Matthew has lived in four countries and traveled to more than a dozen. He loves the way each country has created its own cuisine. “I’ve learned that simple street food can be just as great as an expensive restaurant. It just takes good ingredients and heart,” says Matthew. Matthew’s mother grew up in northern Thailand near the Laos border and has passed along her knowledge of spices and flavors. He says he has an adventurous palate and curiosity about how dishes were created. “I love to discover the history of different foods and how conflict and trade have allowed food to change and expand beyond borders over time,” Matthew says.