Damaris Phillips: Southern Charm Meets Culinary Genius

Alaina April 17, 2025

Back in 2013, a talented chef named Damaris Phillips stepped into the spotlight and competed on season nine of The Next Food Network Star. She wasn’t just any contestant—she blew everyone away, beating out 11 other incredible chefs to win the grand prize. Her hard work paid off big time when she landed her very own show, Southern at Heart, which aired from 2013 to 2016. Fast forward to 2021, and Damaris, along with her husband Darrick Wood, celebrated a major milestone by purchasing a new home in Kentucky. To mark the occasion, they renewed their wedding vows right there in their living room. Talk about making memories!

“This year we exchanged our vows at our new house,” Damaris shared on Instagram in June 2021. “It wasn’t fancy or elaborate—we served champagne in plastic cups, ate pizza off a quilt, and turned the dance party into a bedroom-painting extravaganza. It was simple, meaningful, and so us.”

A Deep Love for Kentucky

Kentucky has always been close to Damaris’ heart, and even as her star rose higher, she never forgot her roots. She continues to celebrate her home state on social media, sharing recipes and writing books inspired by the people and places she loves. Whether it’s spotlighting local establishments or showing gratitude to her supporters, Damaris keeps Kentucky at the forefront of everything she does.

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When asked about her culinary style, Damaris opened up to PopSugar in August 2013. “I’m all about creating traditional Southern dishes but giving them a twist by incorporating unexpected flavors, like Indian or Ethiopian spices,” she explained. “I also focus on making these meals healthier without losing that comforting Southern taste. Educating people about the real Southern food culture is important to me—like how we harvest so much produce and why canning and pickling are such big parts of our tradition.”

Nature Lover with a Heart of Gold

As the author of Southern Girl Meets Vegetarian Boy, Damaris hasn’t lost sight of what truly matters to her. Whether she’s capturing breathtaking nature shots or showcasing her picturesque surroundings, she’s always finding ways to connect with the world around her.

“I truly believe Louisville is the best city in the South because of its stunning parks,” she gushed to Southern Living. “No matter where you go, there’s a picturesque spot waiting for you to stop, relax, and enjoy a picnic. It’s magical!”

From TV Host to TikTok Star

Damaris’ career took off in more ways than one. In 2017, she teamed up with Bobby Flay to co-host The Bobby and Damaris Show. She also began hosting interactive cooking classes on the Food Network app before joining her brother-in-law, Rutledge Wood, on Southern and Hungry for the Cooking Channel. But if there’s one platform where her fans really get a front-row seat to her creative genius, it’s TikTok and Instagram. Her newly renovated kitchen has become the perfect backdrop for some of her most popular videos.

Beyond cooking up Southern classics and sharing recipes online, Damaris dives headfirst into DIY projects around her home. She and Darrick completely reimagined their fireplace, updated their kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances, and created cozy nooks for their beloved cats to chill out. Every corner of their Kentucky home reflects their personality, style, and love for each other.

Keep scrolling to take an exclusive tour of Damaris’ charming Kentucky abode.