A year in the making, the first in a series "Mystery Chef Dinner" will actually happen.

Live. In a restaurant. 

Given the current pandemic and social guidelines, precautions are being taken for the first event, taking place at Root in the City of Georgetown. The restaurant is located at 919 Front Street.

"It's a simple concept, but exciting," event organizer Jamie Sanderson said. "It's taking a team of like-minded individuals to come together and plan this. We've been at it for a few months now with origination and process flow. I think we have the potential to establish a great first impression."

The concept has two chefs entering a restaurant or eatery in Georgetown County. These two chefs are unknown to the guests and the chefs have no clue on who they are serving. There will be limitations with seating and amount of guests during the pandemic. 

The chefs will prepare a three-course meal each that includes an appetizer, entrée and dessert. This means a guest will get two three-course meals to enjoy. While the guests wait in between servings, Sanderson will be providing interactive commentary and dialogue both in person and live streaming on social media.

"It's going to have an entertainment value. I'll be jazzing it up, hyping the chefs to the attendees, talking about dishes, and asking folks who they think is back in that kitchen. I might even try and get a peek back there. They might stop me, but I'll try," Sanderson said.

The guests will be provided a menu as they are seated. It will be in a Chef A / Chef B format. The guests will not know ahead what they are being served and the chefs will not know each other's menu until the event starts.   

This will be the first chef's spotlight installment since the pandemic started. We feel this person was the best choice to reintroduce the series.

Chef Chelsea Cribb has many years experience in the culinary industry. She's been at numerous restaurants and has put her touch on dishes that wowed customers. Unfortunately, those restaurants didn't last.

It was with Chef Greg Metcalfe of SoCo Grille and SoCo Marina Grille that Cribb found a home at the former Southern Comforts, Southern Dining and Seafood Shack eatery in The Hammock Shops, located in Pawleys Island. 

With his tutelage, she began to grow her technique and become more confident in who she was. It was also during this time she participated in culinary events with Metcalfe, like the Family Justice Center's Taste of Georgetown and Friendship Place's Cooking with Friends. 

But, again, she was faced with a restaurant closure. Metcalfe had seen it through in Pawleys Island and felt the need to come to the City of Georgetown. This time, Cribb was part of the package.

So, in May 2020, and during a pandemic, Metcalfe opened SoCo Grille on Front Street. Cribb was again back at it and finding her voice in the kitchen. And Metcalfe noticed.

Soon, he opened another restaurant, SoCo Marina Grille, at the Belle Isle Marina Yacht Club. It was then he realized what he must do.

After ups and downs in her career, Cribb was promoted head chef at SoCo Grille. She would now be leading the culinary brigade with her flavors and style. 

Don't worry. Greg is still around. 

But he knows the restaurant at Front Street isn't going anywhere but up. It's in good hands. 

Thank you Chef Chelsea Cribb for being part of Georgetown's culinary adventure. Go by and visit her at 619 Front Street, and click the button below for SoCo Grille's Facebook page. 

Mark it down.

Saturday, September 19, 2020, was the last day Incredible Edibles Bakery at 10126 Ocean Highway served you baby cakes, coffee or cupcakes. Yup, the retail side has closed.

At least until they get situated at their new location in Sweetgrass Center at 11326 Ocean Highway, Unit 3.

The bakery will still entertain orders for birthday and wedding cakes, but you have to call them at 843-237-5040 for details and limitations. 

The next week or two, the crew will be moving into their new digs. Both Heather Angus, head pastry chef, and Holly Braddock, assistant pastry chef and decorator, are truly excited with their new - and bigger - kitchen area. 

Below, you can see the roughing in of the main area of the new bakery café.

The retail side will be larger and incorporate a sitting area both inside and out. Owner Nancy Carr will have a dedicated area for wedding cake consultations, too.

The atmosphere will be comforting and inviting. The staff are striving to make a true customer experience that takes your breath away each time, with naturistic visuals and delightful aromas.  

Stay tuned. There will be more news coming regarding the new location. For now, we congratulate the entire staff on growing out of their old location and reaching greater heights. 

Any foodie who is an avid Food Network fan knows September means the start of Halloween-themed shows. We love Halloween Wars.

But, this season's Halloween Baking Championship will feature Incredible Edibles' Holly Braddock, an executive pastry chef. She recently traveled to California to film the series.

Braddock has been with the bakery, located in Pawleys Island, for more than a year now. She works with Nancy Knarr, chef and owner, and Heather Angus, pastry chef. 

Season six's first episode entitled "Haunted Housewarming" airs September 14 at 9 p.m. on Food Network.