Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Kinard.
Chef Jenna Kinard was born in a small town outside Houston, TX and discovered at a young age that cooking would be her personal form of self-expression. Coming from a family that celebrated life’s big moments with bountiful dishes, Kinard sought out mentors and experiences to further her skillset in the culinary arts.
Her cooking experience stems from stints at a variety of kitchens across Fort Worth, TX, along with spending time with a catering company overseeing culinary programs at events such as Warped Tour and Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
Now the Executive Chef at Hotel Drover in the historic Stockyards of Fort Worth, Kinard oversees the development of 97 West Kitchen and Bar and the culinary programs throughout the property. While menus are still in development, the food and beverage program will be deeply rooted in Texas—drawing from Kinard’s love of people coupled with her culinary exploration across the Lone Star State. Kinard will also use her passion for scratch-made dishes by taking traditional, simple dishes and reinventing them with sophistication and meticulousness.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Challenges and obstacles are part of any journey as you climb your way up. I have had my fair share of tough times in this industry but they have only made me stronger, more capable and confident. Wouldn’t change any of it.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I was the first person hired on at a hotel drover two-plus years ago and over this time have spent traveling, eating my way across Texas, writing my first cookbook, spending mostly every week in the test kitchen and honing my craft. We began hiring our VPs in early 2020 and now I have a team of some of the most talented and creative people surrounding me and we truly consider ourselves a family. I think that sets us apart from many others. When we invite you to hotel drover and 97 West, we are inviting you into our home.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I am privileged to have many humbling and proud moments in my career thus far, but one of the more recent was winning Top Chef Fort Worth 2019.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hoteldrover.com
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/jennakinard
Image Credit:
Sydney Sneed Photography
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