Program Type:
Arts & CultureProgram Description
Event Details
Join Chef Art Smith to learn about his culinary journey and bring some culinary inspiration into your holiday season. A two-time James Beard Foundation award winner, Smith believes “The art of cooking, the act of feeding people, is the most engaging, most memorable way to connect with people.” Smith will be joined in conversation by Monica Eng, award-winning Chicago journalist and co-host of the food podcast "Chewing" with Louisa Chu.
About Art Smith
Smith began his career at the Florida Culinary Institute and honed his skills working with top chefs in France before finding himself in Chicago. Here, he served as Oprah Winfrey’s personal chef for a decade and opened his first critically-acclaimed restaurant, Table Fifty-Two, known for its modern Southern dishes and locally sourced ingredients.
Smith is also a prolific cookbook author and TV personality, sharing his passion for Southern cuisine. He has appeared on Top Chef, Top Chef Duels, Top Chef Masters, Iron Chef America, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Entertainment Tonight, BBQ Pitmasters, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and more.
Named Chicagoan of the Year by Chicago Magazine and Humanitarian of the Year by the James Beard Foundation, both in 2007, Smith is currently Executive Chef and Co-Owner with restaurants in Chicago, Orlando, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C. He is the founder of Common Threads, a non-profit organization teaching low-income children to cook wholesome and affordable meals.
About Monica Eng
Monica Eng is a reporter for Axios Chicago and cohost of the podcast Chewing. She has worked as a food, culture, and investigative reporter at WBEZ Chicago Public Radio and at the Chicago Tribune, where she was nominated for five James Beard Awards for writing. Follow for more on Instagram: @monicaengreporter
Disclaimer(s)
Illinois Libraries Present Virtual Program
After you register (using the registration link above), you will receive an email with a specific Zoom link to join the event.
By registering, you agree to library policy and understand that no conduct is permitted that may reasonably be expected to create a disturbance or otherwise interfere with the safe use and enjoyment of the library and program by others. All times are listed in Central time.
This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among 200+ public libraries—including Oak Park Public Library—offering premier events for participating member libraries of all sizes and budgets. Funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a Department of the Office for the Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).
Illinois Libraries Present is committed to inclusion and accessibility. To request accommodations, please email illinoislibrariespresent@gmail.com.