May 22, 2025

Myrtle Beach Chef Advances to Semi-Finals in National Contest

News Summary

Chef Dana West-Abutbol from Myrtle Beach has made it to the semi-finals of a national chef competition, while the city hosts a food truck event featuring diverse culinary offerings. The community is encouraged to support the local chef and participate in a weekend of food enjoyment, which includes the filming of ‘The Great Food Truck Race’. This exciting culinary weekend showcases both local talent and food truck culture, reinforcing Myrtle Beach’s reputation as a foodie destination.

Myrtle Beach Chef Dana West-Abutbol Advances to Semi-Finals of National Competition Amidst Local Food Truck Event

Myrtle Beach is abuzz with excitement as Chef Dana West-Abutbol, owner of Milano Kitchen and Bath Center, has advanced to the semi-finals of a prestigious national chef competition. The voting period for the competition ends this Thursday at 7 p.m., giving the local community an opportunity to rally support for their talented chef.

This weekend also marks the filming of “The Great Food Truck Race,” hosted by Chef Tyler Florence, in Myrtle Beach. The event will feature at least three food trucks competing in a lively atmosphere. The food truck extravaganza is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday, showcasing various culinary delights. Food trucks will be stationed near Plyler Park on Friday, creating an ideal spot for food lovers to gather and enjoy diverse offerings.

Among the featured food trucks is Cooking with Que, known for its vegan and vegetarian dishes, which will operate at Plyler Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. Stop Drop and Roll, specializing in delicious egg rolls and spring rolls, will also be present. Additionally, Good Fortune Co., hailing from Memphis, will serve homemade ramen noodles and dumplings at Plyler Park on Friday and at Tidal Creek Brewhouse on Saturday. Fat Kid Food Co., offering gourmet burgers and sweets, will join the festivities at Plyler Park, followed by a stop at Grand Strand Brewing Co. on Saturday. Furthermore, Stop Drop and Roll will switch locations to The Market Common’s Grand Park starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

While the exact season of “The Great Food Truck Race” being filmed remains unclear, the local community is encouraged to participate by supporting the food trucks and showcasing Myrtle Beach’s vibrant food scene. Compounded with the excitement of Chef West-Abutbol’s journey in the national competition, this weekend is poised to deliver a rich culinary experience to residents and visitors alike.

In related news, Myrtle Beach has produced culinary talents that have excelled on national platforms. Local chef Michael Leonard recently won the 2024 ‘Master Chef’ competition with his remarkable dish featuring truffle tortellini, venison, and a peach cobbler dessert. Representing the Millennial team, Leonard’s victory adds to the local culinary narrative, establishing Myrtle Beach as a hub of gastronomic talent.

Adding to the excitement, a new show titled “Chef Swap at The Beach” is set to premiere in October. This Cooking Channel show will feature local chefs competing head-to-head after swapping kitchens without prior knowledge of their cooking environment or the dishes they need to prepare. Tidal Creek Brewhouse and Big Mike’s Soulfood will be highlighted, offering viewers an engaging look at local culinary expertise. The show will focus on twelve restaurants from the Grand Strand area, airing weekly episodes on Saturday nights starting October 1st at 7 p.m. EST.

As Myrtle Beach continues to gain recognition for its food culture, the community is showcasing its talents and supporting local chefs like Dana West-Abutbol, contributing to the culinary landscape of the region in locally cherished events.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Spring Festivals Bloom in South Carolina
Myrtle Beach Welcomes Record Attendance at 2025 Classic
Myrtle Beach Classic Tournament Progresses Amidst Delays
ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic Set to Attract Golf Enthusiasts
Tyler Duncan Misses Cut at ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic
Mackenzie Hughes Shares Lead at Myrtle Beach Classic
Mackenzie Hughes and Cristobal Del Solar Lead Myrtle Beach Classic
Father-Son Duo Competes at ONEFlight Myrtle Beach Classic
Myrtle Beach Classic Brings Stars to the Greens
Professional Golf Returns to Myrtle Beach with ONEflight Classic

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH

The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!

Stay Connected

More Updates

Retirees playing golf on a beautiful course in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Submit