Myrtle Beach, S.C. (September 6, 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.

###

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.

About Platform by JBF

 Anchored within Pier 57's 16,000-square-foot Market 57 food hall at 25 11th Ave in New York, Platform by the James Beard Foundation (Platform) is a state-of-the-art show kitchen, event space, and educational hub for outstanding culinary arts programming. Bringing the Foundation's Good Food for Good® mission to life, Platform welcomes visitors from NYC and beyond to experience the best of American food culture and the people behind it through dynamic programs and events featuring James Beard Award-winning and nominated chefs, inspiring industry leaders, and exceptional emerging talent from the Foundation's impact programming and network of chefs. From chef-in-residence programs to intimate dining events with coveted chef counter seating, exciting cooking demos, hands-on culinary classes, book signings, industry panels, and more—there is something for everyone to indulge their love of food and beverage, and to celebrate the people, cultures, traditions, and innovations shaping America's food culture today. As a 501c3, funds raised through Platform events supports the James Beard Foundation's mission to celebrate, support, and elevate the people behind America's food culture and champion a standard of good food anchored in talent, equity, and sustainability. For more information and to book your tickets, please visit:www.platformbyjbf.org and follow along on Instagram @platformbyjbf and Facebook @platformbyjbf.

About the James Beard Foundation

The James Beard Foundation (JBF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that celebrates and supports the people behind America's food culture while pushing for new standards in the restaurant industry to create a future where all have the opportunity to thrive. Established over 30 years ago, the Foundation has highlighted the centrality of food culture in our daily lives and is committed to supporting a resilient and flourishing industry that honors its diverse communities. By amplifying new voices, celebrating those leading the way, and supporting those on the path to do so, the Foundation is working to create a more equitable and sustainable future—what we call Good Food for Good®. JBF brings its mission to life through the annual Awards, industry and community-focused programs, advocacy, partnerships, and events across the country. For the first time in the Foundation's history, exceptional culinary talent, industry leaders, and visitors from NYC and beyond can experience unforgettable dining and educational programming at Platform by the James Beard Foundation—and be the first to try new food concepts at the Good To Go by JBF kiosk—inspiring food and beverage devotees for decades to come. Learn more at jamesbeard.org, sign up for our newsletter, and follow @beardfoundation on social media.