Art Smith: The Nicest Chef - EVER

Foodies, this was a big moment for me: I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Chef Art Smith in Chicago. You may know him as the two time James Beard winner or Oprah's personal chef for 10 years or dear friend of the Obama's, but I like to think of him as one of my top 3 picks for Top Chef Masters.

We met at a rooftop party that overlooked the beautiful Grant Park and Chicago skyline and after a new friend and I mustered up the courage to go and speak with him, I was all but overwhelmed at his warm spirit and genuine interest in our lives. We annoyed him with all our questions about Iron Chef and Top Chef, since he has been contest and judge on both shows, but he did his due diligence and kept mum. He was good Bravo and Food Network - didn't spill about anything! I promise!

He suggested we go to Urban Belly in Chicago and because of the July fourth holiday they were closed all weekend :( On my next venture to back to the second city I am going to make it a point to eat there.

I am still in awe as how truly nice he was and what a TREMENDOUS honor it was to meet him!