By Helen Mitternight / Image by Andrew Cebulka

Editor’s Note: Charleston is such a foodie town that food and beverage superstars are hiding in plain sight creating and serving amazing food and drinks. This series profiles Charleston’s “Hidden F&Bs.”

Just a short while later, Dano would become a semi-finalist for best chef in the region when the James Beard Foundation announced its prestigious annual awards.

Bethany Heinze, Co-Owner and General Manager ofVern’stook a moment to catch her breath and talk about how she and her husband, Chef Daniel "Dano" Heinze, opened one of the hottest new restaurants in Charleston. She dished about natural wine and how much she loves working with him but couldn’t pause for long. Just a short while later, Dano would become asemi-finalist for best chef in the regionwhen theJames Beard Foundationannounced its prestigious annual awards.

Bethany’s take

In my refrigerator (three things)

A bottle of something easy to drink, like a chilled red wine; Trader Joe’s spreads and pita chips; and eggs from our chef de cuisine, who has his own farm on Johns Island.

In my pantry (three things)

Momofuku ramen; Kwei Fei chili crisp; and a good soy sauce plus rice wine vinegar.

Comfort food

I grew up in the Midwest and my family is Eastern European, so it’s my mom’s chicken paprikash, served with spaetzle noodles.

Favorite smell

Cedar, anything woodsy.

Favorite drink

Wine as a whole. I could drink a juicy red all day!

Number of hours you work in a week

75-80 hours

Most underrated wine

Maybe it’s because I spent so much time there, but a good Chablis. I don’t think people know the complexity it can have.

Customer pet peeve

When people think we are Trattoria Luca (the old tenant of their location).

Best advice a mentor gave you

It was a woman in California, and she told me to never burn a bridge and to keep your relationships strong.

What’s next

Growing our team and expanding, menu-wise.

Heinz has more to say, and you can listen to her now on thelatest episode of the Hidden F&B podcastbrought to you byCharleston Grit.Tune in directly on the Home Page of the website, the episode link provided, or wherever you get your podcasts. And don't sleep on Vern's. Go before making a reservation at this restaurant with an award-nominated chef is even harder.

Curious who's hiding beyond Charleston? Check out national episodes of the Hidden F&B podcast athelenmitternight.com.