Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Art Smith

Author of 'Back to the Table' | Former Oprah Winfrey's Personal Chef | Speaker on Southern Cuisine and Hospitality

Art Smith Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Author of 'Back to the Table' | Former Oprah Winfrey's Personal Chef | Speaker on Southern Cuisine and Hospitality

Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Art Smith
Speaking Fee:
$10,000 to $20,000

Travels From:
ORD - Chicago (All Airports)

Primary Topic Category:
Chefs / Culinary / Food & WIne

Secondary Topic Category:
LGBTQIA

 

Art Smith Speaker Profile: At A Glance

Art Smith is a celebrity chef and restauranteur best known for his expertise in southern cooking. He is the founder of Common Threads, a nonprofit group teaching low-income children to cook wholesome and affordable meals. He believes that through hands-on cooking and introducing children to fresh foods we can help prevent childhood obesity, reverse the trend of poor eating habits, and learn about diversity and tolerance through the celebration of our cultural differences and commonalities.

Art Smith is a celebrated chef, renowned cookbook author, and esteemed restaurateur. Raised in the culturally rich town of Jasper, Florida, Art's culinary journey began at a young age, inspired by the traditional Southern recipes of his family. His early love for cooking blossomed into a lifelong passion, leading him to study the culinary arts at Florida State University. Armed with determination and creativity, Art ventured forth into the wider world of gastronomy, keen to make his mark. Over the course of his career, Art Smith became known for his innovative approach to Southern cuisine. As the personal chef to celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Art showcased his ability to blend comfort food with sophisticated flair. His tenure with Oprah spanned over a decade, during which he became a trusted name in the culinary world. His expertise and dedication to his craft have been recognized with numerous accolades, including multiple James Beard Awards, cementing his reputation as a leader in the industry. Art's success goes beyond the kitchen. A passionate advocate for healthy living and community engagement, he co-founded Common Threads, an organization dedicated to teaching children about nutrition and healthy eating habits. This commitment to education and wellness reflects his belief in the power of food to bring people together and transform lives. His philanthropic efforts have garnered widespread respect and admiration, further solidifying his legacy. In addition to his charitable work, Art Smith has authored several bestselling cookbooks. His writing captures the essence of Southern hospitality, inviting readers to embrace the joy of cooking and the importance of shared meals. His restaurants, including the highly acclaimed Table Fifty-Two in Chicago and Art and Soul in Washington D.C., showcase his signature style, blending traditional Southern fare with modern techniques. Through his vibrant career, Art Smith has become a beloved figure in the culinary world. His journey from a small-town boy to a celebrated global chef is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and heart. Art continues to inspire and delight with his commitment to good food, good health, and good company, leaving an indelible mark on all who have the pleasure of experiencing his creations.
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