2 February 2023
The particular chef of Market upon Main, whose sense associated with taste was altered throughout a bout of cancer within 2022, has been named the particular South Carolina Restaurant and Accommodations Association’s Chef of the Yr. “This time last year, I had been doing chemotherapy and the radiation so (winning this) was obviously a good (surprise), ” mentioned Howard Stephens, the in long run chef of the upscale eating place in downtown Columbia. Stephens was diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma, a form of malignancy in the mouth, in December 2021. He battled the disease for years before returning to work in your kitchen in May 2022. When this individual returned, he said their taste — specifically their ability to decipher seasoning plus handle certain spices — had changed. The cooking, who has spent more than 30 years in the restaurant industry, worked at Market on Major since its inception within 2019, owner Josh Willoughby told Free Times. “(At the restaurant) we all know Howard’s great, ” Willoughby stated. “We’ve already known that will, but it’s nice to get it recognized. ” Within the 30-plus years that Stephens has worked as a chef, your dog is been in restaurants’ like fine-dining Five Points establishment Saluda’s and the now-closed Tony’s Pizzas. Stephens started his eating place career in college, as being a bartender and line prepare at Tony’s. The Cook of the Year Award is certainly given by the state’s Eating place and Lodging Association and it is among more than a dozen additional awards that include Restaurant Bartenders of the Year and Restaurateur of the Year. The honours, dubbed Stars of the Sector awards, “celebrate the outstanding professionalism and outstanding services of top individuals within the hospitality industry, ” based on the association. Bourbon and Dark Rooster chef-owner Kristian Niemi, a longstanding restaurant proprietor in Columbia, was chosen as the South Carolina Restaurant plus Lodging Association’s Restaurateur from the Year. Outside of Niemi’s famous restaurants in West Columbia and downtown Columbia, the particular restaurateur will soon open up another spot in the Windows vista — an Asian little plates restaurant and club — called The Dragon Space. Niemi was inducted in to the Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Hall of Fame past due last year, along with other Columbia restaurateurs Ricky Mollohan of Mister. Friendly’s New Southern Caf? and Brian and Kelly Glynn of Village Fool Pizza. Manager of Halls Chophouse Columbia, Ryan Jones, was awarded Restaurant Supervisor of the Year. Jones continues to be with the upscale Charleston-based steakhouse for five of the 20-plus years he’s been in the particular restaurant industry. The Maryland-native started out in the restaurant market in high school, washing meals and prepping salads. “It’s a huge accomplishment, but We couldn’t do it without the assistance of Halls Management Team. Our staff in Columbia are amazing, ” Jones stated. “I’m proud of the effect we’ve made on the town, providing a great place to function and curate a wonderful eating experience for our guests. “In past years, recognition meant for Columbia restaurant and food folks has included previous Hampton Street Vineyard proprietor Hernan Martinez, who received the Outstanding Sommelier Prize in 2022 and Bourbon’s Kat Hunter, who gained Restaurant Bartender of the Calendar year in 2021. This year’s winners, from Columbia plus across the state, will be privileged at an evening gala within Charleston on Feb. twenty.