Donnie Ferneau Jr., Ferneau
2601 Kavanaugh Boulevard
Little Rock, Ark.
(501) 603-9208
www.FerneauRestaurant.com
DINNER: Tues-Sat 5 pm to Close
“I started cooking at a young age with my brother, Jeff, because of my Aunt Doris, who was a great woman, but didn’t cook the type of food we wanted to eat.”
Signature dish – Anything with fish, but I also make a killer grilled cheese.
Best compliment to the chef – When my daughter, Vada, told me I am the best chef she knows.
My guilty pleasure – Late-night frozen Snickers bars.
Weirdest thing i’ve eaten – Tofu turkey, fried butter and lamb brains.
Culinary pet peeve – Overly complicated menu descriptions. Let the food speak for itself.
Must-have kitchen tool – Well-seasoned cast iron and good music.
Biggest cooking challenge – Making emulsions that don’t break in front of a crowd of people in a cooking competition.
When I’m at home I eat – A ton of fruits and veggies with chicken or fish. I love balsamic vinegar and good olive oil.
These days, i’m crazy about – My daughter Vada and training for the XTERRA triathlon.
Where i eat on my night off – Hot Dog Mike’s, Capital Bar & Grill, Flying Fish and Whole Hog Café.
Chef recommends -Anything from Microplane, and a Keurig coffee system.