our story
farm to table oasis located in the heart of Chicago’s gold coast.
Blue Door Kitchen & Garden, home to celebrated Chef Art Smith, is a farm-to-table oasis in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast and deeply rooted in the philosophy of letting the seasons dictate the menu. From its inception, the Blue Door brand has become synonymous with sustainability and responsible sourcing. The restaurant showcases American heirloom foods made from fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from Midwest farms, including its namesake and Oprah Winfrey’s former Indiana property, Blue Door Farm. As a committed member of the agricultural community, Blue Door Kitchen & Garden is dedicated to cultivating strong relationships with sustainable purveyors to provide our guests with a connection to the land and an honest representation of local flavors and ingredients.
MEET THE CHEF
Smith was honored by Chicago magazine as a Chicagoan of the Year in 2007. That same year, the prestigious James Beard Foundation named him Humanitarian of the Year. In 2008 Chef Art Smith received an Honorary MBA Degree, awarded by the Dedman School of Hospitality at Florida State University. Smith was inducted into the Chicago Culinary Museums Hall of Fame in 2010. September 30th 2010 was proclaimed by Richard M. Daley, Mayor of The City of Chicago as Chef Art Smith Day in Chicago. May 19, 2012 Chef Art Smith received an Honorary Doctorate of Culinary Arts from Johnson and Wales University, North Miami Campus.
Smith lives in Chicago and Florida with his husband Jesus Salgueiro, their four children Zumy, Zuky, Brando and Angel, and of course three dogs, seven cats, 15 fish and a couple of turtles.