New docuseries 'Routes' features award-winning Oklahoma chefs on their own turfs

Oklahoma has always been a state that offers much more than meets the eye.

Now, "Routes," a "Discover Oklahoma" original series from the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, will dig into the "unsung heroes and lesser-known places across Oklahoma where roots were laid and communities were made."

"Really when you think about Oklahoma and what Oklahoma is about, it comes down to the people and 'Discover Oklahoma' — that was on TV for so many years — really showcased the people of Oklahoma and what they choose to spend their time either working, playing, or traveling around Oklahoma doing," said Shelley Zumwalt, executive director of the Tourism Department. "And that's really the essence of what we wanted to keep for this new show, and this re-envisioning of 'Routes' as a 'Discover Oklahoma' production."

"Routes" is set to premiere in August, with four to five episodes planned for the first season, but the trailer is available now on YouTube or via the "Discover Oklahoma" website.

The first episode dives headfirst into Oklahoma's pursuit of culinary greatness as it explores the work and stories of some of the state's James Beard Foundation Award semifinalists, finalists and winners — including chefs Andrew Black , Jeff Chanchaleune and Tabb Singleton.

The episode meets each of the chefs on their own turf, traveling to Deep Deuce, the Plaza District and Idabel to give viewers a chance to peer behind the curtain. Viewers get a chance to visit three of the countless kitchens responsible for altering Oklahoma's dining trajectory, setting the state's food and beverage scene aflame and helping to continue the steady rise of Oklahoma from flyover state to culinary destination.

More: James Beard winner Chef Andrew Black to open Perle Mesta June 24

Other episodes will focus on the state's music, Route 66 and other aspects of tourism in Oklahoma.

"Tourism is our third largest industry," said Taylor Nelson, the Tourism Department's chief of staff. "It is economic development. It is new businesses. It is new residents into Oklahoma and it's through projects like this that we're going to continue to grow this industry. We're going to show Oklahoma to a group of people who have never experienced it in this way, and I hope that you all experience something new about Oklahoma because there's so much more to be discovered."

For more information on "Routes," "Discover Oklahoma" and Oklahoma's tourism department, go online to discoveroklahomatv.com or TravelOK.com.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: New docuseries 'Routes' features award-winning Oklahoma chefs on their own turfs