Meet the Captains at Berkeley Boathouse

Chef de Cuisine Matthew Thomas brings his extensive culinary experience and a lifelong passion for cooking to DoubleTree by Hilton Berkeley Marina's new dining concept, Berkeley Boathouse. Under his leadership, Berkeley Boathouse showcases a modern and diversified menu featuring local ingredients while emphasizing contemporary California cuisine with global influences. Born and raised in Arkansas, Chef Thomas' passion for food developed at an early age. Cooking with his family was an integral part of his childhood. "My grandmother on my mother's side was Italian and some of my earliest memories in the kitchen are of my family making trofie pasta together -- singing, dancing, throwing flour, and drinking Chianti," said Thomas. While earning his degree in music from Arkansas Tech University, Chef Thomas continued to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a chef. In 2012, Chef Thomas moved to the Bay Area to work at the Michelin-starred Acquerello in San Francisco as a line cook. During his two-year tenure at Acquerello, Thomas honed his culinary skills under the direction of Chef Suzette Gresham while working closely with chefs Alex Dill, Jeremy Nelson, Mark Pensa, Tu David Phu, and Patrick Van Voorhis. Chef Thomas then went on to work at The Meritage and Limewood Restaurant & Bar at the Claremont Hotel & Spa in Berkeley. In 2019, he joined DoubleTree by Hilton Berkeley Marina and Berkeley Boathouse as chef de cuisine. Inspired by his Italian heritage and deep Southern roots, Chef Thomas has created a well-balanced, innovative menu for the Berkeley Boathouse offering shareable small plates, flatbreads, sides, composed salads, and a selection of entrees, all of which are inspired by global influences and offer artful presentations and intriguing flavor profiles. Chef Thomas currently resides in Berkeley. When he's not in the kitchen he enjoys the outdoors, collecting records, barbequing with family and friends, and attending A's games.

Sadia Mudassar has over 15 years of food and beverage and hospitality experience. In her role as general manager at the Berkeley Boathouse, Sadia oversees day-to-day operations including maintaining the highest in hospitality standards, guest services, and front-of-house operations. Sadia works closely alongside Executive Chef Matthew Thomas to ensure the highest level of excellence in the overall guest experience at Berkeley Boathouse. Born and raised in Pakistan until she was 21, Sadia didn't discover her passion for the food and beverage industry until she moved to Canada in 2003. It was there, working for a small franchise called Nando's, where I developed a love for the hospitality industry and discovered how gratifying and rewarding it could be on many levels," said Sadia. In 2005, Sadia moved to Chicago where she worked for several restaurants over the course of five years including Melrose, China Grill, Hard Rock Hotel - Chicago, and SWISS Hotel. It was at these restaurants where Sadia honed her skill set and rose through the ranks holding a number of positions including hostess, assistant manager, server and bartender. In 2010, Sadia moved west and became restaurant manager for Fairmont San Jose where she managed the hotel's pagoda and lobby lounge then transitioned to in-room dining manager in 2011. As in-room dining manager, Sadia was awarded Leader of the Quarter for increasing revenue, exceeding JDP scores, and successfully completing a million-dollar initiative to introduce a highly efficient refreshment center system in 805 guest rooms that helped to increase revenue by 11 percent. In July 2013, Sadia left the Fairmont San Jose to serve as the in-room dining and pool manager for the Silicon Valley's newly opened Rosewood Sand Hill. There Sadia oversaw a team of 40 employees, including two supervisors and two assistant managers, and was responsible for facilitating all private events, day-to-day room service, and dining room operations. In 2015, Sadia returned to Fairmont Hotels and took the position of restaurant general manager at the Claremont Club & Spa in Berkeley. During her tenure Sadia oversaw the property's $250 thousand-dollar restaurant remodel and played an integral role in the opening of Limewood Bar & Restaurant, including the hiring for various positions, staff training and setting service standards.