Mark Abernathy is a nationally recognized Chef
and Restaurateur featured as one of America’s
top Chef’s in regional and national publications
including: Bon Appétit, Gourmet, Southern Living,
Texas Monthly, Food Arts, Restaurants and
Institutions, Cook’s, At Home Magazine, New York
Times, Washington Post, SKY Magazine, Atlanta
Journal, Restaurant Business Magazine, and the
beautiful cookbook “The South.” Mark was also
featured on “Rachel Ray’s Tasty Travels” on The
Food Network.

He has been the creator, owner and Chef of numerous critically acclaimed restaurants including Juanita’s, Blue Mesa, Bene Vita, and now, Loca Luna and Red Door.

Former Host and Creator of TODAY’S CUISINE, an ABC syndicated cooking show.

The only Arkansas Chef selected to participate in the Nationally Celebrated Salute to Southern Chefs (1993-1999). The Salute featured the Top Chef from each of the Southern States. Mark was a standout and was one of only a handful selected 6 years in a row. Others included noted Chefs: Emeril Lagasse, Stephen Pyles, Elizabeth Terry, Mark Milatello, Ben Barker, Robert Kinkaid, Jose Gutierrez, and Louis Olsteen.

Chef and Host of several dinners for President Bill Clinton and Sen. Hillary Clinton.

The Founder of the Central High School Museum (A project that promoted racial healing, showcased and celebrated historic events surrounding the 1957 civil rights struggle at the famous Little Rock High School).

The Founder of CARI, Consolidated Arkansas Restaurant Industries.

The Founder, Arkansas Chapter of Share Our Strength a National Fund Raiser for Hunger Relief.

Guest Instructor, Oklahoma State University School of Hotel and Restaurant Management and the Viking Culinary Institute, Memphis.

Active Board Member and Chairman of numerous local Civic Activities and Organizations and he speaks conversational Spanish.