Kay Ivey honors ‘MasterChef Junior’ winner as Alabama’s Chef for a Day: ‘He is going places!’

Bryson McGlynn, the 12-year-old chef from Alabama who won the most recent season of “MasterChef Junior,” has racked up another honor: Serving as “Chef for the Day” for the state.

According to information released Friday by the office of Gov. Kay Ivey, McGlynn recently received a personal invitation from the governor.

“This was not an ordinary introductory meeting,” said a brief statement from the governor’s office. “To showcase his culinary talents, Bryson offered to craft a delicious lunch menu for Governor Ivey and her friends. After Bryson introduced the first course and the group prayed over the food, Governor Ivey proclaimed Bryson ‘Chef for the Day’ in the state of Alabama.”

READ: ‘It doesn’t feel real’: Young Alabama grill master on his TV triumph, cooking for Gordon Ramsay

The three-course meal included an “Auburn, Alabama-inspired peanut butter pie.” McGlynn is from Auburn.

“It was truly my honor to have a lunch made by Bryson McGlynn, an Opelika celebrity,” said Ivey, who presented McGlynn with an official proclamation and a challenge coin. “Not only did he whip up an excellent meal, he lit up the room with his infectious personality really highlighting what it means to be an Alabamian. Alabamians have so much to offer the world, and Bryson certainly showed us that today. He is going places!”

MORE: Gordon Ramsay gives high praise to Alabama cook who saves the day: ‘Thank goodness for Bryson’

The official proclamation says McGlynn “made Alabama proud with his charm and respect,” and that his personality “shone through as a hopeful Alabamian, presenting himself with class and quickly winning over the judges with his Southern hospitality.”

McGlynn’s victory in the Fox show’s May finale netted him a $100,000 prize and something even more rare: Praise from celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.