Ferneau food
They had a little celebrity chef contest at the Peabody Hotel this week as a fund-raiser for Pulaski Tech's Arkansas Culinary School. Donnie Ferneau, of the namesake restaurant, bested the Peabody's executive chef, Andre Poirot.
Pictured is some of Ferneau's work -- camembert wrapped in puff pastry with a strawberry and jalapeno compote along with a salad of bibb lettuce and toasted walnuts on the right and, on the left, pan-fried soft-shell crab on a bed of braised mushrooms and celery with hollandaise.
Soft-shell crab was the surprise ingredient for the chefs to conquer. From the news release:
Ferneau presented pan-fried soft-shell crab atop a bed of braised mushroom and celery with hollandaise sauce. His salad featured Bibb lettuce with toasted walnuts and vinaigrette. Other creations included camembert cheese wrapped in puff pastry with a strawberry and jalapeno compote, and a rack of lamb atop bed of shrimp with a béarnaise sauce and chives.
Chef Poirot created culinary sensations representatives of three continents, including an opening course of strawberry gazpacho with fried, pistachio-encrusted camembert. An Asian-inspired creation included lamb-filled wontons and lamb tartar. For an American touch, he created lamb burger with French fries and homemade ketchup, followed up with a French twist on a chocolate and hazelnut dessert.
Comments
It surprises me exactly 0.0% that Donnie whipped up on Andre...
Not to discount Donnie, as he is a fine chef, but I have never had a satisfactory meal at The Peabody...
Posted by: rosso![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/eatarkansas/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2008 12:47 PM
No whuppin' took place. According to the judges, both meals were superb and the judging -based on taste, presentation, and creativity- was extremely close. That Donnie lacked home field advantage and came out on top is pretty cool, but Andre wants a rematch!
Posted by: JoeCollege![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/eatarkansas/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2008 01:47 PM
I am not surprised that Donnie edged out the win. He has consistently shown his remarkable talent in the kitchen. Dinner at his restaurant is worth every penny every time.
I will admit that it has been a while since I went to eat at the Peabody after a poor experience there. Both descriptions sound scrumptious, though.
Posted by: Joel![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/eatarkansas/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2008 04:38 PM
DAMN STRAIGHT Donnie bested Andre Poirot.
Posted by: JenJens![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/eatarkansas/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2008 04:45 PM
Good to see you weighing in again JenJens. Where have you been?
Posted by: Joel![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/eatarkansas/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2008 08:24 PM
I had one of the worst and most expensive meals of my life at the Peabody last new year's. Almost three hundred dollar for two people!! The server was high. there were no prices posted anywhere--at all. Every course was sub-par at best. Shotgun Dan's would have been much prefered.
Never. Ever. Ever again... the most over-rated hotel/restaurant I've ever had the displeasure to vist.
Posted by: Basil![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/eatarkansas/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 7, 2008 12:33 AM
I second what has already been said, Ferneau is the class of Little Rock's dining scene.
Posted by: gloves![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/eatarkansas/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 8, 2008 04:25 PM
Totatlly agree on the Peabody. Food, hotel experience, etc., all over rated and over priced. Our tab was almost 200 per night. Might as well stay in the real deal across the street.
Posted by: Nemo![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/eatarkansas/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 9, 2008 11:08 AM
" Almost three hundred dollar for two people!! The server was high. there were no prices posted anywhere--at all."
Basil- The lack of prices is indicitative of "fine dining" much like you don't see a price on the finest of jewelry, the theory is, if you have to ask then you can't afford it.
I have never had a bad meal at Capricco in the Peabody, and I have never had a bad meal at Furneau. If I have to choose I would pick Furneau, because the service is better the atmosphere is better and then menu evolves and changes.
Posted by: Lawdog![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/eatarkansas/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 9, 2008 11:25 AM
What up, Joel?
I've been around. Around West Little Rock where we've just moved, that is. I can hardly be bothered with going out these days when it's even more satisfying (and less expensive) to just have your friends over for a meal.
Hope all is well in your world. Your last post looked very tasty!
Posted by: JenJens![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/eatarkansas/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 9, 2008 11:38 AM
We've had the discussion before, but I still get so much satisfaction and enjoyment out of going places with friends ... and not cooking for once. It gets a bit tiring to cook every single meal in the weak.
It is hard enough to get one or two people to come over for an easy dinner, much less a real effort intensive feast.
Posted by: Joel![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/eatarkansas/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 10, 2008 05:12 PM
Totally hear what you're saying, Joel. Sad (for me), but is it possible that I have finally reached the age where it feels like "work" to go out? I shudder to think so...
The new (long) drive is what kills me. Thrity mins. to downtown. Bleh.
I hear Ferneau changed up the menu again. Have you sampled yet?
Posted by: JenJens![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/eatarkansas/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 11, 2008 11:53 AM