FOOD CRUSH - Ponca City Country Club welcomes Chef Eric Smith
Story & Photos By Amy Dewitt Geurin | Contributing Writer
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It’s easy to appreciate the many qualities that make Ponca City special, with this magazine highlighting the incredible people, organizations, and places that are the heartbeat of this community. We love our local food scene, though the kind of headline-making restaurants that draw national recognition are not on the Ponca City menu. Until now.
Chef Eric Smith began his culinary journey over three decades ago. Chef Smith is currently the executive chef and owner of multiple culinary ventures, including The Crown Room in Oklahoma City. This concept showcases Smith’s passion for and commitment to multi-sensory dining. Each curated dinner is designed to engage all five senses: pairing each course with a beverage, specific aromas, and music to create a memorable experience. In 2025, Chef Smith was named a James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef Southwest, and USA TODAY recognized The Crown as one of the Best Restaurants in the United States.
Chef Smith is introducing an experience to Ponca City that is as forward-thinking as it is grounded. He is bringing a familiar yet ambitious menu to the Ponca City Country Club titled “Before Country was Cool”, which pays homage to his Oklahoma heritage. This immersive event will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 6:30pm. This is a four-course set menu (with vegetarian and gluten-free options available) offered at $175 per person. Beverage pairings and a champagne/caviar pre-party are also available for an extra cost.
Sometimes, it can be easy to think that great meals are confined to major metro areas, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Sometimes all it takes is imagination and the will to try something new. Chef Smith is truly creative with menus that shift with the season and reflect his deep roots in Oklahoma. Take the opportunity to treat yourself to dynamic, flavor-forward dishes just minutes from home. Happy Eating!!
TOP THREE (OR FOUR) FOR ME
Chef Smith was in Ponca City in 2025 and has been ready to come back. I eat in OKC a lot and it’s wonderful to see an industry forerunner excited about our community.
Chef Smith’s team brings great energy, real skill, and are as kind as they are capable.
The creativity in each dish I’ve had from Chef Smith feels genuinely refreshing – and somehow, they deliver every single time.
BONUS! Fun fact: The Ponca City Country Club hosts guest chef events throughout the year. Catch the latest updates by following The Club on Facebook.
Ponca City Country Club is located at 1101 N. Pecan Rd, Ponca City. Make reservations for this event by calling 580.762.2436.
Discover the benefits of membership at the Ponca City Country Club, including access to other exclusive events, at www.pccclub.com.
The Crown Room is located at 7204 N. Western Ave, Oklahoma City. Phone 405.242.3471. Follow The Crown Room on Instagram at @crownroomokc and Facebook at @thecrownroom
IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN…..
Tulsa…and are craving a creative, fun, delicious set menu, get a spot at FarmBar. Local farmers and artisans play a big role here, inspiring a multi-course tasting menu that celebrates the region and is full of standout dishes. Get the beverage pairing because FarmBar offers both a wine pairing and a non-alcoholic beverage pairing and because regardless of which you choose, the pairings elevate the food. FarmBar offers a’la carte menu options on select nights and options are great and all, but the tasting menu is the move here. Let the kitchen show off a little and trust the chefs. Lean into the unknown – that’s often where the best flavors are hiding:)
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