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November 20, 7:00 P.M. Dinner: The Culinary Roots of the Palmetto State Presented by Discover South Carolina

November 20, 2024 07:00 PM

Join South Carolina’s Chef Ambassadors for a Taste of Tradition

25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA

We are thrilled to welcome three of South Carolina’s top tastemakers, Chef Ambassadors Jessica Shillato, Javier Uriarte, and Michael Sibert. For this dinner, the trio of chefs will take diners on a culinary journey through the heart of the Palmetto State—from the Lowcountry and Atlantic Coastal Plain to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The menu will showcase the iconic South Carolina cuisine, highlighting local traditions and ingredients like Carolina Gold rice, stone grits, and pecans. Experience Southern comfort, savor vibrant flavors, and explore the deep culinary roots of South Carolina at this one-night-only dinner in New York!

Dining Table $170 | Internal Chefs Counter $185 | External Chefs Counter $150  

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About Jessica Shillato:
Southern roots run deep for Chef Jessica Shillato, a Kentucky native who carries on her family’s culinary traditions at the Spotted Salamander. While the Columbia, SC café pays homage to Southern food craft, Shillato’s creativity is in full force, resulting in classic dishes dressed with freshaccoutrements that surprise and delight. Shillato honed her cooking chops at the former Charleston location of Johnson & Wales. Along with husband, Jake Wendling, she established Spotted Salamander in 2008 as a catering enterprise. The success of what she describes as a “boutique” catering service led to the opening of the café arm of Spotted Salamander—and the dining public has heartily approved. Shillato’s use of seasonal local ingredients and imaginative twists on old Southern favorites like deviled eggs (topped with taste bud thrillers like country ham jam, Adluh cornbread crumbs, chicken chicharrones with hot sauce and more), have earned her legions of fans and a spot on the roster of South Carolina Chef Ambassadors program.

About Javier Uriarte:
Originally from Peru and raised in Maryland, Javier Uriarte embarked on his culinary career in his home state before moving to Washington, D.C., where he discovered his true passion for food. His culinary journey took him along the East Coast and eventually to South Carolina, where in 2016 he honed his skills at Garibaldis and Colas before joining Executive Chef Wesley Fulmer at Motor Supply Co. Bistro. By early 2018, Javier had stepped into the role of Executive Chef at Hendrix Restaurant, where he designed and launched the venue, drawing deeply from his Peruvian heritage for inspiration.
In 2020, Javier opened his own restaurant, Ratio, a Peruvian tapas spot in Northeast Columbia. Ratio has been a standout success, earning Best of Columbia awards every year since its debut and receiving notable mentions in the Atlanta Journal and other prominent publications. In 2024, Chef Javier was proudly appointed as the South Carolina Chef Ambassador for the Midlands. 

About Michael Sibert:
A Greenwood native and alumnus of Cornell University and the Culinary Institute of the Carolinas, Chef Michael trained in New Orleans before moving to Greer, where he has headed up high-end establishments for more than a decade. Most recently, Chef Michael launched his own establishment, Anonymous Burgers, in Cartwright Food Hall.
His wide range of extensive training has allowed him to travel all over the country. From private dining for celebrities to corporate holiday events, Michael’s elite culinary education shines through the cohesive flavors of each dish. His mastery in customizing unique dining experiences for each client and his passion for lifelong learning sets Chef Michael apart from the rest.
Chef Michael is honored to be the first Black chef to own a restaurant in Greer, SC. He hopes to inspire generations of other culinary talent. He strives to combine the relatability of where he’s come from with the profound success of where he is now and where he’s going. His aspirations sit at a humble place where chefs can look up to him, and, at the same time, Chef Michael still looks up to other chefs.

About Discover South Carolina: 
The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (aka Discover South Carolina) is a cabinet agency assigned to operate and manage South Carolina's state parks, market the state as a preferred vacation destination, and provide assistance to communities to develop recreation assets. Explore the official tourism site of South Carolina and discover all the rich history, sandy beaches, and family attractions a South Carolina vacation has to offer at DiscoverSouthCarolina.com.


Tickets to events held at Platform at Pier 57 by the James Beard Foundation cover the cost of food, education and a unique dining experience. Meals are prepared by culinary masters from all regions of the United States and around the world. Unless otherwise stated, alcoholic beverages are provided on a complimentary basis and are not included in the ticket price.

James Beard Foundation events permit guests age 21 years and older to attend events where alcoholic beverages are served.

Event Policy

Reservation Policy:

All reservations are non-refundable and must be made in advance. Should the event be cancelled due to any unforeseen circumstances, including COVID-19, JBF will offer a range of options, including ticket exchanges, the option to donate tickets, or a full refund. For more information, contact platformbyjbf@jamesbeard.org.

Alcohol Disclaimer:

James Beard Foundation events permit guests age 21 years and older to attend events where alcoholic beverages are served. 

Dietary/Food Restrictions Policy:

Events at Platform by JBF are special one-night-only menus and we do not offer a la carte menus. If you have serious food allergies, we will work with the visiting chef team to do our best to accommodate but cannot guarantee that alternate options will be available for every course.

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