Worcester Business Journal

28 Worcester Business Journal | August 16, 2021 | wbjournal.com 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y One conversation with Forman is all it takes to hear how pas- sionate he is about food and how much the art of cooking has influenced his life journey. Forman's unique twists on cuisine and his fresh, farm-to-table ingredients have made deadhorse hill a landmark destination throughout the Northeast. His resume includes notable New York City and Greater Boston restaurants such as Per Se, Gramercy Tavern, and Strip-T's. Food is not just a meal to him, it is an experience he enjoys sharing with others. From foraging in the woods for mushrooms, to forming relationships with farmers to obtain the freshest meats and produce, Forman is dedicated to supporting local agriculture. He will volunteer nonprofit catering for political campaigns and causes like women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and in support of people of color. Known for his infectious laugh and welcoming personality, Forman believes success as a restaurant owner looks differents, "Having a heartfelt conversation with a farmer, about to part with a crate of gorgeous tomatoes or slaughter a pig, and knowing they are passing the baton of that life to us is profound and humbling." - S.P. What decade would you most like to time travel to? New York City in the 1960s was a turbulent, yet wonderful place: The Beatles arrival, riots, Greenwich village, and the miracle Mets of 1969. Is there alien life? The universe is a big place, so I'd bet yes, and I hope they share their recipes. Why do you live in Central Mass.? Accessibility and affordability; three hours from NYC; one hour from Logan airport; farms and cold trout streams; ramps, mushrooms, and very good ice cream. What message would you now like to give your 10-year-old self? Learn to play piano. Be nicer to your mother. Eat a salad once in a while. Jared Forman, 38 Chef & owner deadhorse hill, in Worcester Residence: Worcester Birthplace: Brooklyn, N.Y. Colleges: Johnson & Wales University, Queensborough Community College City University New York Environmental responsibility and high-end designer fashion are typically not topics put together, but at Setaro's consignment shop, customers can purchase celebrity- worthy styles while focusing on slow fashion, a movement encouraging sustainable practices and fair wages while reducing waste. Setaro says opening her own small business took every ounce of courage she had, and this bravery was put to the test during the coronavirus lockdowns. Through a virtual sidewalk shopping platform and concierge service for consignment pick-ups, Setaro transformed her whole business model in the span of a few months. Setaro considers withstanding the pandemic's business impact to be one of her greatest accomplishments. This comes on top of donating about $29,000 in merchandise to community needs, while providing monetary donations between $1,000 and $10,000 to more than a half dozen Central Mass. organizations, particularly Andy's Attic. Last year alone, Setaro donated 7,881 pieces of clothing for families in need. - S.P. What world record would you like to have? Is there a record to save the most cats? I would like to have that! During the quarantine I rescued nine kittens. I kept three (Zombie, Coyote, and Greta) but I would rescue every day if I could!! What did you learn from the coronavirus pandemic? Do not be afraid of change. And even if you are, do it afraid. What one Central Mass. activity should everyone try? SmashIt2 in Worcester! It's especially worthy of a visit after a good break up. But also, Spider Gates Cemetery in Leominster is a rite of passage. Amanda Jane 'AJ' Setaro, 34 President & owner Sweet Jane's Designer Consignment, in Worcester Residence: Worcester Birthplace: Worcester Colleges: Fordham University, Harvard University PHOTO/ERIKA SIDOR Worcester Regional Airport (Special thanks to the Massachusetts Port Authority)

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