Myrtle Beach Takes its Place at the Table

The Grand Strand Chef's Table event returns as national accolades and rising culinary talent
redefine the destination's food scene

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Grand Strand Chef's Table returns Friday, Oct. 16, to celebrate the local chefs, restaurants and flavors behind Myrtle Beach's growing culinary reputation. Headlined by acclaimed Gullah Geechee Chef BJ Dennis, this year's event arrives as national and international accolades and a growing roster of chef-driven restaurants draw attention to the quality, creativity and talent found throughout the destination's dining scene.

"Across the Myrtle Beach region, talented chefs, students and restaurateurs are doing incredible work, combining fresh ideas with local traditions and introducing visitors to flavors from around the world," said Stuart Butler, President, Visit Myrtle Beach. "The Grand Strand Chef's Table brings all of that together in one place, giving attendees the chance to taste what makes our culinary community so special and see where it is headed next."

Among those helping to elevate the area's food scene is chef and restaurateur Heidi Vukov. Her restaurant Hook & Barrel was named Tripadvisor's No. 1 casual dining restaurant in the United States and No. 7 in the world for the 2026 Travelers' Choice Awards, adding to Vukov's distinction as the first Myrtle Beach-area chef to be named a James Beard Award semifinalist. Her restaurant group, Heidi's Corner, includes Hook & Barrel, Croissants Bistro & Bakery and Coffee & Cream Cabana and will be represented at the Grand Strand Chef's Table by Megan Fenwick of Croissants.

"Words cannot express our gratitude for our amazing and incredibly hospitable team. From those who welcome and care for our guests to the talented people behind the scenes in the kitchen, everyone plays an essential role in creating an extraordinary experience," said Vukov. "Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to our devoted customers. We are truly grateful that you allow us to share in your memories."

Additional recognitions include two statewide awards for Chef Joseph Bonaparte, executive director of the International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach. In 2026, Bonaparte was named the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association's Hospitality Educator of the Year and received the A. Wade Martin Innovator of the Year Award. Jordan Heyd of Lekker Eats was selected as a 2026 South Carolina Chef Ambassador, marking the second consecutive year the honor has gone to a Grand Strand chef following the 2025 selection of Darren Smith of Rivertown Bistro and Bonfire in Conway. These accolades build on O.A.K. Prime Kitchen and Bar becoming the Grand Strand's first restaurant to receive a Recommended designation in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide American South.

Those achievements provide the backdrop for this year's Grand Strand Chef's Table, where established and emerging talent will come together to showcase the region's evolving food scene. Hosted by The Local Palate magazine in partnership with Visit Myrtle Beach, the James Beard Foundation and the Culinary Institute, the evening will feature tasting plates, beverage stations, live cooking demonstrations and interactive culinary experiences. Held at the International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach this year, students will work alongside participating chefs and a portion of event proceeds will support the institute's study abroad program and the James Beard Foundation's Good Food for Good mission.

At the Grand Strand Chef's Table, guests will have the opportunity to meet the participating chefs, discover new flavors and experience the creativity shaping Myrtle Beach's food scene. Tickets, additional information and the latest chef lineup are available at thelocalpalate.com/events/grand-strand-chefs-table-2026.

Editor's Note: Photos of last year's event can be viewed 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, visit www.visitmyrtlebeach.com or call (888) Myrtle-1.

SOURCE Visit Myrtle Beach