Dining Out: Follow SC Chef Ambassadors Culinary Trail

Launched in 2015, the South Carolina Chef Ambassador program was designed to showcase the culinary traditions and agricultural heritage of our state.

Each year, chefs are selected from the Upcountry, Midlands, and Lowcountry areas based on their use of locally sourced ingredients on their menus and for their role in supporting their communities. The new team of Chef Ambassadors then take their recipes to the road, representing South Carolina during food festivals and special events.

To date, 34 chefs have been named to the Chef Ambassador program. In our part of the state, the program has included chef Heidi Trull of Grits & Groceries in Belton, chef William Cribb from  Cribbs Kitchen and Willy Taco Feed & Seed in Spartanburg, chef Sarah McClure of Southside Smokehouse & Grille in Landrum, 2014 James Beard semi-finalist chef Tania Harris of Topsoil Kitchen & Market in Travelers Rest, chef Haydn Shaak from Restaurant 17, Hotel Domestique in Travelers Rest and chef Teryi Youngblood of Camilla Kitchen in Greenville.

Eat Local Trail Map & Guide

This unique foodie trail of Chef Ambassador restaurants offers a deep dive into the background of South Carolina’s regional culinary history. Tour some of the top dining spots in the state, meet the chef and try their signature dishes that celebrate local farmers, artisans, and providers.  

More: Chef Michael Sibert of White Wine & Butter named a 2024 South Carolina Chef Ambassador

From chef Orchid Paulmeier’s smoked chicken and rib platter at One Hot Momma’s American Grille in Hilton Head, to chef Cooper Thomas’ pecan-encrusted Carolina shrimp at Victors in Florence to Brandon Velie’s Manchester Farms quail with Adluh grits at Juniper in Ridge Springs and chef Erica McCier’s smoked gouda agnolotti at Indigenous Underground in Abbeville, there’s something yummy to discover in every corner of South Carolina. For more info about the SC Chef Ambassador Program and foodie trail, visit discoversouthcarolina.com/chef-ambassadors

More: Travelers Rest chef among South Carolina’s 2022 Chef Ambassadors

YOU CAN GO

Meet the 2024 SC Chef Ambassadors at euphoria: Hungry for more? This year’s Chef Ambassadors will be flexing their culinary skills at euphoria, September 19 – 22, 2024. The 2024 class includes chef Javier Uriarte at Ratio in Elgin, chef Leslie Rohland, owner of The Cottage Café, Bakery and Tea Room in Bluffton, and chef Michael Sibert, owner of Anonymous Burgers in Greer. Watch these culinary talents in action, hear their stories and taste signature dishes during interactive demonstrations, workshops, and more.  For tickets and more info, visit euphoriagreenville.com