Shannon Smith is a chef, author, and world traveler with a passion for exploring global cuisines and sharing the stories behind them. Having traveled to over 50 countries, she has cooked alongside local chefs, home cooks, and artisans, immersing herself in the indigenous ingredients and culinary traditions of each place.

For more than 25 years, Shannon has been a dedicated cooking instructor, inspiring others to embrace the flavors and techniques she has gathered from her journeys. In her Tulsa, Oklahoma home, she curates immersive “experiential dinners,” where guests are transported to destinations like India, Morocco, and Mexico through thoughtfully crafted menus and storytelling.

In 2024, she published her first cookbook, The Hidden Table—a unique blend of memoir and recipe collection that shares the intimate meals and remarkable people she has encountered around the world. One chapter of her book is dedicated to the cuisine of New Mexico, where she explores the deep-rooted culinary traditions and bold flavors that make the region so special.

Learn more about Shannon’s culinary adventures at chefshannon.com