Myrtle Beach, S.C. (September 2024) – Visit Myrtle Beach is thrilled to announce a collaboration with the James Beard Foundation (JBF) that will highlight the Grand Strand's culinary talent on a national stage. As part of the partnership, Visit Myrtle Beach will host a special dinner series in New York City, “A Celebration of Carolina Coastal Cuisine,” featuring the distinct ingredients and vibrant flavors of the region. The events, scheduled for Sept. 16 and 17, will take place at Platform by JBF, a state-of-the-art show kitchen, event space and educational hub for outstanding culinary arts programming within Pier 57's Market Hall.
The featured chefs are Heidi Vukov, owner of Croissants, Hook & Barrel, and Coffee and Cream Cabana in Myrtle Beach; Adam Kirby of Rustic Table and Bistro 217 in Pawleys Island; and Casey Blake of Drunken Jack's in Murrells Inlet. The menu will include ingredients from esteemed local purveyors such as Lake Swamp Farm, Microledon Farms and Twelve33 Distillery, reflecting the rich diversity and quality of the region's offerings.
The series will kick off with a public dinner on Sept. 16 featuring locally caught shrimp with Adluh grits, herb-crusted triggerfish and other dishes made with regional ingredients. On Sept. 17, the chefs will prepare dinner for a private event with national media in attendance such as Bon Appetit. Both evenings are an opportunity for participants to learn more about the essence of Coastal Carolina cuisine and the culture of the region.
In addition to the three chefs, members of the Visit Myrtle Beach team, along with Chef Dylan Foster and Johanna Wilson-Jones, two of the Grand Strand's notable culinary storytellers and hosts of the Cooking Channel's “Chef Swap at the Beach,” will be on hand to further highlight the region's exceptional dining scene for national media.
Recognized as one of the preeminent culinary organizations in the nation, the James Beard Foundation spearheads initiatives to elevate America's food culture, including honoring those who excel in the industry.
“Our partnership with the James Beard Foundation is an incredible opportunity to increase awareness and appreciation of Myrtle Beach's culinary scene and showcase why the destination is rapidly becoming a must-visit for food enthusiasts. By focusing on outstanding local ingredients and sharing compelling stories about the region's food experiences, the chefs will demonstrate the talent and creativity that define Coastal Carolina cuisine,” said Stuart Butler, Chief Marketing Officer, Visit Myrtle Beach.
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Editor's Note: Bios for each chef along with images can be found HERE.
About Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Myrtle Beach isn't just a beach. It's The Beach. Popularly known as the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is one destination made up of 14 unique communities that stretch 60 miles along the northeast coast of South Carolina. Families, couples and those in search of a warm welcome will find more than just a day at The Beach when they come together to connect and enjoy vibrant entertainment and family attractions, including world-class golf, shopping and fresh coastal Carolina cuisine. From the moment you arrive, you'll find you belong at The Beach – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. For additional information on tourism offerings in the Myrtle Beach area, go to visitmyrtlebeach.com or call (888) Myrtle-1.