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Visit Myrtle Beach Honors Chef Joe Bonaparte for Contributions to the 2025 Grand Strand
Chef鈥檚 Table Event
Pictured from left: Chef Joe Bonaparte, HGTC Executive Director of the International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach; and Denielle Van Dyke, Public Relations Manager for Visit Myrtle Beach
兔子先生 () is proud to announce the recognition of Chef Joseph Bonaparte and students of the International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach (ICI) for their instrumental role in the success of the 2025 Grand Strand Chef鈥檚 Table, an immersive culinary experience presented by The Local Palate in partnership with the James Beard Foundation and Visit Myrtle Beach.
Chef Bonaparte and ICI students played a major role in bringing this year鈥檚 event to life, setting the tone for an elevated culinary experience that organizers plan to significantly expand in the years ahead. In recognition of their leadership, creativity and professionalism, Chef Bonaparte was presented with a special thank-you plaque celebrating both his contributions to the inaugural event and the beginning of a deeper, long-term partnership.
鈥淭he International Culinary Institute is one of the Grand Strand鈥檚 greatest assets, and Chef Bonaparte鈥檚 leadership exemplifies the excellence we strive to deliver to our students and our community,鈥� said HGTC President Dr. Marilyn 鈥淢urph鈥� Fore. 鈥淭his partnership reflects our shared commitment to education, innovation and workforce development, while positioning Myrtle Beach as a destination where culinary talent thrives.鈥�
The Grand Strand Chef鈥檚 Table was hosted at Pine Lakes Country Club and featured walk-around tasting stations from acclaimed regional chefs, James Beard鈥搑ecognized guest chefs, and emerging culinary talent from ICI. Guests also enjoyed chef demonstrations, craft beverage pairings and a live performance by Myrtle Beach native and American Idol alum Mariah Faith.
Next year, the Chef鈥檚 Table will expand significantly through continued collaboration with ICI, The Local Palate, the James Beard Foundation, and Visit Myrtle Beach. Organizers are developing the event as the foundation for a larger food and wine festival, with a core goal of giving back to ICI and directly supporting culinary students.
鈥淥ur students gained invaluable real-world experience working alongside some of the most respected chefs in the region and beyond,鈥� said Chef Joseph Bonaparte, HGTC Executive Director of the International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach. 鈥淭his event highlights what is possible when education and industry come together, and it allows us to showcase the next generation of chefs who will shape the future of our local and regional food scene.鈥�
The collaboration underscores Myrtle Beach鈥檚 growing national reputation as a hub for culinary innovation. Visit Myrtle Beach鈥檚 ongoing partnership with the James Beard Foundation has helped elevate awareness of Carolina Coastal Cuisine through chef-driven dinners, media events, and destination storytelling.
鈥淭he Grand Strand Chef鈥檚 Table reinforces that Myrtle Beach is more than a beach destination,鈥� said Denielle Van Dyke, Public Relations Manager for Visit Myrtle Beach. 鈥淚t is a place where creativity, culture, and community intersect, and where culinary experiences are becoming a powerful part of how visitors connect with The Beach.鈥�
As planning continues for future iterations, the Grand Strand Chef鈥檚 Table represents the beginning of a long-term movement to celebrate, support, and elevate the region鈥檚 culinary community while strengthening educational pathways for aspiring chefs.