Serenity Station in Seven Valleys has been delighting patrons with its intriguing combination of restaurant, wellness center and spa, bike shop and gift shop. Recently, the restaurant along the Rail Trail turned over a new leaf with the addition of a new chef, Roger Matthews. Read on to learn more about the new face behind the taste at Serenity Station.

Name: Chef Roger Matthews
Age: 22

Where do you work?
I'm the chef at Serenity Station. I've been here (at Serenity Station) for about a month.

How many years have you been a chef?
I've worked in restaurants since I was 15 years old. As for being a chef, I graduated from culinary school two years ago.

Where did you attend school?
YTI in Lancaster

What's your favorite food?
Definitely pasta and Italian dishes

What's your favorite dish to make?
I love cooking Italian and fresh pasta dishes. I make my own fresh pizza dough, which we use here at Serenity Station. Seafood is also a favorite, especially sushi.

What's your favorite spice?
I love rosemary, Old Bay (since I'm from Baltimore) and paprika.

If you could invite anyone to dinner, whom would you invite?
First, I have to say my grandmother. She's always been there for me; she loves to cook as well. She keeps me going with her new ideas. Also, I'm a huge golfer so I'd invite Tiger Woods.

Name 5 things you couldn't do without in your pantry.
White wine, olive oil, salt and pepper, balsamic vinegar and sugar

What's in your refrigerator right now?
At home, I have a three-bean salad from my grandmother, ketchup, mustard and hot dogs. At work, I have sun-dried tomatoes, portabella mushrooms and fresh crabmeat, for starters. I cook for everyone else but myself; it's the chef's motto.

Who is the best cook you know?
It's a tie between Greg Mummert, the chef at the Country Club of York, and Billy Kocoronis, the owner of the Great American Saloon. And of course, I have to say my grandmother. I have a lot of chefs to thank for where I am now. Really, it's all about the teamwork that everyone has shown and taught me.

What's always on your grocery list each week?
Milk, peanut butter, jelly and hot dogs

What's your favorite foodie magazine?
I'd have to say Bon Appetit. It has a lot of seasonal information, like what's fresh, what's hot and what's not.

If you go

LOCATION: 11 Church St., Seven Valleys
CUISINE: Café
PARKING: Available in front lot, additional parking is available beside the Rail Trail.
HOURS: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday (open until 9 p.m. June-August), 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday (open until 9 p.m. June-August on Sunday)
PRICE RANGE: $2.95 for a side salad to $16.95 for two 4-ounce crab cake dinner ALCOHOL: BYOB SMOKING: Nonsmoking only
ACCEPTS: Cash, Visa and Mastercard (with $5 purchase)
TAKEOUT: Available, also do catering
KID'S MENU: Grilled cheese or hot dog with fries or applesauce ($3.95) or chicken tenders with fries or apple sauce ($4.95)
RESERVATIONS: Not required, but recommended for weekends. Reservations are required for teas and special dinners. Serenity Station also hosts private parties and banquets.
DETAILS: 428-9575 or www.serenity-station.com