Local Chef Wins Big at South Beach Wine & Food Festival

By Robin Gibson

Chef Ray's winning dish? Pastrami Ham with WAFU Salad.

Exciting news out ofHusk Charleston—this past weekend, the storied restaurant's Executive Chef Ray England was crowned Grand Finalè Heritage Hero Champion at theFood Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF).Chef Ray first was named Heritage Hero in December atHeritage Fire Festival’s Charlestonevent. He then traveled to South Beach this past weekend to compete against other “Hero” chefs from across the country for the grand title. SOBEWFF took place February 22-25, 2024, in Miami, Florida. The cherry on top? He also celebrated his 40^th birthday on Sunday!

Image Provided by Heritage Fire Festival

Chef Ray's winning dish? Pastrami Ham with WAFU Salad. SOBEWFF Goya Food's Heritage Fire Grand Finale was hosted by Pitmaster Chris Lilly and Chef Fernando Desa as part of the Hangar Series presented by Capital One. Twelve nationwide champions gathered for the ultimate showdown as Pitmaster Lilly and Chef Desa determined who served the best bite of the day. Each dish was judged on presentation, taste and creativity, and Chef Ray came out on top. 

Congratulations, Chef. Our mouths are watering.Charleston Wine + Food Festivalkicks off next week. See you there, and happy belated birthday!