chef wins 'Best Chef: Southeast' category , /PRNewswire/ -- The West Virginia Department of Tourism celebrates acclaimed chef winning the coveted 'Best Chef: Southeast' award, part of the annual James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards in on Monday night. The competition included chefs from five states, including , , , , and . Smith is the first finalist and first winner from the state of .
Always focused on promoting his home state, Chef Paul – as he's known locally – began his acceptance speech from the stage of Lyric Opera House by celebrating his roots: "Two words that have never been mentioned here before: . Thank you to my community, thank you to my team, and thank you for allowing me to work next to you, lead you, and try to make a difference in your lives every day." Smith is a well-known community leader who generously gives his time to dozens of local nonprofits and education groups.
He often says that a rising tide lifts all boats, a belief he incorporates into his daily life by always being available to lend a hand to others in the industry. It's not unusual to find him helping another chef in their kitchen or at Carver Career and Technical College working with students. Later this month, he will partner with the West Virginia Department of Tourism to offer a cooking class to students participating in the inaugural Governor's School on Tourism.
"No one deserves this honor more than Chef Paul. He's a remarkable chef who also makes time to be a leader a.
