Congratulations to Kinsey Muller and Jess Sagun of Winna’s Kitchen, who recently had the opportunity to demonstrate their culinary skills at the Southern Living Test Kitchen in Birmingham, Alabama.
The live, in-person culinary showcase was the first of its kind since the Pandemic. During the event, Jess and her daughter, Kinsey, showcased flavors of the Grand Strand to national media representatives from People Inc, the largest digital and print publisher.
Sagun and Muller conducted a live demonstration of their signature Golden Focaccia Cheese Toast with Honey and Thyme, a dish inspired by a cherished family recipe, while answering questions from Sid Evans, editor in chief of Southern Living and other luncheon attendees. Additionally, they served a multicourse lunch inspired by coastal Carolina traditions, underscoring the rich flavors and cultural heritage that define the Myrtle Beach dining scene. The menu featured the following:
- Front Porch Tomato Lemonade, a garden-fresh signature drink blending tomato, lemon and local honey.
- Crisp Apple and Celery Salad with dates, parmesan and brown-butter panko.
- Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits with locally sourced Palmetto Farms stone-ground yellow grits, sweet peppers and fresh basil.
- Apple Cider Skillet Chicken with apple cider beurre blanc.
- Yeasted Herb Potatoes topped with crisped herbs.
- Roasted Pears with Vanilla Cream, chocolate ganache, raspberry coulis and cocoa nibs.
In attendance were editors and journalists from across People, Inc.’s many iconic brands such as Southern Living and Food & Wine, as well as several freelance journalists and culinary content creators.
"Growing up, Southern Living was always a source of inspiration for me and is a brand I've admired for as long as I can remember,” said Jess Sagun, owner and chef, Winna’s Kitchen. “To step into the Test Kitchen and cook alongside my daughter for such a special audience was truly a dream come true."
“This was an incredible opportunity to highlight Myrtle Beach’s culinary talent on one of the South’s most iconic platforms,” said Denielle Van Dyke, Visit Myrtle Beach Public Relations Manager. “Having our hometown chefs lead the first post-pandemic culinary event in the Southern Living Test Kitchen, in front of an audience of journalists, helps us tell the story of Myrtle Beach as a vibrant food destination.”
As part of People Inc., Southern Living reaches 12.3 million readers monthly, celebrating the food, homes, places and culture of the South. The Southern Living Test Kitchen has been a trusted name in Southern food culture since 1970, four years after Southern Living magazine debuted.
Held in partnership with Visit Myrtle Beach, the event helps illustrate Myrtle Beach as both a growing culinary destination and a true example of Southern hospitality and innovation.
