Flavor of Oklahoma: Local chefs earn James Beard recognition

Oklahoma’s culinary scene continues to gain national recognition, with several talented chefs and restaurants making waves in the industry.

From fine dining experiences to innovative new concepts, these culinary artists have not only elevated Oklahoma’s food culture but have also earned prestigious James Beard Award nominations.

Here’s a look at some of the standout chefs and restaurants shaping the state’s dining landscape, all of which have been featured on Flavor Of Oklahoma.

Chef Kevin Lee – Birdie’s

A familiar name in Oklahoma’s dining scene, Chef Kevin Lee has made an impact with his restaurant Birdie’s, an innovative dining concept that reflects his passion for creativity and quality. Lee’s ability to blend diverse flavors and deliver standout dishes has drawn local acclaim.

Flavor Of Oklahoma: Chef Kevin Lee’s Birdie's Restaurant Concept Turnaround 

Lee said he wanted to merge his passion, his love for Korean barbecue, with what Oklahoma loves, steak.

“Being in Oklahoma, people love steak,” Lee said. “We're the stockyard capital here in America, steak is something we love… and Korean BBQ is huge right now in bigger cities. So I want to kind of merge those.”

One of his most popular items, the wagyu steak. Six ounces of tender beef along with a fun trio of dipping sauces, and lettuce for the option to make it a wrap.

Birdie's is located at 2201 NW 150th St. in Edmond.

Chef Tahnee Francis – Naija Wife Kitchen

Chef Tahnee Francis is bringing a powerful voice to Oklahoma’s Indigenous cuisine. Through her unique culinary approach, she showcases traditional Native American ingredients and techniques, preserving the rich heritage of Indigenous food culture while presenting it in a modern, sophisticated way.

Flavor of Oklahoma: Naija Wife Kitchen showcasing West African cuisine in OKC

Tahnee says her husband does not eat a lot of American food, so in 2017, she decided to learn how to cook Nigerian dishes.

"I just fell in love with the process because it's so different," Francis said. "Such a strenuous, long, tedious process, and I just love it."

The process took eight years, but eventually, Francis said she got the recipes figured out and started selling her food at pop-up events.

Francis opened her first permanent location in 2021, and continues to serve some of her most popular dishes.

Chef Olivier Bouzerand – Fait Maison

Edmond’s Fait Maison has redefined French fine dining in Oklahoma, and at the heart of its success is Chef Olivier Bouzerand. With a commitment to authenticity, Bouzerand brings the flavors and techniques of classic French cuisine to the state, offering an elevated experience that rivals top restaurants across the country.

Flavor of Oklahoma: Chef behind Edmond's Fait Maison nominated for James Beard Award

Bouzerand said he does things his way at his restaurant, but to him, one of the most important things guests do is take their time.

"The biggest tradition is we take time to eat," Bouzerand said. "Dinner here probably lasts three to four hours. It's like a moment that you spend with the people that are here. You don't just eat fast and move on to something else."

Fait Maison is located along East 5th Street and South Boulevard.

Chef Zack Walters – Sedalia’s

Seafood lovers in Oklahoma have a new go-to destination thanks to Sedalia’s, a restaurant that introduces a diverse range of seafood flavors from coast to coast. With a menu that blends classic seafood staples with inventive new twists, Sedalia’s has made a significant impression on the state’s dining scene.

Flavor Of Oklahoma: Sedalia's Introducing Oklahoma To Coast-To-Coast Seafood 

Chef Zack Walters and his wife Silvana opened Sedalia's in the summer of 2022, wanting to bring something new to Oklahoma City.

"We had some friends around town that were like 'if you're gonna do it... go big,'" Walters said. "We both love oysters, and we were like 'let's just do an oyster bar. We've had multiple people say that they can't believe they're eating caviar on 10th Street and May."

Sedalia's is located along Northwest 10th Street and May Avenue in Oklahoma City.

Chef Eric Smith – The Crown OKC

Bringing a refined yet inviting atmosphere to Oklahoma City, The Crown OKC is a standout destination for food enthusiasts. With an emphasis on high-quality ingredients and expertly crafted dishes, the restaurant has captured the attention of both locals and national critics.

Flavor Of Oklahoma: The Crown OKC

Chef Eric Smith describes his restaurant as a "fine-ish" dining restaurant, and inside The Crown is a room for a higher-level experience called "The Crown Room."

"What I'm most proud of about this restaurant is I have a tribe of culinarians that do our food and drinks with me," Smith said. "We have about as good a team as there is in this city."

The Crown is located on North Western Avenue and Northwest 72nd Street.