Chicago Celebrating Chef Art Smith Day Today

Happy Art Smith day everyone! Yes, the celebrity chef who used to cook for Oprah, dropped nearly 100 pounds, is preparing to run the Chicago Marathon and just wed his longtime partner, Jesus Salgueiro, in a festive Washington D.C. affair, is being honored by Mayor Daley and the city of Chicago to commemorate his induction into the Chicago Culinary Museum’s Chefs Hall of Fame.

Smith, who owns Table 52 (Chicago) and Art and Soul (D.C.) restaurants, will be feted tonight at a gala fundraiser at the Mid-America Club and presented with his award during a dinner ceremony. The affable chef is being recognized for his commendable work with Common Threads, an organization he started in 1993 to help children learn about proper nutrition through cooking; for his work toward helping adults recognize better health and eating habits to reduce diabetes and obesity; and for his overall contributions to the culinary world.

Smith was clearly touched by the honor as represented by his tweet this morning: "Chef Art Smith Day in Chicago. Thank you Mayor Daley and Chef's Hall of Fame! XoArt." Can't you just feel the love? Snarkiness aside, congrats Chef. Keep up the great work.

Art Smith [Twitter]
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