmar, NY, and relocated to the Hudson area in the Capital District.

Earliest visceral or impactful food memory?

I was always in the kitchen; it just seemed like the main focal point in my life. My very first memory is taking a bite out of a fresh vine-ripened tomato. That’s when I knew the endless possibilities that food can give us.

What inspired you to become a chef? What was your journey?

I love the ever-changing, always-learning, fast-paced hustle of the kitchen. The camaraderie of the strangers you start with becomes somewhat your family away from family.

Fine Dining at The Stewart House in Athens NY

What chefs have inspired you the most, and what was your favorite experience as an up-and-coming chef?

The fearless confidence of Julia Child, the innovative Charlie Trotter, the inspiration and drive coming from Dominique Crenn, and all of my mentoring chefs along the way. My favorite experience was with one of my sous chefs who was overseeing me. As I was plating a dish, I wasn’t sure of placement. He said to me, “Just commit,” which was the largest contributing factor to my daily confidence in my kitchen.

Congratulations on your recent position at The Stewart House. Tell us about the dining options there and what the Summer Season brought.

At the River Grill, dining options ranged from burgers and wagyu hot dogs to ribs and a poke bowl. It also included some vegetarian options. There has been something for everybody!

Who or what inspires your menus?

Local and in-season produce. I get inspiration from the vast colors of the changing seasons.

Do you view food as an artistic expression in any way? Do you have other creative pursuits, or is food your main medium?

Yes, I do! Food is my creative outlet. I also create food-inspired art pieces with spray paint.

What do you love most about living + working in the Hudson Valley?

The quiet peacefulness. The landscape and small towns. The wonderful bounty bounty that the Hudson region brings.

What local businesses do you rely on to be successful?

We collaborate with many local businesses. To name one would be too hard, but that’s the best part about being local—it’s all amazing!

The Bar at the Stewart House in Athens NY

How do you establish the great relationships you have with local farmers?

Talking to them personally. Understanding and having respect for what they do.

What is your favorite thing to eat/cook when you’re home alone or with your family?

I grew up eating comfort food, such as “Chicken & Dumplings” and my mom’s meatloaf. However, I do like experimenting with new recipes at home with my two sons, Riley and Gavin.

Tell us something about yourself that people might be surprised to learn.

I really like connecting with nature. Sometimes, my best thoughts are when I’m alone on a trail or sitting by a small creek.

Name three things you always have in your fridge/pantry.

CHEESE, Bachans Japanese BBQ sauce, and some sort of pickled veggie!

What was the best dish or meal you’ve ever had, and who made it?

John Dory had at 15 Church in Saratoga Springs by my good friend and co-chef Michael Mastrantuono.

What’s missing in the area that you wish we had?

Less commercial-More Local small businesses

Priviate Dinners and Corporate Events at The Captains Table in the Stewart House

Are you working on any special projects or events you’d like to tell us about?

The Stewart House will be featured at the Olana Party in September. I am really looking forward to being in such a beautiful and historic place!

Fave restaurant and bar?

My favorite restaurant at the moment is Sawa Sushi Bistro in Glenmont, New York. I don’t go to bars; they’re not my scene.

Go-to coffee shop or bakery?

When I am in Albany, it is the Honest Weight Food Co-Op, and when I’m in Athens, my go-to place is the Athens Rooster.

Fave local view?

You can’t beat the view of the Hudson and the historic Athens Lighthouse that I get to see every day working at the Stewart House!

Fave local activity?

Farmers markets!

What are you reading?

My collection of cookbooks.

What are you watching?

Anything food-related and the History Channel (I’m a history buff).

Listening to? Music or Podcast?

Music. All kinds.

Last home-cooked meal you made?

Lemon butter Salmon, Jasmine Rice, and Local Sweet Peas!

What’s your current state of mind?

It has been a whirlwind of emotions lately, as I just lost my mom in June. However, the drive from the industry, my mom’s love for what I do, and my confidence in my abilities make me work harder and keep me going. My sons and my fiance, Bea, make me strive to be the best that I can be.

: Photo by Susan Baker

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Photos courtesy of Stewart House @stewarthouseny

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