Core Kitchen Launches Winter Residency at Gateways Inn

Innovative local culinary duo, Ray Stalker and Sarita Orobio-Wolff, recently launched a winter residency at the Gateways Inn in Lenox, Massachusetts. This partnership began on December 20, 2023, and will last until mid-March, offering dinner service from Thursday to Saturday. The initiative aims to provide delicious, seasonal meals to local residents during the quieter winter months.

Stalker emphasizes the significance of this venture, stating, “We want to feed the people who are here in the winter.” He recognizes the challenges locals face when trying to dine out in the summer due to busy schedules and full reservations. Orobio-Wolff adds that their collaboration demonstrates how small and large businesses in the Berkshires can unite to enhance the dining experience during the slower season.

Roots of a Culinary Partnership

Both chefs bring rich culinary backgrounds to this venture. Ray Stalker, a Columbia County native, has been passionate about cooking since childhood. His culinary journey began with a simple pancake recipe at the age of eight, leading him to a formal education at the Culinary Institute of America. After honing his skills in New York City, he returned to the Berkshires in 2011 to work as a chef at Nudel.

Orobio-Wolff, originally from Cali, Colombia, was raised in the Berkshires. Her early experiences with food were shaped by her family’s agricultural lifestyle. “Nothing ever went to waste,” she remembers, reflecting on her time spent in the kitchen with her mother and grandmothers. After gaining experience in various restaurants, she began creating prepared meals during the COVID-19 pandemic, which laid the foundation for their partnership.

The two chefs first crossed paths when Orobio-Wolff was a regular customer at Nudel. They eventually began dating and worked together at Cello before deciding to launch their own brand, Core Kitchen, LLC, in 2022. The name, derived from the French word “coeur” and the Spanish “corazon,” signifies their commitment to heartful cooking.

A Unique Culinary Experience

Since its inception, Core Kitchen has focused on private dinners, pop-ups, and micro-catering. Their recent projects include a residency at Dorothy’s Estaminet and a gala for Greenagers in August, which featured farm-fresh ingredients and drew significant attendance. Their approach combines locally sourced ingredients with personal culinary experiences, creating a menu that feels both familiar and innovative.

The winter residency at Gateways Inn represents a strategic opportunity for both parties. With Ryan McIntyre, the former executive chef at Gateways, leaving his position, the chefs saw a chance to fill the gap in the restaurant’s winter offerings. Orobio-Wolff explains, “You have this gorgeous inn, but money is walking out the door every night when you don’t offer dining.” This partnership allows Gateways to maintain its hospitality while facilitating Core Kitchen’s growth during the winter months.

The chefs faced challenges in navigating the corporate structure of the inn, but their persistence paid off. Orobio-Wolff expressed gratitude for the eventual collaboration, noting the importance of their combined community connections in promoting the residency.

The inaugural night featured dishes such as King trumpet mushroom katsu and seared Spanish mackerel, showcasing the chefs’ dedication to seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.

As they move forward, Stalker and Orobio-Wolff remain focused on cultivating their culinary vision. “Every aspect of our business has been a collaboration from the get-go,” Stalker states, crediting their families and local farmers for their unwavering support.

With aspirations to secure a permanent location in the future, Core Kitchen is committed to evolving within the Berkshires’ culinary landscape. The chefs plan to keep their audience engaged through regular updates on social media, as well as their ongoing commitment to special events and community initiatives, such as a recent toy drive benefitting local charities.

Their journey reflects a blend of passion, community spirit, and a shared love for food that both nourishes and connects.