Chef brings Middle Georgia a win on Food Network’s ‘Chopped’

FORSYTH, Ga. (WPGA) - Chef Chelsia Ogletree won on Food Network’s “Chopped” competition show, bringing the title back to Middle Georgia.

“It’s a show I’ve watched since I was a little girl, really,” Ogletree said.

Ogletree is originally from New Orleans and relocated to Georgia after Hurricane Katrina.

Her Majesty’s Kitchen in Forsyth, Georgia, is just a 25-minute drive from Macon. Ogletree opened the restaurant’s current location on East Adams Street in April 2024.

Ogletree’s time on the show gave her the opportunity to express her love for Southern Creole cuisine and international flavors. Southern Creole cuisine is exactly the style of food you’ll find at Her Majesty’s Kitchen.

“That Southern Creole cuisine is just New Orleans, soul food, Vietnamese, Caribbean. I have a squirrel brain. I get bored making the same thing every time,” said Ogletree.

It’s that wide range of flavors and authenticity that landed Ogletree a spot on the Food Network series “Chopped.”

“I’ve always admired the competition of the show, being able to create something out of the most odd things. One of the things my grandmother taught me was that if you have food in your pantry, you can make something happen,” said Ogletree.

The menu at Her Majesty’s Kitchen changes monthly. The restaurant also features a bakery, offers catering, and venue services.

The “Chopped” champion says now her goal is to keep making a positive impact one plate at a time.

“I want to continue to work here in our communities to make a difference, to impact people, to be a light to see those around them who may need help, and hand a helping hand to others, whether it’s changing a tire or putting a meal on somebody’s table,” said Ogletree.

The chef is now working on a cookbook and her own spice line. She hopes to have them released around Christmastime.