This past week buzz magazine sat down with CU chef Luke Kennedy, owner and head chef of Kennedy’s at Stone Creek. He talks to us about everything from Kennedy’s new American Bistro menu to U of I football games.

buzz: How did you get started in this business?

Kennedy: It developed over a number of years. I worked at various places to get through college. I started as a bartender working in the front of the house waiting and hosting and gradually moved towards the kitchen

buzz: What’s your favorite dish to cook?

Kennedy: The sauté station; shrimp, crab cakes, salmon, pasta and scallops for the summer.

buzz: Tell us about the new updated American Bistro menu Kennedy’s is featuring.

Kennedy: I’m having fun with it. It’s called the American Bistro menu because it is not French but still features dishes like Pate, escargots and lobster bisque. It’s affordable light dining that people are looking for these days. It’s a culinary challenge, a diversion from our main focus.

buzz: What do you love most about having your own restaurant?

Kennedy: It’s a constant challenge. No two days are ever the same, the spontaneous nature of the whole business.

buzz: What’s your favorite TV show?

Kennedy: Sporting events and movies. Any football game, and U of I football and basketball games.