Born and raised in Dothan, Alabama, Kelsey Barnard Clark wears her Southern pride loudly both in and out of the kitchen. After working for a high-end caterer as a teen (she catered her first solo wedding when she was 15), Kelsey continued her journey at the Culinary Institute of America. Afterward, she worked in savory and pastry in several Michelin-star restaurants in New York City, including Café Boulud under Gavin Kaysen, and Dovetail under John Fraser. Kelsey’s signature is southern-French cuisine inspired by her family recipes, Southern charm, and classic French technique.

Kelsey is also known for winning season 16 of ‘Top Chef.’ She’s the first southerner to win the competition (and she took home the fan-favorite award, an honor voted by ‘Top Chef’ viewers.)  

She lives in her home of Dothan with her husband and two children. Take a look at the culinary giant.

Pictured: Kelsey Barnard Clark is seen at the BottleRock Napa Valley Music Festival at Napa Valley Expo 2019. 

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