Jacksonville Chef Kenny Gilbert helps Oprah Winfrey ring in the New Year with brunch

Jacksonville Chef Kenny Gilbert prepared a New Year's brunch for Oprah Winfrey and her friends, according to an Instagram post of the event.

Gibert, co-owner with his wife, Anna, of Silkie's Chicken & Champagne Bar in historic Springfield, is Winfrey's friend and former personal chef.

He's earned respect as well as accolades for his innovative interpretations of Southern and global cuisine. Silkie's, at 1602 Walnut St., showcases Gilbert's signature fried chicken, biscuits and champagne cocktails. Daily specials focus on international chicken dishes.

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Winfrey posted video of Gilbert's New Year's meal and festivities at her home on her Instagram account, and it's reposted on Gilbert's Instagram.

Featured are Winfrey's favorite: the Flavor Bomb Chicken Sandwich on a freshly baked cheddar biscuit, which Winfrey says is a favorite at her home.

"We've had dreams about it and now it's a reality. With its own hot sauce," Winfrey is heard saying on the video as she points out Gilbert's menu on the video.

In keeping with New Year's tradition for good luck, Gilbert also prepared "Hoppin' John," a dish with black-eyed peas.

Silkies is the Gilberts' inaugural "upscale fast-casual restaurant." He is a former Food Network "Top Chef" Season 7 contestant.

He also has an extensive culinary background that includes working as an award-winning executive chef at luxury hotels, country clubs and catering.

Silkie's menu includes fried, roasted and jerk chicken along with four different types of biscuits, jams, flavored butters, and house-made pickles.

Silkie's is Gilbert's most recent endeavor. He previously operated other Northeast Florida restaurants, including Gilbert’s Underground Kitchen and Gilbert’s Social. Both later closed.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville chef cooks chicken and cheddar biscuits for Oprah Winfrey