ENGAGEMENT PARTY

Diamond Chef polishes main dish, wedding ring

Donnie Ferneau, who took top honors at this year's Diamond Chef Arkansas competition, showed sponsors he is ready to defend his title at the 2017 contest in April. The culinary battle is put on by and benefits the Pulaski Technical College Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute.

Ferneau, chef of the exclusive 1836 Club in Little Rock, turned seared black cod and goat cheese polenta into a plate of deliciousness for the Engagement Party, held Aug. 11 at the institute. The pre-party was intended to remind or inform sponsors about the main event, which will be in its 10th year. Ferneau was also the event's first winner.

"It's only 10 years, but it's come a long way," Pulaski Technical College Foundation Executive Director Shannon Boshears said of the institute's event.

The chef's meal, prepared with the help of Dean Todd Gold and others, also included a white balsamic salad and Black Forest marquise. For the Engagement Party, several past honorary chairmen showed, including 2016's Mimi San Pedro and Mary Ann Coleman, 2010's Rusty Mathis, 2011's Mary Morton and 2012's Jill Bloom, who celebrated her birthday at the party. Others will be coming to the competition, Boshears said.

In 2017, honorary co-chairmen are Carl and Sharon Vogelpohl. Competitors include Jimmy Carter of Verizon Arena, Scott Rains of Table 28, Mary Beth Ringgold of Cajun's Wharf/Capers/Copper Grill, Patrick Buchanan of YaYa's Euro Bistro, Casey Copeland of SO and Brandon Douglas of Green Leaf Grill. From those six, the top two scorers will compete with Ferneau in the final round.

The competition allows guests to visit theme food stations, sample wines from around the world and sip signature cocktails while watching.

For "A Decade of Diamond Chef Arkansas," slated for April 13, organizers have instituted some new aspects (and sponsorship opportunities): Diamond in the Rough, a culinary class for kids that will take place during the competition; Chef's Table, an opportunity for 20 to be seated in the competition lab, watching the action ringside; and a VIP lounge, Le Culinaire, with souped-up amenities for sponsors.

Top of mind for the popular Ferneau -- his own engagement to Meaghan Blaine, associate public relations account executive for Mangan Holcomb Partners. The firm's professionals helped put on the Aug. 11 party. Ferneau and Blaine are set to marry in November.

High Profile on 08/21/2016

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