Travelers Rest chef among South Carolina's 2022 Chef Ambassadors
Three South Carolina chefs have been tasked with sharing the state's food traditions.
On Wednesday, Gov. Henry McMaster announced the chefs who would be the 2022 SC Chef Ambassadors:
Chef John Ondo, executive chef of The Atlantic Room at Kiawah Island Golf Resort on Kiawah Island
Chef Chris Williams, owner of Roy’s Grille in Lexington
Chef Haydn Shaak, executive chef of Restaurant 17 at Hotel Domestique in Travelers Rest
The Chef Ambassador program was started in 2014, bringing together the state's agribusiness and tourism industries as a way to promote South Carolina's food and culture. The chosen chef ambassadors represent South Carolina at food festivals, media events and other forums, preparing dishes using Certified South Carolina produce, meats and seafood, supporting local farmers and highlighting South Carolina food traditions, according to a press release from the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.
Join the conversation: Greenville Food & Dining Facebook group
“South Carolina Chef Ambassadors do South Carolina a great service by shining a light on our state’s destinations, signature dishes and locally grown foods, and their own incredible talents,” McMaster said. “We’re proud to have these three great chefs represent our state.”
Here are more details about each of this year's Chef Ambassadors:
John Ondo, a native of the Lowcountry, has spent his 20-plus-year culinary career in Charleston drawing inspiration from the region’s fields and waterways. The chef has also worked closely with local farmers and fisherman, whose products shape his menus.
Chris Williams grew up in Olar in Bamberg County, surrounded by vegetables, pigs and chickens raised by his family. His menu is a reflection of that upbringing, with On the house-smoked and cured bacon, house made pimento cheese, barbecue and signature barbecue sauces.
Haydn Shaak grew up in kitchens. The graduate of the Culinary Institute of the Carolinas at Greenville Technical College, began cooking at the age of 16, apprenticing for his father, who was chef at CityRange Steakhouse Grill in Greenville.
He built his career over time and joined Restaurant 17 in 2018, where he focuses on local and seasonal ingredients with an adherence to classical technique.
To learn more about the program and past Chef Ambassadors, visit discoversouthcarolina.com/chef-ambassadors
Lillia Callum-Penso covers food for the Greenville News. She loves the stories recipes tell and finds inspiration in the people behind them. When she’s not exploring local food, she can be found running, both for pleasure and to keep up with her 6-year-old twins. Reach her at [email protected], or at 864-478-5872, or on Facebook at facebook.com/lillia.callumpenso.
This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Sign up today for a digital subscription.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Travelers Rest chef among South Carolina's 2022 Chef Ambassadors