Slow Food for Fast Times
At Urban Hearth, we are guided by the principles of the Slow Food philosophy. We "envision a world in which all people can access and enjoy food that is good for them, good for those who grow it, and good for the planet."
It's a simple idea really, but it profoundly shapes how we see ourselves as chefs and members of the community.
"Slow food" goes beyond simply making thoughtful choices about the ingredients and products we source. It's about stepping
back from the intensity of our day-to-day lives, and
recognizing that there is much to be learned and joy to be
had from sitting at a table together.
Erin Miller
executive chef | owner | camp counselor
Erin joins the decorated lineage of women chefs in Cambridge and is proud to count Urban Hearth among the small number of acclaimed woman-owned and led restaurants in the Boston area. Classically trained at the French Culinary Institute of New York, Erin draws from her professional training under the mentorship of Blue Hill’s Dan Barber, her entrepreneurial skills running a culinary event company and her extensive instructional experience to create a unique dining experience. Urban Hearth opened its doors in 2016 and through Erin’s stewardship quickly established itself as one of Boston’s best kept secrets with a loyal following.
Throughout her career, Erin has been guided by a simple concept; that there is much to be learned and joy to be had when we gather around the table together. She diligently applies this philosophy beyond the dining table to her relationships with local farmers and producers, her team and her neighborhood community alike; bringing responsibility and care towards every step in the food system. Originally from the Blue Ridge mountain town of Floyd, Virginia, Erin calls Cambridge home where she has lived with her husband and two sons since 2008 and is deeply engaged in the city’s vibrantcommunity.
Gabriel Peterson
sous chef | translator-in-chief | secret cocktail wizard
Gabriel Peterson has been working at Urban Hearth since 2021. He can be seen working alongside Chef Rebecca during dinner service and his passion and dedication to his craft is an integral part of the Urban Hearth culinary experience.
After realizing dentistry was not his passion, Gabriel decided to move from his native Mexico to Boston in search of new opportunities. He found acceptance in the diverse and fast paced culinary world of New England, working his way up the ranks. Since then he hasn’t stopped learning and his interest in diverse cuisines has only increased with time.
While he now has a well seasoned repertoire of culinary delights in his arsenal, his favorite thing to cook is a traditional Mexican carne asada, reminding him of family gatherings with music, food and beer. When he’s not working his magic at Urban Hearth he can be found exploring local bars and restaurants with his friends or playing outdoor sports with his girlfriend.
REBECCA DAULTON
sous chef | semolina sorceress | valedictorian
Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Rebecca moved to the Boston area in 2017 after a stint living in New York City and London. Feeling unfulfilled with her role as a business accountant and inspired by the culinary delights and experiences she’d tasted around the world, Rebecca left corporate America in pursuit of a career closer to her passions, food and hospitality.
Rebecca started at Urban Hearth in 2022 as a kitchen intern while studying classical French and Italian cuisine at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts. In 2023, she graduated with honors as valedictorian of her class but considers it the start of a lifelong culinary education.
You can find Rebecca working the line next to Chef Gabriel during service. She delights in the wonders of veggies and the multifaceted study of both sweet and savory doughs. In her time outside the Urban Hearth kitchen, she enjoys long hikes throughout New England with her husband and friends or staying home and getting cozy with her amazing cat, Mercutio.
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Abby Taylor
general manager | community builder | will pet your dog
Abby hails from a long list of restaurant roles, starting as a server in a New England based clam shack at 15 years old. She has supported neighborhood favorites and Michelin star chefs alike with the same enthusiasm and devotion. When Abby spent some time outside of the industry, she found a role as an event manager, helping to build community through engagement and creating a sense of belonging for growing member bases. Most recently she supported Harvard Square's Grendel's Den through their 50th year in business, creating a Patreon, a marketing campaign for their self produced podcast, and a retail store of collectible merchandise which you may have heard about on the Rachel Maddow show. When she's not greeting you at the Urban Hearth door, she can be found walking her dog, Guillermo, through the streets of North Cambridge, performing in one of her bands, or tending her back yard garden. Don't get her confused with her twin sister, Emily, who can be seen around Urban Hearth frequently.