William Kovel
Chef Kovel opened Catalyst in 2011 with the goal of creating a restaurant that is about what the guest wants, an approach shaped by his experience working for master chefs, a Michelin-star restaurant and a five-star hotel.
Chef Kovel marks his growth as a chef and restaurateur through his time at Jardinière under Chef Traci Des Jardins in San Francisco; running the kitchen as Michael Schlow’s sous chef at Radius in Boston; a stage at Orrery in London; and as Chef de Cuisine of Aujourd-hui at Four Seasons Hotel Boston. The resulting culinary style focuses on a commitment to the freshest local ingredients, an unforgiving level of attention to proper French technique and an hotelier’s approach when it comes to guest satisfaction.
During his tenure at the Four Seasons, Kovel was recognized by Boston Magazine as one of a talented group of upcoming “Chefs to Watch;” was honored by Chaine des Rotisseurs and achieved the AAA Five Diamond Award. Since opening Catalyst, Kovel studied and passed the first two levels of the Court of Master Sommelier exams, making him the only Boston area chef with a sommelier designation.
A native of West Hartford, Connecticut, Kovel received his degree in Culinary and Hospitality Studies at Southern New Hampshire University. Kovel lives in Milton with his wife Sara, daughter Grace and sons Owen & Everett. Outside of the kitchen, Kovel can be found reading, traveling and most importantly, fishing.
- Awards and Recognition
- Level II Sommelier, Court of Master Sommeliers
- AAA Five Diamond Award
- Chains des Rotisseurs
- “Chefs to Watch,” Boston magazine
