Chef Art Smith is a renowned chef, cookbook author, and television personality who has made a name for himself in the culinary industry. He is best known for his work as Oprah Winfrey’s personal chef for over a decade, as well as his appearances on numerous television shows, including Top Chef Masters, Iron Chef America, and the Today Show. Throughout his career, Art has become known for his Southern-style cuisine, which draws inspiration from his upbringing in the rural South.
Early Life and Education
Art Smith was born on March 1, 1960, in Jasper, Florida, a small town in the northern part of the state. He grew up on a farm with his parents and six siblings, where they grew their own fruits and vegetables and raised chickens and hogs. Art’s mother was a school teacher, and his father was a farmer and a carpenter.
From an early age, Art had an interest in cooking. He would often help his mother in the kitchen, and he developed a love for Southern-style cuisine. He attended the University of Florida, where he earned a degree in hotel and restaurant management.
Career Beginnings
After graduating from college, Art moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked at the Greenbrier Resort. He then moved to Chicago, where he worked at the Ritz-Carlton and the Four Seasons Hotel. In 1997, he opened his own restaurant, Table Fifty-Two, which quickly became a popular destination for Southern-style cuisine.
Art gained national recognition in 1999 when he was hired as Oprah Winfrey’s personal chef. He worked for Oprah for over a decade, cooking for her and her guests on a daily basis. During his time as Oprah’s chef, he appeared on numerous television shows, including Oprah’s show, where he would share his recipes and cooking tips.
Television Career
In 2006, Art appeared on the third season of Bravo’s Top Chef Masters, where he competed against other renowned chefs. He went on to win the competition, which helped to raise his profile even further.
Following his win on Top Chef Masters, Art went on to appear on a number of other television shows, including Iron Chef America, the Today Show, and the Food Network’s In the Kitchen with David. He also hosted his own television show, Art Smith’s Healthy Comfort, which aired on the TLC network.
Cookbook Author
In addition to his work as a chef and television personality, Art is also a cookbook author. He has written four cookbooks, including Back to the Table, which was named one of the best cookbooks of the year by the New York Times.
Art’s cookbooks focus on his Southern-style cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. He also includes healthy versions of classic Southern dishes, which he developed after he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2008.
Philanthropy
Art is also known for his philanthropic work. In 2003, he founded the Common Threads organization, which provides cooking and nutrition education to children from low-income families. The organization now operates in several cities across the United States.
Art is also involved in a number of other charitable organizations, including the James Beard Foundation and Share our Strength, which works to end childhood hunger in the United States.
Personal Life
Art is openly gay and has been married to his partner, Jesus Salgueiro, since 2011. The couple has four children, whom they adopted from four different countries.
Art is also an avid runner and has completed several marathons and half marathons. He credits his healthy lifestyle with helping him to manage his diabetes.
