I Heart Chef Art: Part 1

I heart Art Smith.  He’s Southern, warm and inspiring.  I’ve dined ‘with’ him several times and find his food to be delicious, inventive and beautifully served.

My trips to Art and Soul have included brunch, lunch, dinner and happy hour experiences.   It’s close to work and a favorite because the food is just that good.  It’s a treat to head there with colleagues and enjoy lunch away from our desks.  Dishes I enjoy include Gayle’s Lemon Pancakes and the fried chicken.

Chef Art is definitely a man on the move.  He was part of the annual ‘Food for Thought’ Conference that I attended in Greenville, SC in April.  The dinner was hosted at Devereauxs.  It was the same week that Oprah summoned him to cook for the Obama’s visit during her final season.  And if that wasn’t enough on his plate he was also whipping up delights for Lady Gaga.

During the conference he was engaging and thoughtful – showing off his recent 100-pound weight loss and sharing stories about his career.  He was in a great, easy-going mood and signed books and took pictures with everyone who asked. Loved the meal, ambience and meeting Chef Art!!

Here are a few shots from dinner.

***Tune in later this week for I Heart Chef Art: Part 2!!!***

Chef Art Signs Cookbooks

Souvenir Menu Chef Art Session

Beet Salad Course