Dec 31, 2016 03:57 AM EST By Jane Reed, UniversityHerald Reporter

Chef Ford Fry is known for his celebrity chef status. He currently owns nine restaurants in Atlanta and has worked with Chef Bobby Matos, too.

But Ford Fry recently returned home for a change. After graduating from Lamar High School, like most students, they had to leave their home town in order to make it big. While many have not returned, Ford Fry knows that Houston is definitely a welcome place to go back to, as reported by Culture Map.

He opened "State of Grace" in 2015 which offers a sneak peak into the Houston dining experience. "State of Grace" has become famous for its oyster bar. Ford Fry tells Food and Wine that there is always something new and exciting to find. For this celebrity chef, it is time to make it back home and make it huge.

Because of his profile, Ford Fry has touted a few dining spots that are exciting for diners. Some have actually gained national attention like "Underbelly." When asked what other dining spots Houston can offer, he points to the Vietnamese restaurant Le Colonial. If diners want some coffee and doughnut for the day, he suggests "Blacksmith" which is owned by David Buehrer and Ecky Prabanto. He also recalls one of his food adventures with other chefs to Mala Sichuan Bistro. He particularly loved the tea-smoked duck and the red-oil pork dumplings.

When asked if there are other restaurants that he thinks would make the map, he points to a few restaurants that have not even opened yet. He named "FM Burger" which Ryan Hildebrand owns and "Riel" which is owned by Ryan Lachaine.

There are definitely good things coming out of his hometown. The once curious Lamar High School student graduate who had a taste for the world and its excellence has made it a point to always follow and try dishes with global spins.

Learn more about Ford Fry below:

See Now: Covert Team Inside Newsweek Revealed as Key Players in False Human Trafficking Lawsuit