One of the top Southern chefs we have here in Arkansas, Chef Todd Gold is president of Purple Cow Restaurants and director of programs at the Pulaski Technical College Arkansas Culinary School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Throughout his 23-year career, Todd has received numerous awards and recognition for his culinary talents and his dedication to the advancement of the profession.

He was the recipient of the Chef of the Year Award American Culinary Federation Central Arkansas Chapter (AFC/CAC) in 2003, 2006 & again for 2011, making him the first chef in Arkansas to win this award three times. He was inducted into the ACF-CAC Hall of Fame in 2005 and in 2008 was inducted as a Fellow into the National American Academy of Chefs, the national organization’s highest honor, placing him among the top Southern chefs in America and making him a big asset to the Arkansas culinary tourism scene.

Todd Gold was trained at the La Maison Meridian (Memphis Culinary Academy). After graduating from culinary school in 1992, he worked as Sous chef and executive chef for well-known hotels, country clubs and restaurants in the Little Rock area. Just prior to purchasing Purple Cow Restaurants, he was the corporate executive chef for Acxiom Corporation for eight years.

Nibbles:

Favorite recipe book: In The World Kitchen, Global Cuisine

Favorite meal to prepare: Anything Northern Italian

Favorite guilty pleasure: Milkshakes

The most memorable moment: Almost running over President Clinton in the men’s locker-room at Chenal Country Club.

Best advice I’ve ever been given: It is better to listen than to speak.