food

An Upstate chef is being recognized for his contributions to the culinary world and the local community with a statewide honor. Chef Michael Sibert, of Greer, has been named one of three 2024 South Carolina Chef Ambassadors. The Chef Ambassador Program is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. It recognizes South Carolina chefs who highlight the state’s culinary traditions and agriculture. “Just being a part of this amazing class to help talk about agriculture here in South Carolina and promote the local chefs who are really good and what they do,” he said. “And let people know that South Carolina, we can cook some good food out here.”The chefs were appointed and recognized by Governor Henry McMaster, Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weather and Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Director Duane Parrish.”The Chef Ambassador program celebrates two important sectors of our booming economy agribusiness and tourism,” Gov. McMaster said. “Our state’s outstanding culinary talent contributes to the rich cultural heritage and quality of life that makes South Carolina unique and attractive to all. Our newest class of Chef Ambassadors represent our mountains, Midlands, and coast, adding to the top-tier talent that this program has spotlighted over the past 10 years.”Sibert is the chef and owner of White Wine and Butter, Anonymous Burgers and the soon-to-open Hendrix Chicken and Waffles in Greer. Sibert is a Greenwood native and says that representing his home state with this new title is an honor.”It’s like, an extra incentive to represent my state,” he said. “I’m a big Carolina fan. I have South Carolina in front of my name now. You know, South Carolina state ambassador.” But, being appointed a South Carolina Chef Ambassador is not Sibert’s only honor. In 2023, he was awarded the key to the city of Greer by Mayor Rick Danner.”That’s just pretty cool. I’m shaking hands with the mayor. Shaking hands with the governor. And now Im getting to travel all over South Carolina and outside of South Carolina just to do what I love, which is food,” he said. Sibert’s talents have also taken him to national television. He has appeared on Food Network’s hit cooking competition show “Guy’s Grocery Games.””When I heard ‘Guy’s Grocery Games’, I said, ‘Yeah we’re on that. Anything I gotta do, I will be on that show,'” he said.Sibert says his business had a wedding on the books during the time of filming, but the bride changed her wedding date so he could appear on the Food Network Show. “She was just so helpful in allowing us to have that opportunity to get on national television and represent the State of South Carolina,” he said. Along with representing his home state, Sibert another one of his favorite parts of being a chef is inspiring children.Beginning next month, he is launching a new healthy eating workshop with The Childrens Museum of the Upstate to inspire kids to have fun in the kitchen while eating healthier. “I love the kids. I love doing anything to help the kids get to the next level because that’s where it starts,” he said. “That’s our future with the children.”He also has a heart for his community. Every holiday season, Sibert’s business gives back to neighbors in need. “When you book with us and buy your turkeys and holiday meals with us, we donate a portion back into the community, and we give out meals to people in an area who need it,” he said. “That’s where my heart is. Just knowing that I can help make sure somebody in need has a hot meal. I always want to make sure people are fed. Thats just the love of food my passion for helping people.”