Head Chef – Justin McDonell

Justin McDonnell learned how to cook before he learned how to read. At barely six years old, his introduction into the culinary world began under the watchful eye of his dad. Together they baked calorie-rich cobblers and thick-crusted pies. “I’d go visit my dad at his cabin in Park City, Utah, during the summer and we’d just bake all day long,” says the 26-year-old McDonnell. “Those are still some of my fondest memories.”

His insatiable passion for food found him attending the Bossier Parish Community College, where he studied under the renowned Elizabeth Dixon. Upon completing his course of study, Justin was handpicked to take the helm and prepare tasty uncomplicated fare at a Shreveport favorite, Columbia Café. This executive chef prepares gorgeous grills, rump roasts, and saucy sautes that rarely disappoint. “As a general rule, I try to stay away from fried foods,” says young McDonnell, whose mouth-watering creations have whetted the appetite of many historic districts “It” crowd.

When regulars crave a distinctive treat, Justin indulges them by whipping up specially-requested dishes not listed on the menu. Those include: seared duck breast over rosemary garlic mash and brandy cream along with Jamaican jerk pork with pineapple and jicama slaw. “Food is the only way I can express my artistic abilities,” he says. “Every day I get to cook, I’m an artist.”