Talkin' 'bout Food

The Grand Strand's top meteorologist Ed Piotrowski and his lovely wife Cindy, sit down with The Private Chef to the Stars to talk about Polish food, their favorite restaurants , and Cindy's capability in the kitchen.

Jason Black joins The Private Chef to the Stars in this episode. Jason has lived in The Grand Strand for over 30 years and has been a lover of the food scene since day one. He runs the pages JBlack Out and About, 411 in the 843, and Myrtle Beach Eats which has 53 thousand followers. He's a community advocate for the privately owned restaurants here in The Grand Strand.Jack Gregory of Murrells Inlet Foodies and Entertainment is back in the studio and has a few choice words about the local "food influencers." Jack also speaks highly of McEisley's Tavern in Murrells Inlet and the goings on at Dead Dog Saloon.

 This week on Talkin' 'bout Food, the spotlight shines on celebrated French culinary talent Vincent Pellat, a rising force in the gastronomic world. At just thirty-three years old, Chef Pellat has already built an impressive résumé, having honed his craft in some of the most prestigious hotels and restaurants in Paris.  This week, Chef Pellat brought his expertise to the International Culinary Institute, where fortunate students experienced exclusive master classes in advanced culinary arts. Sophia Edens, widely recognized as The Content Food Critic, stops by the Talkin' 'bout Food studio to share highlights from her recent Grand Strand Magazine award win, discuss standout restaurants worth visiting, and even chats about her latest kitchen obsession—a brand-new KitchenAid. 

The Private Chef to the Stars welcomes back Lisa and Bennie Blackwell. They are the owners of Palm 33 and are in the studio to discuss their ups and downs (mostly ups) as they approach their first year in business.

Fresh off a trip to Rome, and a first-place win for his focaccia, Anthony Ludovici-DeBrigida of Anto’s Pizza Romana joins us in the Talkin’ ’bout Food studio. Chef Anthony talks competition, craft, and how he keeps up with the nightly rush at his Conway pizzeria.  While some are celebrating wins, Chef Meredith Herman of the Gnosh Pit food truck has faced a tougher road. She talks about the many challenges she’s navigated over the last few months. 

Christine Bonaparte, wife of acclaimed chef Joe Bonaparte, explains the ups and downs of being married to a chef. Jack Gregory, owner of Murrells Inlet Foodies and Entertainment talks about some of his favorite restaurant experiences throughout 2025 and one not so favorite.

Chef JK of Oak Prime in Carolina Forest talks about the lead up to being bestowed the restaurant "Recomendation Award" in the new Michelin Guide. The only restaurant in the entire Grand Strand to receive such an accolade. Also, Sundy Barth, a graduate from the culinary program at HGTC, explains the leap from culinary school to the real world of pastry.

Grant Turner, better known as Ricky Mokel, serves up a full plate of laughs as he journeys from the land of kale smoothies to the home of fried everything. Chef Joe Bonaparte talks about some amazing new equipment at the school including a rotisserie that can accomodate 40 chickens. Paul Grimshaw sits in and adds some of his twenty year wisdom of The Grand Strand food scene...along with his ever present witticism.

Liz Callaway, 94.5 morning talk show host, and her husband Javier Lopez join The Private Chef to the Stars in studio to discuss their favorite restaurants on The Grand Strand. After being turned away last week from Luvan's in Conway, chef Richard and Anthony Bonventre finally made it in and boy was it worth the wait! A cooking tip for the home cook.

The long night of trials and tribulations: A Quest for a Restaurant. Also, David Magaha (The Snack Guy) sits down with the Private Chef to the Stars to explain his constant hunt for a good snack around The Grand Strand.

Twenty year food writer, Paul Grimshaw sits down with The Private Chef to the Stars to discuss the many restaurants that made it into Grand Strand's magazine "Best-of-2025." They are joined by Sophia Edens, The Content Food Critic, to get her take on some of the restaurants that were chosen.

Congressman Russell Fry of district 7 chats with The Chef to the Stars about growing up on The Grand Strand, how the food scene has changed for the better, his mother's cooking, and his aunt's famous Cheez Whiz and Bugles appetizer...awesome. Shout-out to Amy Everhart and her new podcast, "Brought You a Bite, Babe."

The Private Chef to the Stars has a new private chef position and leans on the Ball and Que restaurant in Georgetown for some traditional ideas. The Pierogi House in Myrtle Beach launches a discussion as to why we believe each of our tradional home recipes are the best....or are they?

Chef Curtis Hillard, AKA Chef Bear, sits down with The Private Chef to the Stars to deconstruct his approach to proper plate composition and presentation. And, how he moved from executive chef in restaurants to entering the world of the personal chef. Laura Smith says she has lived three different lives...a mother, an IRS tax agent, and now a student at HGTC International culinary academy at age...68

Chef Danny Smith, winner of best seafood chef in South Carolina 2014, 2019, and 2025, and 7 time World Food Championship competitor sits down to discuss cooking seafood in the low country. Also, Peta and Chef John Dabrowski. Peta, began her passion for a career in hospitality right out of high school and her husband, Chef John, has worked along side every notable chef along the eastern seaboard. They discuss their amazing synergistic adventure from South Africa to Chicago to the Florida Keys and finally Pawleys Island where they opened Local Eat Drink Celebrate.

He played professional football, won the Strong Man contest several times (including pulling an airplane), had a massive heart attack, then opened the hugely successful Dirty Myrtle Wing Company. Talented server Kaitlin Pryor, talks about her struggle with addiction and the love and gratitude she has for her position at Dirty Myrtle Wing Company. Commentary about the restaurant by The Private Chef to the Stars.

Los Angeles Pasry chef, Enoc Guardado, sits down with The Private Chef to the Stars to discuss chef Enoc's exodus from the food industry and what made that happen. From dishwasher to pastry chef, to restaurant manager and why he has such a loathing for the business, in mostly a comical way.

You'd be hard-pressed to find someone in The Grand Strand who has eaten in more restaurants. Jack Gregory of Murrells Inlet Foodies and Entertainment sits down with The Private Chef to the Stars to discuss over twenty restaurants from north to south. Chef Richard grills Jack on where to find the best specific food items.

The sweet ladies of the hugely successful Sweet Girlz Cafe and Bakery, drop into the "Talkin' 'bout Food" studio to discuss the origin of their partnership with neither having a culinary backround. Also, Don Princiotto. He studied computer science, worked in the world of voice recognition, spent four years in the navy, worked in defence contracting, studied at HGTC International Culinary Academy and worked at a 3 Michelin Star restaurant... at the age of 62. 

Lakieta Graves, with a passion for singing and a voice like an angel,  and Jamie Graves, a passionate musical prodigy, who would have ever suspected they have another passion...food.  Lakieta Bagwell-Graves brings the life and legacy of the iconic Celine Dion to the Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre and you can find Jamie Graves performing most nights at The Carolina Opry. Also, Michael Roemhildt of Michael's Personal Chef and Catering and how he went from HGTC International Culinary Academy to cooking for football legend Ron Gronkowski.

The owners of Bohemian Bull in Murrells Inlet are back to discuss their phenomenal progress in less than a year. Hard work, a love of the community, great food, and reasonable prices seems to be their secret. Flavio Medeiros of "The Scoop on Myrtle" sits back down with The Private Chef to the Stars to discuss his pilgramage to the find some of the best cheesesteaks in The Grand Strand.

Clips from the show's most famous guests. Top local chefs discuss their favorite foods they'd be embarrassed for people to know, and some of The Private Chef to the Stars' favorite restauarnts in The Grand Strand.

Chef Joe Bonaparte of The International Culinary Academy talks with The Private Chef to the Stars about the positive changes to the local restaurant scene, where he thinks it's headed. Also discussed is  the first class education provided by the culinary institute, and how you can enroll for mere pennies. Commentary on The Carolina Tavern in Murrells Inlet. 

The Private Chef to the Stars sits down with the owners of Palm 33, Lisa and Bennie Blackwell to discuss their month-old restaurant in Murrells Inlet. How Lisa was raised in a home that didn't cook to becoming the pastry chef and co-owner of Palm 33 and how Bennie, a salesman with an eye for detail, helped bring their dream to fruition.

The Private Chef to the Stars welcomes back into the studio, Jack Gregory of "Murrells Inlet Foodies and Entertainment" fame. With tens of thousands of views to his Facebook page daily, Jack is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the local food scene. And The Private Chef soaks up every bit of it.

The Private Chef to the Stars sits down with Anthony Ludovici DeBrigida, chef/owner of Anto's Pizza Romana and Italian Market in Coanway. From studying sea turtles in Florida to making one of the best pizzas on The Grand Strand. Also, commentary with The Content Food Critic on 45th Avenue Crab House, Main Street Tap House, Buoys on the Boulevard, Russells Seafoof Grill, and food truck Mi Lindo Huichapan.

Chef Robert Kaufman is the corporate chef at US Foods Myrtle Beach location and is also the lead chef of the popular Tasting Menu Series at The Tasting Room on 9th. After finishing culinary school, Chef Kaufman worked in a number of highly respected restaurants in the Chicago area. How did he end up here? Listen in, the story is quite a journey.. Chef Richard Florczak explains the interesting road to ending up dining at Casa Mia in Surfside.

Two local natives school The Private Chef to the Stars on the proper way to cook boiled peanuts. Microledon Farm owner, Oscar Chavez, discusses how he started and how he became one of the best micro greens growers on the Grand Strand. Chef Richard goes on a rant about the dangers of leaving scathing restaurant reviews. 

Acclaimed chef and co-owner of Bistro 217 and Rustic Table, Chef Adam Kirby. Chef Kirby sits down with Chef Richard Florczak and talks about growing up Southern, learning to cook from his mom and grandmother, working throughout the west coast and Hawaii, and bringing it all together in his two phenomenal restaurants in Pawleys Island.  The Content Food Critic, Sophia Edens, interviews The Private Chef to the Stars.

The Private Chef to the Stars heads out to Aynor to sit down with David Dorman, owner of Palmetto Farms. The three generations old company that produces some of the best grits in South Carolina. Also, Peter Gerace, local soft shell crab harvester, explains the science, the process, and the cooking of this local delicacy.

Twenty year food writer for the Grand Strand magazine, Paul Grimshaw discusses the past, present, and futue of the local food scene. Sophia Edens, The Content Food Critic, stops by the "Talkin' 'bout Food" studio to tell us abot "9 Spices Hot Pot and BBQ" and her amazing evening at the "Tasting on 9th's" collaborative dinner with "Microleden Farms" in Conaway. 

The fasinatic story behind Neal's Creekhouse. The Private Chef to the Stars sits down with Zach Baker, owner of Neal and Pam's in Surfside and Neal's Creekhouse in Murrells Inlet. The executive director of HGTC International Culinary Academy, Chef Joe Bonaparte, discusses his recent trip with his students to Paris...then off to New Orleans. Commentary on Neal's Creekhouse.

Chef Richard does a deep dive into the backround of the owners of Bohemian Bull restaurant in Murrells Inlet. Their experience and challenges of opening their first restaurant. Jack Gregory of "Murrells Inlet Eats" and "Pawleys Island Eats" Facebook fame, discusses four Grand Strand restaurants not to be missed. The Private Chef to the Stars' commentary on Anto's Pizza Romana and Italian Market in Conway.

Flavio Medeiros of "The Scoop on Myrtle" gives The Private Chef to the Stars the scoop on the Myrtle Beach food scene. "The Myrtle Beach Foodie Babe" ...is there competition in the "food influencing" scene in The Grand Strand? She also discusses some new restaurant finds and you'll be quite surprised at some of them.

The Private Chef to the Stars sits down with expert baker, Chef Geoff Blount to discuss Leve bakery and the complexities of sourdough baking. An interview with the owners of the popular Puerto Rican food truck, Pa'Picar Pa'Picar in Pawleys Island. How they began and the passion to keep their food authentic. Commentary on Cafe Vincenzo's pizza in Myrtle Beach.

The Private Chef to the Stars sits down with Mike Hensley, owner of Project Smashburger food truck. Sophia Edens, "The Content Food Critic" tells us about her recent local dining experiences. Commentary by chef Richard about Cafe Vincenzo's pizza.

Dave Clayton sales expert, marketing guru, world traveler, philanthropist, and admin of Pawleys Island Peeps and anything else that ends in "Peeps" on Facebook. Dave has lived here in The Grand Strand and knows the restaurant world here inside and out. Curtis Hillard former executive chef at Tide to Table in Lichfield discusses his backround, the restaurant scene, and his future.

The Private Chef to the Stars sits down with Chad Swain of "Gourmet Cooking Connection." The coolest cooking supply store on The Grand Strand. Also, Christopher Dixon of "Dixon's Fixins." A local home delivery company supplying beef, chicken, pork and seafood right to your door. Commentary on the classic  Murrells Inlet restaurant, On the Half Shell.

Episode 14: Becoming friendly with Beatle, George Harrison while working room service at The Hotel Bel-Air. Commentary on local Detroit pizza by Pizza Squared. Horror stories of the restaurant and private chef world.

The general manager of the iconic southern restaurant, "Judy Boone's" discusses how the restaurant came to be, the incredible staff, and why the restaurant is as beloved as it is. Meredith Herman, chef/owner of arguably the most popular food truck on the Grand Strand. Commentary by The Private Chef to the Stars on The Grumpy Mustache in Murrells Inlet. 

Two of the most influential food content creators on the Grand Strand, Amy Everhart of "Myrtle Beach Foodie Babe" and Sophia Edens "The Content Food Critic" discuss the dedication to their work and their fearless way of approaching the good, the bad, and the ugly with equal enthusiasm.

CEO of Rise Restaurant Group in Dallas discusses his love of the Grand Strand food scene. Commercial/television/movie personality and wife of The Private Chef to the Stars talks about her favorite restaurants on the Grand Strand. Commentary by chef Richard on Mama Mia's pizza and Gino's pizza in Myrtle Beach 

An interview with Food Network personality, award winning chef, owner of all three Johnny D's Waffles and Benedicts, and owner of The Tasting Room on 9th in Myrtle Beach, Jamie Daskalis. The brilliant Sophia Edens aka The Content Food Critic. Commentary on Nonna's Taste of Italy by The Private Chef to the Stars, Richard Florczak.

Executive director Chef Joe Bonaparte of the HGTC International Culinary Academy talks about the best knives, home ranges and small kitchen appliances. Chef Josie Allen from the Black Cat Kitchen food truck discusses the hurdles to get up and running and devising her Asian fusion menu. Captain Fred Rourke educates us on catching, cleaning shrimp along with his instructions on "the backyard shrimp fry." Commentary on Cutty's Pizza in Little River.

The Private Chef to the Stars sits down to pick the brain of Jack Gregory from Murrells Inlet Entertainment and Foodies. Also, local bartender/restaurant manager discusses his line of hot sauces. Commentary on "Local" of Pawley's Island and Toffino's Italian Bakery Deli and Pizzeria 

The Private Chef to the Stars, Richard Florczak, sits down with singer, songwriter, actor, Academy Award winner, Paul Williams. Also, an interview with one of the Grand Strand's top food influencers, Amy Everhart, the Myrtle Beach Foodie Babe. Chef Richard does commentary on Benito's Pizza in North Myrtle Beach and Tu Taco in Murrells Inlet. 

Part two with Mel Gibson. Mel talks about his most memorable meals, what his last dinner might be, and eating snakes with Robert Downey Jr. Also, two HGTC culinary students discuss the school, their favorite junk food, and future plans. Commentary by The Chef to the Stars about Andomiro restaurant in Pawley's Island and Scotto's Pizza in Myrtle Beach.

The Private Chef to the Stars sits down with his boss of 13 years, academy award winner Mel Gibson. Also, an interview with the chef/owner of Oak Prime in Myrtle Beach and commentary on River Oaks Pizzeria. 

This week on "Talkin' 'bout Food" Chef Richard Florczak sits down with music legend "Dion."  Dion discusses the food he was raised on growing up in the Bronx, his mother's cooking, and how his first hit record changed the restaurants he was able to frequent. Also, commentaries on Luigi's Trattoria, Surfside Pizza and Inlet Culinary Garden. 

The Private Chef to the Stars sits down with local celebrity and fishing boat captain, Englis Glover. Captain E discusses the proper way of getting fish from your hook to your plate and graces us with some local fish recipes. Also, Chef Richard's commentaries on Atmosphera restaurant, Incredible Edibles bakery, Bovines for pizza and some great kitchen products and appliances.