Join us for Apple Seeds inaugural Central Arkansas Kitchen Table Dinner showcasing the world-class culinary talents of Little Rock-based Chef Donnie Ferneau!

About the Kitchen Table Dinner Series:

Born out of a desire to build a community around great food, Apple Seeds Kitchen Table Dinner series is designed to recreate the feeling of gathering around a dear friend's table. These dinners aim to bridge the gap often felt between the chef and diners in a typical dining environment, thereby creating a deeper connection to the food on the plate. Through intentional procurement of local, seasonal ingredients, the transparent preparation of the meal, and storytelling by the chef, each plate is transformed from food into an unforgettable dining experience.

Event Details:

Friday, July 31 | 6:00 pm

The Nest, Little Rock, AR

12 W Daisy L Gatson Bates Dr

Multi-course dinner by Chef Donnie Ferneau

 - Chef will create a fresh, farm to table multi-course meal with seasonal ingredients from the Apple Seeds garden.

- Enjoy drinks and conversation with other guests.

- Join our chef in the kitchen to watch the dinner preparations.

- Share in the farm, food, and good company.

*Dress for outdoor summer drinks & conversation and indoor dinner seating*

This dinner will be shaped by Chef Donnie’s innovative approach to modern dining, blending classical French training with bold, contemporary flavors and a deep understanding of food as both art and nourishment. Drawing on decades of experience, from executive chef roles and award-winning restaurant ventures to consulting in health-focused kitchens, Chef Donnie will craft an evening that balances sophistication with approachable comfort.

Each course is thoughtfully designed yet unpretentious, reflecting his curiosity, mastery of technique, and talent for transforming seasonal ingredients into unforgettable dishes.

The dinner will be hosted at The Nest, a creative space transformed into a place where food and community come together. Through this series of signature pop-up dinners, our Kitchen Table Dinner Series gathers people around the table, turning this unique, venue into an intimate culinary experience. Each event will bring together talented chefs, seasonal ingredients, and meaningful connections, creating unforgettable evenings that celebrate local food, creativity, and community.

Seating is limited for this dinner on Friday, July 31, at 6:00pm, so secure your tickets now for this one-night-only event.

We hope you'll join our table.

Featured Chef: Donnie Ferneau began his culinary career with business and kitchen certifications, an apprenticeship, and French classical training. He later worked as an Executive Chef for two years before opening his first restaurant, Ferneau. Since 2011, the award-winning chef has earned multiple accolades and gone on to open additional restaurants, including the wildly popular Cat Head Diner. He has impacted the health food sector by working with hospitals and Memory Care America by helping to direct their focus around food as medicine. He has also consulted for numerous restaurants and kitchens, served as an Honorary Commander with the Little Rock Air Force Base from 2015–2019, and worked on the set for HBO’s True Detective as a contracted catering chef. Donnie has had many unique experiences as a chef, including cooking for dignitaries, government officials, and celebrities, andparticipating in the Food Network’s Great Food Truck Race's “Battle for the South” as well asenjoys participating in local community events such as Diamond Chef Arkansas.

The dinner takes place at The Nest.

12 W Daisy L Gatson Bates Dr, Little Rock AR.

These dinners are rain or shine. All Kitchen Table Dinner series events are fundraisers with limited seating; we cannot offer refunds for tickets purchased. 

Your participation in Apple Seeds' events supports our mission to ignite a lifelong love for fresh food for students across Arkansas!