Reflecting on a culinary career that spans two decades, Chef Debbie Gold of The American Restaurant still seeks challenges. “If you are not continually learning, then you become stagnant,” says Gold, winner in 1999 of the prestigious “Best Chef Midwest” James Beard Foundation Award. She sits in the restaurant’s expansive dining area as afternoon sunlight brightens her white chef jacket and catches golden highlights in her hair. “Cooking and food evolves. You have to stay aware of new techniques and philosophies.”

While she embraces and explores modern methods such as sous vide when the application makes sense, she remains true to classic techniques that yield desired results. For instance, braising a tough cut of meat still retains appeal for Gold. “A lesser cut takes a longer cooking time,” she says with a smile. “When you add flavor and aromatics, and reduce the sauce to serve with the meat, the result can’t be beat by modern techniques.”

Gold, a Chicago native, studied restaurant management at the University of Illinois, and then attended L'Ecole Hoteliere de Tain L’Hermitage in France’s Rhone Valley. Afterward, she apprenticed for two years at Michelin-starred French restaurants and then returned to Chicago. Her professional career began in 1987 at world-renowned Charlie Trotter’s where she worked every position in the kitchen to refine her skills.

In the mid-90s, Gold moved to Kansas City and assumed duties as executive chef at The American Restaurant. Esquire named Debbie a “Chef to Watch” in 1997, the same year she received the first of three nominations for the James Beard Foundation “Best Chef: Midwest.”

In 2002, Gold left The American Restaurant and opened her own restaurant, 40 Sardines, in Overland Park, Kansas. While the restaurant received many accolades, including a nomination for “Best New Restaurant” from the James Beard Foundation, she eventually chose to close the operation and returned to her roots at The American.

As executive chef, Gold manages top-notch staff in the kitchen and the hospitality team. Her professional career is balanced by her role as a mother of two growing daughters, Misha and Sophie.

Strawberry Shortcake with Vanilla Whipped Cream and Strawberry Ice Cre / Harvest

Strawberry Shortcake with Vanilla Whipped Cream
and Strawberry Ice Cream

Makes 8 biscuits, serves 8

2 Cups All Purpose Flour
½ Cup Sugar
Pinch Baking Powder
Pinch Baking Soda
1 tsp Salt
6 ounces Butter, diced and cold

Whipped Cream and Strawberry Ice Cream
Sliced strawberries, about 2 pints

In a food processor, combine all the dry ingredients.  Pulse until all ingredients are incorporated.
Empty the ingredients into a large mixing bowl, and add the buttermilk around the outside of the mixture.  Work the buttermilk into the dry mixture until a crude dough is formed.  Remove the mixture from the bowl onto a floured surface and knead to form a consistent dough.  Bake freeform or in a decorative shallow muffin tin.  The biscuits will be finished after 15 minutes at 350 degrees…or until golden brown on top.

Serve warm with a sliced fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a scoop of strawberry ice cream.

Join us for Mother's Day Brunch @ The American Restaurant...ends 5/11
Spring Menu @ The Broadmoor Bistro...ends 5/6
First Tuesday Wine Tastings @ Wapango...ends 6/5
Sunday Funday! @ Absolutli Goosed...ends 8/31
Wine Lovers Wednesday @ Marina Grog & Galley...ends 8/31
SqWires Friday Seafood Fest @ SqWires...ends 9/4
Kids Eat Free! @ 5120 Restaurant & Onyx Bar...ends 9/6
SILLY JILLY AT SERENDIPITY @ Serendipity Homemade Ice Cream...ends 9/7
Open for Labor Day 2009 First Time @ Square One Brewery & Distillery...ends 9/7
Labor Day Weekend @ Kokopelli Mexican Cantina...ends 9/7
Sips, Savories and Sweets @ Cafe Metro...ends 9/8
Lafayette Square Bike Race @ Ricardo's...ends 9/8
Live Music on the Patio! @ Solstice Kitchen...ends 9/11
Art Outside @ Schlafly Bottleworks...ends 9/13
Duff's Specials @ Duffs...ends 9/15
Danielle Howle @ Mint Julep Bistro & Lounge...ends 9/17
HG Squared Exhbit Continues in Sept @ Cafe Trio...ends 9/26
Live Music In Septembe- No Cover!!! @ Three Monkeys...ends 9/26
The Plaza Art Fair @ Starker's Restaurant...ends 9/27
Art in the Park @ Afton House Inn...ends 9/27