Chef Jerrett King and Grand Strand Brewing showcase Myrtle Beach’s evolving culinary scene at the People Inc. Test Kitchen
By Denielle Van Dyke
Visit Myrtle Beach recently partnered with People Inc. for the second consecutive year to host a special culinary event for national media representatives. Held in May at the People Inc. Test Kitchen in New York City, the evening featured the unique culinary talents of Chef Jerrett King of O.A.K. Prime, located in the Carolina Forest area of Horry County, and the craft beer specialties of Christophe Perdu of Grand Strand Brewing Company in downtown Myrtle Beach.
More than 35 editors, journalists and media leaders participated, representing People Inc.’s nationally recognized publications like Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, Southern Living, Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, Parents and Midwest Living, among others. Combined, the brands reach millions of readers nationwide.
“Events like this give us the opportunity to introduce national media to a different side of Myrtle Beach and the incredible talent we have here,” said Diane Charno, EVP of Marketing and Communications at Visit Myrtle Beach. “After such a successful event in Birmingham last year, it was exciting to bring this experience to New York City and continue sharing the chefs, restaurants and local businesses that shape the Grand Strand’s culinary scene.”
While this event took place in New York City, its impact is felt right here at home. By introducing influential national media outlets to Myrtle Beach’s growing culinary and craft beverage scene, Visit Myrtle Beach helps generate positive coverage that inspires future travel to the Grand Strand. Increased visitation supports thousands of local jobs, from restaurants and breweries to hotels, attractions and retail businesses, while also generating tax revenue that helps fund public services, infrastructure and community improvements. Showcasing local businesses like O.A.K. Prime and Grand Strand Brewing Company on a national stage strengthens Myrtle Beach’s reputation as a premier destination, creating economic opportunities that benefit residents throughout the region.
On The Menu: Showcasing Myrtle Beach's Thriving Culinary Scene
Throughout the evening, attendees experienced a curated menu inspired by coastal Carolina cuisine and modern Southern flavors while learning more about Myrtle Beach’s thriving culinary scene. Chef King, whose restaurant O.A.K. Prime was recently recommended by the Michelin Guide, conducted a live demonstration of his signature shrimp and grits dish.
“Being from Myrtle Beach, it’s always special to have the chance to represent my hometown and share the kind of food I grew up around,” said Chef King. “There are a lot of talented people in this culinary community doing great things, and it was an honor to be able to bring a little bit of that to New York.”
The menu included:
- Shrimp and grits with lightly blackened shrimp, smoked andouille sausage, sweet corn, okra, smoked tomato cream and Old Amsterdam gouda grits
- Jumbo lump crab cake with lemon sriracha hollandaise
- Wild exotic mushroom bruschetta with garlic and herbs, roasted shallots, boursin and mascarpone, melted gruyère, shaved reggiano and balsamic glaze
- Pimento cheese biscuits with lavender blueberry jam
Guests also sampled a selection of locally crafted beers from Grand Strand Brewing Company, including the official beer of The Beach, Beach Easy, adding to the flavorful event.
“We wanted people to experience another side of Myrtle Beach through our craft beer scene,” said Christophe Perdu, co-owner of Grand Strand Brewing Company. “Grand Strand Brewing has been part of the energy and growth happening in downtown Myrtle Beach, and it was exciting to share our beers and a taste of our community with such an influential audience in New York.”
Visit Myrtle Beach is the official destination marketing organization for the Myrtle Beach area, promoting the region as a vibrant, welcoming destination made up of 14 unique communities stretching 60 miles along the northeast coast of South Carolina. With a mission to promote, protect and improve the region collectively known as the Grand Strand, Visit Myrtle Beach works to enhance the quality of life for local residents by fostering a sustainable tourism economy that supports local jobs and generates critical funding for public services, schools and infrastructure. For more information, visit VisitMyrtleBeach.com or call (888) Myrtle-1.
