This episode was produced in partnership with Discover South Carolina and Charleston Wine + Food. This week on HRN Happy Hour, we’re learning about South Carolina’s culinary scene from the people who know it best: its Chef Ambassadors! Meet Kevin Mitchell and Jamie Daskalis, of Charleston and Myrtle Beach, respectively. They discuss the people, culture, ingredients, and relationships that make South Carolina’s food scene so dynamic. As restaurants and tourism begin to pick back up, they share insights on an industry in recovery and share some timely advice for people looking to plan their next trip to South Carolina’s coast. Chef Kevin Mitchell is one of those rare culinarians whose professional interests far exceed the confines of the kitchen. He truly is a “chef scholar,” with two degrees from the Culinary Institute of America. Mitchell is the first African American Chef Instructor at the Culinary Institute of Charleston, and his work prioritizes the preservation of Southern ingredients and supporting South Carolina’s community of chefs. Chef Jamie Daskalis grew up in restaurants – her father owned and operated four restaurants in New York. Today, she is the brainchild behind the wildly popular Johnny D’s Waffles and Bakery. Daskalis is also passionate about serving her community. As the mother of a child with autism, she routinely hosts events to advocate for others and spread awareness of the condition.