The National Restaurant Association, the Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association, and Nashville Originals have developed a civic-engagement initiative called the Nashville Kitchen Cabinet. The goal of the initiative is "growing and preserving opportunity in the restaurant industry" by working with various nonprofit organizations and government officials "to ensure that restaurants remain a strong pillar in the Nashville economy." Essentially, they work to connect, educate and provide a workforce for the city's restaurant and hospitality industry.
The group recently awarded its inaugural Opportunity Award to chef Donald Reed, who entered the culinary world with help from the Oasis Center and through the Randy Rayburn School of Culinary Arts at Nashville State Community College. He was recognized for overcoming personal obstacles in establishing his career.
Let's better know Chef Reed:
Vital tool: I would have to say my Shun 9-inch chef knife. It cuts clean and crisp and makes food look amazing.
Favorite gadget: The food processor — it's great for everyday use, from preparing sauces like chimichurri, which I love on my steak and lamb, all the way to making vinaigrettes.
Pantry essential: Garlic, garlic, garlic. Whether it be freshly minced, recently roasted or delicately blackened to its sweetest version, I love it in all forms.
Necessary extravagance: Traveling to see what's new and outside of my realm of cooking.
Favorite beverage: Arnold Palmer
Favorite smell: Caramelized onions
Comfort food: Gummi bears
Inspiration: First God and my wife Mi'Kael and my kids Alex and Elizabeth; then all those who believe in me, from Hal Cato to Michael Pharris, to those who loved me and are gone, like Margie Ann Covington. All the foodies out there willing to share in the experience that I love to give.
Last meal: A Prime filet medium rare, a hand-picked and cut garden salad with golden beets, strawberry tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, feta, candied pecans and a balsamic vinaigrette, with a loaded baked potato and an Arnold Palmer.
Chef Reed is the executive chef and proprietor of Chef Donald Reed's Catering Service.
