James Beard award-winning chef surprised with key to the city of Charleston

Chef Paul Smith, a Charleston-based restauarnt owner, was recently suprised with a key to the city.Photo byChef Paul Smith

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A local James Beard award-winning chef was recently surprised with a key to the capital city.

Chef Paul Smith, the owner of several Kanawha Valley restaurants, including 1010 Bridge Restaurant and Catering and The Pitch in Charleston, was surprised with the key by Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin on Thursday during a live cooking demonstration at Capitol Market.

“Through your creative vision and meticulous craftsmanship, you have inspired countless aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts – bringing greater attention to the traditions and hospitality of our Mountain State,” Goodwin said in a note to Smith accompanying the surprise award.

The key to the city is the latest in a series of accomplishments for the Charleston-based chef. Earlier this month, Smith was presented with the Tourism Professional of the Year award at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism.

Earlier this summer, Smith helped relaunch Taste, an online food and culture magazine, with the owner of Lewisburg-based marketing firm Havenbrook Media.

His restaurants have achieved national acclaim, even being featured as stops on a state culinary trail developed by the West Virginia Department of Tourism.

Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin, left, presented Smith with the key during a cooking demonstration on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024.Photo byCity of Charleston

But Smith’s biggest accomplishment to date may very well be becoming the first James Beard award-winning chef in West Virginia, which he achieved in June.

“I always hear people say they’ve driven through West Virginia, and I’m hoping that in the future, they know they have a reason to stop,” Smith told Table magazine’s Emma Riva after receiving the honor in June. “I’m just so happy to be giving West Virginia something to cheer for.”

Goodwin was quick to point out Smith's achievement in her remarks when she gave him the key to the city.

“Being the first James Beard Best Chef Southeast winner from West Virginia is a remarkable testament to your extraordinary talent and contributions to the culinary arts,” Goodwin said. “This milestone highlights your innovative approach to cuisine and sets a new standard in the industry.”

And now, having received the city’s key, Smith has unlocked another door in his expansive culinary career.

Michael Ramsburg is a Kanawha County communities reporter. He can be reached at ramsburgreports@gmail.com or by calling 304-370-3067.