Damon Jones
Executive Chef of Larks
Anna: Chef, where did you grow up?
Damon Jones: A mix of Alabama and Oregon.
Anna: Did you eat your veggies when you were a kid?
Damon Jones: Not by choice, but my dad would make me eat a little.
Anna: When did you know you wanted to be a chef?
Damon Jones: When I was 22, after getting out of the US Navy, I started working at a BBQ restaurant.
Anna: What is your favorite food memory?
Damon Jones: A 12-course meal with my dad and uncle at NOLA’s in New Orleans.
Anna: Where were you first trained and how difficult was your training?
Damon Jones: An associate degree in Culinary Arts from Trenholm State in Montgomery Alabama. I then cooked in New Orleans for two years.
Anna: How do you get your inspiration?
Damon Jones: From great ingredients.
Anna: Favorite kitchen equipment or gadget?
Damon Jones: Shun Chef Knife
Anna: Best piece of advice you would give to a home enthusiast?
Damon Jones: Have fun and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
Anna: Best cooking for a novice just getting into the business?
Damon Jones: Find the best restaurant possible to work in.
Anna: Funniest kitchen incident?
Damon Jones: Cigar dinner at Emeril’s in New Orleans.
Anna: Who in the food world do you most admire?
Damon Jones: I am a big fan of Thomas Keller and Charlie Trotter.
Anna: Favorite food to cook with?
Damon Jones: Duck breast and super fresh produce.
Anna: What do you think is the most challenging ingredient to work with?
Damon Jones: Whole animals such as suckling pig.
Anna: Do you have a favorite wine?
Damon Jones: I’m not much of a wine drinker, but love to pair food with wine.
Anna: What do you like to eat when you’re at home?
Damon Jones: I am a junk food junkie.
Anna: Are there any foods you just don’t like?
Damon Jones: Coffee or Coffee Flavors.
Anna: Favorite cookbooks?
Damon Jones: Books by Charlie Trotters.
Anna: Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Damon Jones: I see myself being a more knowledgeable chef.
Anna: What is going to be the next big thing in the food world?
Damon Jones: History always repeats itself, so I am going to stick with keeping it fresh and simple.
Anna: What do you do for fun?
Damon Jones: I go golfing or fishing.
Anna: Where is your favorite place in the world?
Damon Jones: I really love Central Oregon.
Anna: What do you most love about your job?
Damon Jones: FOOD!!
Anna: If you had just one wish, what would it be?
Damon Jones: To be a kinder person.
