Art Smith

Chef Art Smith, an established American celebrity chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author, was born on March 1, 1960, in Jasper, Florida. After receiving formal training at the Florida Culinary Institute, he refined his culinary skills through experiences with renowned chefs like George Blanc and Alain Ducasse in France.

Smith's career advanced significantly when he served as the personal chef to Oprah Winfrey for ten years. In 1997, he opened "Table Fifty-Two" in Chicago, which gained acclaim for its contemporary take on Southern dishes. Smith co-owns several other restaurants, including "Art and Soul" in Washington D.C., "Southern Art" in Atlanta, and "LYFE Kitchen". His latest venture, "Joanne’s," located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, was opened in partnership with Lady Gaga’s parents, Joseph and Cynthia Germanotta.

Beyond his restaurants, Smith is known for his television appearances on shows like ABC’s "Lady Gaga Thanksgiving Special," "Top Chef," "Top Chef Masters," "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," and "Iron Chef America." He also regularly features on programs such as "The Today Show," "Nightline," and "Dr. Oz." A contributing editor to "O, the Oprah Magazine," Smith has authored award-winning cookbooks including "Back to the Table," "Kitchen Life: Real Food for Real Families," and "Back to the Family."

Smith is the founder of Common Threads, a non-profit that uses the world's great cultures to teach children about diversity and tolerance. His efforts in community engagement and culinary leadership earned him titles such as Chicagoan of the Year in 2007 by Chicago magazine, Humanitarian of the Year in 2007 by the James Beard Foundation, and induction into the Chicago Culinary Museums Hall of Fame in 2010. Additionally, September 30, 2010, was proclaimed Chef Art Smith Day in Chicago by then-Mayor Richard M. Daley.

Smith continues to speak on topics including diversity, family, and personal growth, leveraging his extensive experience to inspire and educate others about the unifying power of food.