The culinary scene in the Capital City celebrates the talents of many chefs, chief among them is Payne Harding. As Cache Restaurant Executive Chef, he dazzles + delights patrons with creations that strike the perfect balance between taste, temperature and texture with impressive presentation. Payne realizes this kind of artistry is unique – it’s truly experienced with all the senses. He is dedicated to the craft and shares his expertise with culinary students at University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College and hopes this example provides strong guidance. “I grew up with an artist in the family; it’s something that can be difficult to teach, but you can learn it by watching.” Payne and his wife Leah share excitement and enthusiasm as Diamond Chef Arkansas returns this spring.
The iconic image of Gordon Ramsey during Hell’s Kitchen episodes hurling insults at seemly bewildered contestants is not the reality of Payne’s philosophy. His demeanor is softer and simpler, yet equally effective. “One of the greatest things we can do as chefs is to take the knowledge we’ve spent years acquiring and share that with others.” His love for the craft and future of this art is evident. “I still find myself teaching in my kitchen at work; teaching at UA-PTC is just a natural extension of that, with the addition of a syllabus.”
Payne admits academics didn’t come easily for him. While he relates to the challenges that some students face, he encourages them to imagine it as a culinary adventure. “Eating a meal in my restaurant is an experience, you use all your senses. And it takes all my senses to create it. That is the part of the art that we teach – listening to the bubbling of the sauce, watching for the color of the caramelization to be perfect, smelling the aromatics as they bloom, but not burn.”
Chef Payne is no stranger to competition, he holds the title of the (newly created) Delta Diamond Chef and participated in Diamond Chef Arkansas, presented by UA-PTC Culinary School. This year, he finds himself in a new role … Payne and his wife Leah, who owns Salon Cirae, will welcome friends and patrons back to this beloved fundraiser. After a hiatus prompted by the pandemic, Diamond Chef Arkansas returns the University of Arkansas – Pulaski Tech in April. It will remain similar to previous years, but with a twist. Student teams will be paired with former Diamond Chef champions. Guests can watch the action live in the competition lab while sampling culinary art from local restaurants including Ciao Baci, Rober, and of course, Cache.
Diamond Chef Arkansas
UA-PTC Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management Institute
Thursday, April 3