SC Commissioner Weathers: Announcing the 2023 Chef Ambassadors

Posted on Posted in Daily Ag Summary, Featured Stories, SC Ag Commissioner Hugh Weathers, Top Ag Headlines

South Carolina has just announced its new class of Chef Ambassadors for 2023. Ag Commissioner Hugh Weathers met with them last week.

  • Each year we appoint a group of chefs to represent the state.
  • The Chef Ambassador program is a partnership between the South Carolina Department of Agriculture and SC Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
  • Program was launched in 2014 to highlight South Carolina as a top culinary destination.
  • This is the ninth year of the program, and the eighth class of chefs.
  • South Carolina Chef Ambassadors prepare dishes using Certified South Carolina produce, meats and seafood, supporting local farmers and honoring the state’s food traditions.
  • The 2023 South Carolina Chef Ambassadors are:

Chef Erica McCier

Indigenous Underground | Abbeville, South Carolina

Chef Erica, also known as Chef Trudy, is the owner and executive chef of Indigenous Underground in historic downtown Abbeville. Formerly a schoolteacher, Chef Trudy went to culinary school after overcoming major health setbacks, and went on to open a catering business known as Trudy’s Personal Chef & Catering and co-found Off Tha Hook Seafood & Grill. Her menu at Indigenous Underground mixes Southern food and global influences.

Chef Rob Masone

Kounter | Rock Hill, South Carolina

After building an extensive resume as a chef across the country, Chef Rob returned home to Rock Hill to open Kounter in 2020. The Rock Hill restaurant is home to the historic Friendship Nine Sit-In lunch counter, which has given Chef Rob a landing place for his innovative culinary creations.

Chef Marcus Shell

39 Rue De Jean | Charleston, South Carolina

A New England native with a seafood background and classic French culinary training who graduated from Le Cordon Bleu Boston, Chef Marcus honed his skills in some of Boston’s finer establishments. He is now Executive Chef at Charleston’s beloved French brasserie, 39 Rue de Jean.