Greenville’s Rising Culinary Stars and Their Top Dining Picks

 

New Era of Greenville’s Food Scene

In recent years, Greenville has transformed into a gastronomic hub, attracting a diverse array of culinary artists. These talents are infusing their unique recipes and techniques into the local food scene, offering residents and visitors alike a taste of uniquely crafted dishes and unforgettable dining experiences.

Among the rising talents, six names now stand out in the exciting culinary landscape, each leaving their imprint in their own distinctive way.

The Dynamic Duo: Chef Tony Luu and Jimmy Nguyen of Potluck

Chefs Tony Luu and Jimmy Nguyen have been making waves in Greenville with their custom five-course private dinners. Their culinary inspirations span across various gastronomic cultures – from Japanese and Vietnamese to French, Italian, and Indian. They are now aspiring to open their own restaurant.

Favorite place to eat: Tony – The One5 Hartness; Jimmy – The Anchorage

The Conservationist: Chef Michael Izzard of Restaurant Lolaceli

An advocate of long-term food preservation techniques like miso, fermentation, and fish aging, chef Michael Izzard leans towards a seafood and vegetable-forward menu at his pop-up restaurant, Restaurant Lolaceli.

Favorite place to eat: Scoundrel

The Pasta Masters: Chefs Beau Owens and Tony Arnold of Tavola

Stepping out from the comfort of downtown Greenville, Beau Owens and Tony Arnold, the talented duo behind Tavola, aims to deliver premium steaks and freshly made pasta at Bridgeway Station. This marks Table 301’s first restaurant venture outside of downtown.

Favorite place to eat: Beau Owens, Greenville Family Restaurant

The Fusion Enthusiast: Chef Aquila Kentish of The Tasti Plate

With a passion for unifying flavors, Chef Aquila Kentish puts her father’s Haitian background and her mother’s Southern roots at the heart of her cooking. The Tasti Plate, her private catering company, is a testament to her culinary prowess in merging Caribbean and Southern flavors.

Favorite place to eat: Mak n’ Cheesecakes, Lewis Barbecue, Island Fusion

The Asian Lover: Chef Rafael Alacantar Jr. of Omni

Rafael Alacantar Jr.’s love for Asian food culture has led him to create Omni, a pop-up dining experience encapsulating the true essence of Seoul street food with influences from his Chicago roots.

Favorite place to eat: Cookout

Greenville’s Next Big Thing: Chef Alex George & Jen Anderson of Take Care

Set to replace the old home of Reds@28 on Pendleton Street in 2025, Alex George and Jen Anderson are planning to launch their fifth retail food establishment, Take Care. The restaurant will serve a selection of vegetable-forward dishes featuring ingredients from local farmers and highlights like handmade pasta, duck, and moose.

Favorite place to eat: Jen Anderson – Sushi Masa Japanese Restaurant