‘Palmetto Party’ set to Rivet the Grand Strand culinary scene on the Map

An exciting inauguration of culinary delight comes to Myrtle Beach

A fresh new event is all set to put the Grand Strand’s culinary scene on the international radar this Friday evening. Visit Myrtle Beach, in collaboration with “The Local Palate – Food Culture Magazine of the South”, have crafted the “Inaugural Palmetto Party: An Insider’s Taste of South Carolina.”

The event expects to attract chefs from all across the state, including two from the Grand Strand who opine that such initiatives will advance the industry in a forward direction.

Grand Strand as a Destination for Dining

Chef Darren Smith, the owner of two popular restaurants in Conway – Rivertown Bistro and Bonfire, characterized the Grand Strand as a place earmarked for destination dining. Being active in the industry for three decades, he voiced his thrill to showcase his skills at the premier “Palmetto Party.”

“I look forward to rubbing shoulders with some of the best talents in the industry and meeting new chefs from across the state,” he expressed with anticipation. Smith discussed the importance of camaraderie among chefs for the prosperity of the industry.

Riding the tide of Culinary enthusiasm

“Events like this where people get a chance to explore and try different cuisines, not only helps the culinary scene to grow but also positions Myrtle Beach as a go-to destination for such indulgences,” outlined Denielle Van Dyke, the public relations manager for Visit Myrtle Beach.

The central goal of the event is to render an authentic taste of South Carolina. Chef Smith is one amongst the several local chefs who will be presenting their special dishes. His “what grows together, goes together” notion uses seasonality as a guiding principle to keep the ingredients local and fresh.

Exploring the local Flavors

“We have curated a dish comprising flaked triggerfish cake and shrimp puree, served on a bed of field pea ragu with ultra-ripe tomatoes and layered over sweet corn cream. This arrangement is garnished with a tangy green tomato chow chow, all ingredients paying true homage to the Lowcountry and our region,” he explained.

Envisioning a thriving future

Smith was upbeat about the growth of the Grand Strand culinary scene, comparing it to the city of Charleston. “Page after page of this slick magazine contains enticing images of the local restaurants and their food. You can just feel it. It’s exciting. It’s how it was in Charleston during its heyday. The ‘Palmetto Party’ is just the start, and we anticipate its continuance in the years to come,” he said.

For anyone interested in attending, the event will be staged at Pine Lakes Country Club, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. this Friday.