Executive Chef, Damon Jones

Damon Jones, Executive Chef of the Ashland Springs Hotel and its signature restaurant Larks Home Kitchen Cuisine, has earned accolades from food critics and restaurant guests for cuisine that is simple yet unforgettable. David Sarasohn of The Oregonian (July 14, 2006) said, "But if the shopping list is Southern Oregon, much of the inspiration is Southern United States, and the inspiration shines through. A self-described fundamentalist when it comes to cooking, Chef Damon's philosophy is to start from scratch using the freshest possible ingredients. His motto: "Great cooking is the accumulation of details done to perfection sums up his approach in the kitchen.

Growing up both in Alabama and Oregon, Damon brings the exciting flavors of the South and the appreciation of Oregon's bounty to all of his recipes. The menu at Larks features a Spicy Barbecue Prawns Appetizer that surrounds a Sweet Potato Biscuit, a Signature Meatloaf, and a Chicken-fried Chicken Breast with Bacon Pan Gravy that guests consistently rave over. His daily specials draw from the freshest meats, seafood and produce that Oregon has to offer.

Damon returned to Oregon in 1999 after working in New Orleans with Emeril Legasse of Emeril's as well as with the Brennan Family at the Red Fish Grill. Once in Oregon, Damon worked as the Sous Chef at the Rogue Valley Country Club in Medford and then moved to Bend to become the Restaurant Chef for the Grille at Crosswater where he spent four years. Damon has participated in many culinary competitions including the Wild About Game Cook-Off in Welches, Oregon. He has played an active role in the strengthening of Oregon's culinary scene. His culinary career began at Trenholm College where he earned his Culinary Arts Degree in 1997.

Chef Damon's cooking focuses on two things: utilizing the freshest possible ingredients and layers of flavor that complement and enhance each other. All of his menus feature peak-of-season ingredients, most grown fresh in Southern Oregon. Larks - Home Kitchen Cuisine has quickly become one of Ashland's premier restaurants; a perfect expression of Oregon's bounty and a destination for comfort food with flair.

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