Charleston Chef Selected to Serve as 2023 South Carolina Chef Ambassador

On Thursday, three chefs – including one from Charleston – were appointed South Carolina Chef Ambassadors for 2023. The Holy City’s representative is Chef Marcus Shell of 39 Rue De Jean.

“We’re proud to have these three outstanding chefs represent South Carolina this year as Chef Ambassadors,” Gov. Henry McMaster said. “The incredible culinary skill of these chefs and other chefs like them around our state greatly strengthens our cultural heritage and helps to bring millions of visitors to our state each year.”

Chef Ambassadors represent South Carolina through culinary events and promotional opportunities. This is the ninth year of the program, which was enacted in 2014 to highlight South Carolina as a top culinary destination.

“The Chef Ambassador program is a unique example of collaboration between two industries that drive our economy, bring visitors to South Carolina, and help feed the world,” said Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette.

Chef Shell

South Carolina Chef Ambassadors prepare dishes using Certified South Carolina produce, meats and seafood, supporting local farmers and honoring the state’s food traditions.

“Together, chefs and farmers highlight our state’s agricultural roots and fresh, seasonal foods,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers. “The Chef Ambassador program also helps lift up rural South Carolina and support South Carolina agriculture.”

The 2023 South Carolina Chef Ambassadors are:

Chef Erica McCier
Indigenous Underground | Abbeville, South Carolina
Chef Erica, also known as Chef Trudy, is the owner and executive chef of Indigenous Underground in historic downtown Abbeville. Formerly a schoolteacher, Chef Trudy went to culinary school after overcoming major health setbacks, and went on to open a catering business known as Trudy’s Personal Chef & Catering and co-found Off Tha Hook Seafood & Grill. Her menu at Indigenous Underground mixes Southern food and global influences.

Chef Rob Masone
Kounter | Rock Hill, South Carolina
After building an extensive resume as a chef across the country, Chef Rob returned home to Rock Hill to open Kounter in 2020. The Rock Hill restaurant is home to the historic Friendship Nine Sit-In lunch counter, which has given Chef Rob a landing place for his innovative culinary creations.

Chef Marcus Shell
39 Rue De Jean | Charleston, South Carolina
A New England native with a seafood background and classic French culinary training who graduated from Le Cordon Bleu Boston, Chef Marcus honed his skills in some of Boston’s finer establishments. He is now Executive Chef at Charleston’s beloved French brasserie, 39 Rue de Jean.

To learn more about the program and past Chef Ambassadors, visit discoversouthcarolina.com/chef-ambassadors.

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