South-Carolina

Swamp Rabbit Cafe chef named to 2025 South Carolina Chef Ambassador Class, what to know

Published

9 months ago

January 13, 2025

Swamp Rabbit Cafe chef named to 2025 South Carolina Chef Ambassador Class, what to know

The culinary skills, boldness, and creativity of Jeanne Koenigsberg of Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery have garnered the attention of Gov. Henry McMaster as she was named one of three 2025 South Carolina Chef Ambassadors.

In a press conference held in Columbia on January 13, McMaster appointed Koenigsberg alongside chefs Darren Smith of Conway and Shuai Wang of North Charleston to represent the state through food festivals and other promotional opportunities for visitors and residents of the Palmetto State.

Their duties involve sharing South Carolina’s culinary traditions, agricultural heritage, and undiscovered places within South Carolina and beyond through the art form known as food.

“I’m humbled to accept this nomination in a non-traditional food service establishment,” said Koenigsberg, executive chef and kitchen general manager at Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery. “It reminds us that the work we are doing is important to our community and surrounding communities.

“I know that this will continue to give us a platform to show the importance of local agriculture here in South Carolina,” she said.

Who is Jeanne Koenigsberg and what do SC Ambassadors do?

Honored for her expertise in farm-to-table meals and community engagement, Koenigsberg has expanded Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery’s reach, increasing the restaurant and storefront’s base and seasonal and catered menu options since her arrival in June of 2023.

Prior to Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery, Koenigsberg served as the executive sous chef at the Greenville Convention Center. While in Jacksonville, Florida, she was the executive chef at Wine Cellar and banquet chef for CSX, sous chef at The Museum of Contemporary Art — Jacksonville.

The South Carolina Chef Ambassadors program is now in its 11th year of existence as it assists in combining tourism and agriculture efforts in the state, which collectively contribute tens of billions of dollars to the economy and account for hundreds of thousands of jobs statewide.

Chefs are appointed annually by Gov. McMaster, and the program is run through a partnership between the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT) and the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA), which directly aims its support to the state’s farmers by using certified South Carolina produce, meats, dairy, seafood, and other farm-fresh foods.

Chefs appointed to the program in the Upstate are commonly seen in prominent culinary roles at large-scale tourist events such as Fall for Greenville, euphoria and more.

“Food is an important part of our state’s history, culture, and economy, and it’s where two of our largest industries – tourism and agriculture – overlap and excel,” said McMaster of the 2025 class of Chef Ambassadors.

“Our world-class culinary talent is highlighted and celebrated through the Chef Ambassador program, showcasing the best of South Carolina chefs, farmers, and locally grown products. I congratulate the 2025 class on this tremendous culinary honor,” he added.

In 2024, the Greer-based chef Michael Sibert of White Wine & Butter was named a 2024 South Carolina Chef Ambassador.

What is Swamp Rabbit Cafe?

Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery is a food market and cafe that has specialized in South Carolina-grown produce from farmers and vendors for nearly 14 years.

Owned by Mary Walsh and Jac Oliver, the neighborhood staple at 205 Cedar Lane Road has been committed to organic and ethically sourced ingredients since its inception, purchasing over $100,000 each month from local vendors and farmers around the state.

Their menu features a taste of locally farmed ingredients, recipes, and easy-to-carry menu items that are lifestyle, diet, and culture-conscious to all of its visitors.

– A.J. Jackson covers the food & dining scene, along with arts, entertainment and downtown culture for The Greenville News. Contact him by email at ajackson@gannett.com, and follow him on X (formally Twitter) @ajhappened. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Sign up today for a digital subscription.

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South-Carolina

Can South Carolina football, LaNorris Sellers outscore Alabama, Ty Simpson? Our prediction

Published

12 hours ago

October 24, 2025

Press Room

Can South Carolina football, LaNorris Sellers outscore Alabama, Ty Simpson? Our prediction

COLUMBIA — South Carolina football has lost four of its last five games and now faces its toughest test yet.

No. 4 Alabama comes to Williams-Brice Stadium on Oct. 25 (3:30 p.m., ABC) riding a six-game win streak. The Crimson Tide (6-1, 4-0 SEC) have taken down four consecutive ranked opponents. The Gamecocks (3-4, 1-4) need three more wins to become bowl eligible.

The last time these two teams met, LaNorris Sellers threw for 238 yards (74.2%) but a failed two-point conversion gave Alabama the 27-25 win. It was the last loss of the 2024 regular season for coach Shane Beamer, who then saw his team finish on a six-game win streak.

South Carolina vs. Alabama prediction

Oklahoma ran the ball through South Carolina’s defense and stopped the Gamecocks in the red zone, but Beamer’s squad only trailed by seven at halftime.

The Gamecocks can’t afford empty trips or leaky defense against Alabama so it’s not a matter of punching first, but remaining consistent with discipline through four quarters.

Last year South Carolina’s talent kept it in the game but what’s on tape for the Gamecocks so far doesn’t mirror the situation in 2024. If South Carolina capitalizes on any Alabama mistakes, it might be closer than expected.

It’s more likely that Alabama pulls away in the second half.

South Carolina vs. Alabama scouting report

Why South Carolina has an advantage: Only 21 FBS teams have more interceptions than South Carolina, and 10 of those have just one more (Gamecocks have eight). Turnovers have been a staple, and against LSU, two came in the red zone, one a fumble forced on the goal line and the other an interception at the 1-yard line.

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson has 18 touchdowns to just one interception (tied for second best in nation) but has been sacked 12 times. South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart has 3.5 sacks and Brian Thomas Jr has four.

South Carolina is tied for the third-most defensive touchdowns in the FBS, which doesn’t include its three special teams scores. While the offense is struggling, that’s an advantage the Gamecocks might have to lean into.

Why Alabama has an advantage: The Crimson Tide are performing better in most major categories.

They are averaging 422.7 total yards compared to South Carolina’s 297.7 (last in SEC), more passing yards (297.1 to 191.1) and more rushing yards (125.6 to 106.6) per game. Alabama is averaging 35.1 points and South Carolina is averaging 20.1.

Alabama allows 309.1 yards per game, while South Carolina is allowing 336.6.

Simpson is one of the most prolific passers in the nation. Beamer recruited him to South Carolina but didn’t get him. Beamer texted Simpson’s father while watching Alabama tape a few nights ago, he revealed on the SEC teleconference Oct. 22, saying Simpson’s throws are some of the best he’s seen in a long time.

South Carolina’s secondary has to deal with Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard, who both have over 400 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Williams averages 7.5 yards after the catch.

Bernard averages 14.3 yards per reception and has caught a pass over 25 yards in five games.

South Carolina football injury report vs Alabama

South Carolina

OL Cason Henry: Out
OL Jatavius Shivers: Questionable
OL Nolan Hay: Probable
DL Monkell Goodwine: Probable

Alabama

LB Qua Russaw: Out
LB Jah-Marien Latham: Out
LB Cayden Jones: Out
DL Jeremiah Beaman: Out

South Carolina vs. Alabama score prediction

Alabama 31, South Carolina 14

Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at lkesin@gannett.com. Follow her on X@Lulukesin and Bluesky‪@bylulukesin.bsky.social‬

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South-Carolina

Greg McElroy makes prediction for Alabama at South Carolina

Published

1 day ago

October 23, 2025

Press Room

Greg McElroy makes prediction for Alabama at South Carolina

The Alabama Crimson Tide is on the road this week at Williams-Brice Stadium to take on the South Carolina Gamecocks. Former UA quarterback Greg McElroy made his prediction on who he thinks will win this matchup.

The Tide have been rolling since their opening loss to Florida State. Since then, the Tide are 6-0 and have rattled off 4 consecutive ranked wins. Alabama is clicking and will be looking to keep that going against a struggling South Carolina team. The Gamecocks are coming off back-to-back losses to LSU and Oklahoma. The offense put up a combined 17 points in the 2 losses, and quarterback LaNorris Sellers threw for only 124 yards in both games.

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McElroy is sticking with the Tide in this matchup and expects Alabama to keep its win streak going.

“I’m taking Alabama, but I would not be surprised if this is a low-scoring, close, competitive football game for 3-plus quarters,” McElroy said. “Probably lean towards taking the points in this one. I think it’s going to be a close game, but I do think Alabama prevails in what will be a gutsy win on the road at Willy-Brice.”

Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.

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South-Carolina

City leaders consider South Carolina Aquarium site for city workforce housing

Published

2 days ago

October 22, 2025

Press Room

City leaders consider South Carolina Aquarium site for city workforce housing

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – City of Charleston leaders are considering rezoning a lot near the South Carolina Aquarium as part of a future affordable housing plan.

Various downtown sites are under consideration for new housing including a city-owned property on the eastern end of the South Carolina Aquarium parking deck.

Sites under consideration stem from an outlined plan to add 3,500 affordable housing units by 2032. The plan falls in line with the city’s Department of Housing and Community Development’s 2025 to 2029 Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan for 2026.

A 2019 to 2023 American Community Survey in the plan’s housing needs assessment records nearly more than 22,000 households are cost burdened. The survey finds that 14,600 renters and more than 8,000 homeowners paid more than 30% of their income on housing costs.

District Two City Councilman Kevin Shealy says creating housing opportunities is needed for the city’s essential workers.

“We have firefighters, police officers, young teachers, essential business people, hospitality workers,” Shealy says. “We need to make sure they can afford to live in the Charleston area and live where they work. It’s essential for our business, it’s essential for how our city operates.”

Aquarium visitors and people walking nearby may view the area as a potential spot for extra parking. A successful rezoning would be step one to adding units.

Mixed-use affordable housing units are under consideration for a site near the South Carolina Aquarium.(Oasis)

City Planning Commission leaders are considering rezoning the lot at the corner of Calhoun and Concord Streets from general business zoning to mixed-use workforce housing.

City planning manager Christopher Morgan says the city has been eyeing the lot for around the last 10 years. He says the city’s recent housing initiative is an opportunity to move forward on adding affordable housing options in the space.

“That will allow for a mix of housing types and, or also commercial aspects,” Morgan says. “It could be that there would be ground floor commercial uses and then ground floor residential uses.”

City leaders say potential housing designs in the city’s 2032 plan will ensure homes will keep the city’s aesthetic. Draft images include designs for spaces such as Charleston singles and cottages.

“We need to protect the way our character of our city is. We need to protect that character,” Shealy says. “These are going to be very attractive homes. Some of them are going to be your Charleston single homes that will be split up into triplexes, but it’s going to be a beautiful type of home that these people are going to be living and businesses will be operating in as well.”

The rezoning would go to the City Council for a public hearing on November 18 if commission leaders recommend approval. A final reading would take place in December if council leaders approve the change.

Morgan says design plans would be the next step if all goes well.

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