Feasts fit for royalty: Chef Art Smith hosts elite international chefs gathering

Chef Art Smith has cooked for the Dalai Lama, Oprah, and Lady Gaga and now, for the second time, he was the chosen chef for the prestigious Le Club des Chefs des Chef annual gathering. This culinary organization was founded in 1977 by Gilles Bragard to bring together chefs from national and international kitchens who act as diplomatic representatives. This illustrious group of chefs, who form a unique international network, are in contact with their own heads of state or governments. The name of the organization in English can be translated into “The Club of Chefs to Heads of State.”

The event was held at Art’s 15-year-old “Art & Soul” restaurant in Washington, D.C. Art was invited, for the second year, by The White House’s longtime Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford. Art prepared his world-famous fried chicken alongside TV star Chef Lamar Moore from the Bronzeville Winery, who prepared his beloved beef brisket.

VIP chefs included Christian Garcia (Chef of HSH The Prince of Monaco); Mark Flanagan (Chef of HM the King Charles III and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom); Fabrice Desvignes (Chef of the President of France); Vassilis Mpekas (Chef of the President of Greece); Daniele Chian (Chef of the HM the King of Saudi Arabia); and 19 other chefs to important heads of state. Lauren Bernstein, of the Culinary Diplomacy Project, was instrumental in curating the event.

Art also included his longtime Executive Chef Hector Guerrero of  “Chef Art Smiths Reunion” restaurant in Chicago as well as Chef/Mayor George Alpogianis (brother of Art’s manager/partner Manolis Alpogianis); and Chef Danny Chavez of “Art and Soul.” 

Besides Art’s famous chicken, guests enjoyed local Rappahanik oysters and blue crab claws which were served on the ONLY patio on Capitol Hill! A photo booth, electric violinist and local DJ added to the fun.

Chef Lamar Moore’s brisket was a huge hit too, especially with Chef Mark Flannigan, Executive Royal Chef to King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who said,” I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets a Palace invite although he would have to make sure it’s the King’s beef. King Charles loves his own raised livestock, game and vegetables.”

The group stayed into the wee hours and, the next evening, enjoyed another lively party, this time at the French Ambassador’s Residence. Ah, vivre la bonne vie….