Charlie’s love affair with food began in Spain, working as a personal chef for the Guinness family. He Learned to make authentic Spanish ‘tortilla’ from a woman 60 years his senior, and he built a relationship with a local farmer who delivered vegetables so fresh that they were still warm from the sun. Charlie learned early to focus on where the food he serves is coming from, who is preparing it, and knowing the story of each ingredient he uses.

Upon his return from Spain to Boston he was immediately hired by Chef Ken Oringer to help open the chef’s new tapas restaurant, Toro. Within a year Charlie was promoted to chef de partie in Oringer’s flagship Boston restaurant, Clio, where he worked alongside a gifted chef who has had a major influence on his culinary style.

Seeking to further refine his technique, he traveled to Europe for several months to work at Frantzen/Lindeberg in Stockholm, Sweden and In de Wulf in Dranouter, Belgium. Charlie then found himself at Daniel Boulud’s DBGB, quickly rising to the position of Executive Chef. While there, Charlie focused on the importance of merging French technique with impeccable sourcing, perfectly preparing him for the challenges of opening Woods Hill Table in Concord, Massachusetts.