James Martin
Executive Chef/Owner/General Manager
James Martin is the Executive Chef/Owner/General Manager of 85 Main, which he opened in June 2005, partnering with Barry and Brian Jessurun of The Vanilla Bean Café. James is an accomplished self-taught chef with a career full of highlights. In 1999, James helped open The Back Eddy, a 250-seat restaurant with two-time James Beard Award recipient Boston Chef Chris Schlesinger. He moved on in 2002 to be the Chef/Manager of The Vanilla Bean Café in Pomfret, CT. before opening 85 Main in 2005, setting a new standard of excellence in the “Quiet Corner.” With his drive and resilience James was able to keep the doors open during the COVID 19 pandemic by overcoming obstacles and by never compromising that standard. With James at the helm, 85 Main has earned the support and trust of its small-town community and beyond, becoming a catalyst in the revitalization of Downtown Putnam as a cultural and culinary destination. His career in the restaurant industry has included a diversity of experiences that culminate into who he is today. [Learn more about Chef James Martin here]
Abel Reyes
Head Sushi Chef
Abel spent most of his life in Guatemala working hard and giving his all to everything he did. He was influenced by his father who told him to always keep learning, to never give up, and to do everything with love. That drive has made him into the Sushi Chef he is today. In 2007 he began his career as a sushi prep chef at Haruki in Providence RI. Within a few years his position grew because of his knowledge and experience and in 2015 he had the privilege of working side by side with the Master Chef and Owner Mr. Haruki. He kept that position until 2019 when became Head Sushi Chef at 85 Main.As Head Sushi Chef at 85, Abel works with James and Kat to make sure the sushi offer is up to the standard that has been set. He helps keep track of inventory, fillets, and prepares fresh fish for the sushi offer. He also eagerly lends a hand to help the other departments prep for the main menu. His passion is in creating specials for the menu and accommodating customers “special” requests.Abel played a integral part in the survival of 85 Main’s offer through the initial months of the pandemic. Through hard work, dedication, and sense of humor, we were able to fulfill upon our takeout offer.Outside of work he loves to spend time with family, going out to eat and going fishing. His main influences are God and family.
Kathleen Ramos (Kat)
Sushi Chef
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Kat was inspired from a young age to become a chef by her aunt who was an Executive Chef at Disney. She took three years of culinary electives and from there her passion grew. She went on to study Culinary Arts and Hospitality at Monte Claro and graduated with High Honors. After graduating she practiced under several chefs at Passion por El Fogon in Puerto Rico. She wanted to advance her skill and challenge herself to look at food from an entirely new perspective, particularly a more artistic one. Japanese Master Chef Danny Chow then took her under his wing and taught her Japanese Techniques that led her to where she is today. She learned how to prepare rice and rice vinegar sauces, work different flavor combinations, Japanese Knife techniques, and how to properly break down fresh fish. “He gave me the push I needed to grow my passion and advance my skills under his expertise.” She then moved on to work under Executive Sushi Chef Juan Cerna at Nami Asian Fusion at Gran Melia for 8 years. He taught her how to elevate her technique. “I always found inspiration and room for growth from the experience. I learned how to constantly work under pressure and make special dishes “on the fly”.” Her next adventure brought her to the states and to 85 Main.Once at 85 Main, Kat was quickly adopted part of the family as “Gata” and worked with Master Sushi Chef Osaki. “I am fortunate to have grown even more working under Chef Osaki and Chef James Martin. Chef Osaki taught me to always have respect for the fish I am cutting and that respect in turn pays tribute to the fish, but most importantly he taught me to always have fun while making sushi. From Chef James I have learned to take pride in my work and to never stop learning.”Kat has now been at 85 Main for five years. Her role as Sushi Chef includes preparing the sushi rice and vinegar, sauces, breaking down the fresh fish, and most importantly to creating elegant and flavorful sushi dishes for our customers.“I can honestly say I love my job; the restaurant is like a big family. We can have our ups and downs, but at the end of the day we are all here for each other. Work for me is my therapy. I enjoy it tremendously, especially when I get to chat with customers from time to time, although I’m a bit shy outside of the workplace.”“I’m a mother of two amazing kids, a wife, a Christian and a bookworm (I love True Crime and Mysteries).Chef Tadashi Yoshida, Chef Amaury Guichon, Chef James Martin, all have taught me so much and have been great influences on myself and my career. I can find inspiration in anything, from a picture to music. I am continuously intrigued by different types of fish, their flavors and colors, and the many ways to prepare them by the change of sauces and techniques. I am passionate about my career and fascinated by all I have learned and all that I will continue to learn.”