FSR August 2022

CHEFS & INGREDIENTS CHEF PROFILE

Today, Ferguson is the chef and owner of several restaurants, including break fast concepts SuperChefs in Kentucky and Superhero Chefs in Alabama; sea food-centric Tha Drippin Crab in Ken tucky; and sports-themed Stadium in Ohio. Over the years, he’s also appeared on a number of shows, including “The Rachael Ray Show,” “Beat Bobby Flay,” and Guy Fieri’s “Tournament of Cham pions,” where he bested world-renowned chef Alex Guarnaschelli. Ferguson’s journey to the kitchen began in high school. After taking cook ing classes as a senior, he chose to attend Sullivan University, which offers degrees in culinary arts and hospitality studies. After graduating in 2008, Ferguson was selected to be a chef at the Beijing Olym pics for Team USA, which he describes as a pivotal moment in his career. After

all, he was one of only about 30 students nationwide to participate. “Being selected to cook at the Olym pics was major,” he says. “It really felt like I was being recognized for my talents. Not many people get to say they cooked at the Olympics.”

But by 2009, after a series of missteps that included selling illicit drugs, Fergu son found himself in and out of jail and living in his car. “Sometimes you just have to get stron ger in those challenging situations,” he says. “Living in my car was probably one of the best things to ever happen to me. I told myself, ‘I’m never coming back here. I’m never going backwards again. I’m just going to cook.’” So Ferguson refocused his energy into his work as a chef and found employ ment at some of Louisville’s best-known restaurants like Eddie Merlot’s, Oak room at the Seelbach Hilton, and Poof on Main, where he would perfect his craft and develop an intense work ethic. “Cooking is so transformative,” he says. “Your life can absolutely change in a kitchen.”

“As soon as I watched Emeril, I knew my destiny was to be on TV.”

Upon his return, he would land a job at Napa River Grill in Louisville, and it seemed as if Ferguson was on the fast track to become the next big thing in River City.

CHEF DARNELL FERGUSON

FAVORITE TOOL: Chef’s knife FAVORITE SUPERHERO: Superman FAVORITE COOKING SHOW: “Emeril Live” CHEF MOST LIKE TO WORK WITH: Emeril Lagasse UNDERRATED BREAKFAST DISH: Eggs Benedict

PANCAKES ARE A MENU STAPLE AT SUPERCHEFS, WITH OPTIONS VARYING WITH THE SEASONS.

DARNELL SUPERCHEF FERGUSON (2)

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FSRMAGAZINE.COM

AUGUST 2022