FOOD | ARTS | COMMUNITY | STYLE + LEISURE
RONNIE KILLEN
KILLEN ’ S STEAKHOUSE , KILLEN ’ S BARBECUE , KILLEN ’ S BURGERS , KILLEN ’ S STQ EXECUTIVE CHEF
Ronnie Killen began cooking at the age of eight , and he ’ s never looked back . In 1997 Killen enrolled in the renowned Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute in London , and went on to work at resorts around the world . In 2003 , Killen returned to his roots , accepting the post of executive chef at Brenner ’ s Steakhouse , and in 2006 opened the acclaimed Killen ’ s Steakhouse in his hometown of Pearland . Since its inception , the restaurant has gained numerous awards and achieved resounding praise . In 2014 Killen opened the much buzzed-about Killen ’ s Barbecue in Pearland , located in a former school cafeteria and a stone ’ s throw from the high school in which he graduated . In recent years , in addition to adding two Killen ’ s Barbecue outposts to NRG Stadium , the restaurateur expanded his culinary empire to Houston proper , where he has opened his fourth restaurant – Killen ’ s STQ . The menu is inspired by dishes Killen has developed and served at culinary competitions over the years .
How ’ d you learn to cook ? Grandmother and Aunt Margie .
What ’ s the first recipe you ever mastered ? Kraft ® Mac-and-Cheese .
What ingredient can you not live without in the kitchen and why ? Unsalted butter – it makes everything taste better .
What utensil can you not live without ? Knife .
Favorite affordable wine ? Caymus Domaine Serene .
Favorite place for dessert ? Uchi .
Is there a food you won ’ t eat ? Organs
What is your comfort food ? Cheeseburgers .
What would be your last meal ? Fried chicken , mashed potatoes with gravy and green beans .
What do you see as the next food trend ? Casual food .
At home , what do you keep on hand to serve drop-in guests ? I send them to my restaurants .
What would people be surprised to find in your home refrigerator ? A1 Steak Sauce .
Is there a particular food that is underappreciated ? And what would you do to help its reputation ? A simple mashed potato – teach people how to make them RIGHT .
Photography by Kimberly Park
10 . 2017 | LOCAL 23