Memphis, Tn - Another Mid-south chef has made it to the big league in the world of cooking. Chef Kelly English will be featured on The Food Network show "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" this week.

Kelly English is no stranger to accolades about his skills in the kitchen. Last summer, he was named one of the best new chefs. Recently, he was nominated for an award he equates to the Oscars of cooking. And now, he gets a debut on The Food Network!

Kelly English thought he wanted to be a lawyer, like his father, until he paid his way through 'Ole Miss, working in kitchens. He crossed the state line landing in Memphis, his wife's hometown, and opened Restaurant Iris.

"So many great chefs have come through this building," says English.

English says he feels honored to be the next to carry the torch. And he's clearly living up to the greatness the historic home turned restaurant embodies. Since [Restaurant] Iris opened, back in April 2008, people have poured on praises.

"They put together a list of the best new chefs in the country, and we were lucky enough to be one of them."

Food and Wine magazine forked over that honor last summer. Just recently, English was nominated for the James Beard Award, which is often referred to as "the Oscars of cooking."

"We've been nominated for the best chef in the Southeast, it’s an honor to just be on that list."

English is sizzling and bubbling over with excitement about his most recent recognition, soon to be featured on The Food Network!

"Especially today's day in age, with The Food Network being one of the highest rated channels there are, I think everyone would want to be able to do something like this, and I feel honored to be able to do it."

The host of the show, "The Best Thing I Ever Ate", who by the way, is also a Memphian, raved over a visit to Iris when she ordered the surf and turf, a New York strip steak stuffed with blue cheese and fried oysters.

"She came to eat it and a couple days later they called and told us it was one of the best things she'd ever had."

English isn't the first Memphis Chef to make it on the network, but he's the latest.

"I feel honored to be in Memphis right now, and I think there is a great food movement going on."

While he awaits the Friday debut, he stays locked away in the kitchen preparing for another night of delicious dinners.

To catch Chef English in action, tune in to The Food Network on Friday at 9pm.