The Private Chef

Richard Florczak spent 25 years working as a private chef for Hollywood's elite. Working 2 years for Tom Cruise and 13 years with Mel Gibson.

Chef Florczak settled here in the Grand Strand. He hosts the local podcast, "Talkin' 'bout Food."

03/07/2026

to when The Private Chef to the Stars headed out to Aynor to visit a three-generation legacy and learned the science behind a local coastal delicacy!

On Episode 23, David Dorman, owner of Palmetto Farms Country Store, schools us on what it takes to produce some of the finest grits in South Carolina.

Plus, local harvester Peter Gerace explains the process, the science, and the proper way to cook that seasonal favorite: soft shell crab.

With over 25 years of experience serving Hollywood's A-list, Chef Richard knows that whether he is on a film set in Rome or a farm in Aynor, the best meals always start with elite local ingredients.

Catch up on all episodes of Talkin' 'bout Food today!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6rRppHHtacFxrJGXNL4Cl8?si=QNO0cNXhRn2OVytd4ITN2g

02/28/2026

This week, joining The Private Chef to the Stars in conversation is Sophia Edens, widely recognized as The Content Food Critic.

She sits down to discuss the local restaurants currently worth the wait (Martini Classic Food Spirits & Entertainment, Russell's Seafood Grill and Raw Bar, and donuts from Parlor Doughnuts & Blondiez Donuts) and her latest essential kitchen gear.

👉 Listen to the full 50th episode wherever you get your podcasts.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/265DmL5ttL0HmGpVT3uHb9?si=pWHi1nUkT-S-1mhzu98IQw

02/22/2026

This week on Talkin' 'bout Food, the spotlight is on the discipline and craft of Chef Vincent Pellat. At only 33 years old, Pellat is already recognized as a rising force in the gastronomic world, having built an elite resume in the most prestigious hotels in Paris and at the world-renowned Ecole Ritz Escoffier, Ritz Paris

Chef Pellat recently brought that high-level French expertise to the Grand Strand, leading an exclusive, week-long master class in advanced culinary arts for the students at the International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach

👉 Listen to the full interview:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/265DmL5ttL0HmGpVT3uHb9?si=2DSeb3mgSZeIHIZLcvGeawt

02/10/2026

It’s an anniversary celebration in the Talkin' 'bout Food studio! 🥂

This week, Richard welcomes back Lisa and Bennie Blackwell, the powerhouse duo behind Palm 33 Restaurant in Murrells Inlet. They are officially approaching their first year in business, and they’re sharing the highlights, the ups and downs (mostly ups) of their first 365 days.

👉 Listen to the full interview on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2lAjf7cOBT4rLi1sSjJcCS?si=WFyiAOKsRuyr1Adqf9qv3A

Have you visited Palm 33 yet? Wish Lisa and Bennie a "Happy Anniversary" in the comments! 👇

01/29/2026

It’s a packed house in the Talkin' 'bout Food studio this week!

First, we’re celebrating with Anthony Ludovici-DeBrigida of Anto’s Pizza Romana. He’s fresh off a trip to Rome where he took home first place for his incredible focaccia. He shares what it’s like representing Conway on the world stage.

Then, we shift gears to the reality of the food truck business. Chef Meredith Herman of The gnosh pit joins us for an honest conversation about the "tougher road" and the many hurdles she’s navigated recently.

Hosted by The Private Chef to the Stars, Richard Florczak. Because whether it’s Hollywood A-listers or local legends, the topic is always the same: Great Food.

👉 Listen to the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0N1iGxiqPbegOxtOQkrj5V?si=3dzY_G58R5mCeTgNE2bAsw

01/15/2026

On Episode 39, The Private Chef to the Stars sat down with Chef Curtis Hillard, AKA Chef Bear Cooking, to deconstruct his approach to proper plate composition and presentation.

We also sat down with Laura Smith, a mother, an IRS tax agent, and now a student at HGTC International culinary academy at age...68.

Find the link to this episode in the comments & catch up on all episodes of Talkin' 'bout Food today!

01/09/2026

to when we were educated on preparing boiled peanuts from two local natives and had an incredible conversation with Oscar Chavez, owner of Microledon Farm!

On Episode 25, Two local natives school The Private Chef to the Stars on the proper way to cook boiled peanuts.

Plus, Microledon Farm owner, Oscar Chavez, discusses how he started and how he became one of the best micro greens growers on the Grand Strand.

Chef Richard goes on a rant about the dangers of leaving scathing restaurant reviews.

Catch up on all episodes of Talkin' 'bout Food today!

01/01/2026

Episode 47 is LIVE🙌

Christine Bonaparte, wife of acclaimed chef Joe Bonaparte, explains the ups and downs of being married to a chef.

Also featured, Jack Gregory, owner of Murrells Inlet Foodies and Entertainment talks about some of his favorite restaurant experiences throughout 2025 and one not so favorite.

Restaurants Mentioned:
Sol
Hiyashi sushi
El Chepo
Atmosphera
Grumpy Mustache
Palm 33
Sarah J’s
Neal’s Creekhouse
Litchfield restaurant

LISTEN HERE: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4W3oIVQ9YxiGduNWkHi8yB?si=Y_wreSj_REm80cvxb2PjPQ

11/23/2025

Chef Jerrett “JK” King is back and this time, O.A.K Prime Kitchen and Bar has a MICHELIN Guide Recommendation to talk about.

From his early conversation with the show in Episode 5 to earning the only Michelin nod on the Grand Strand, it’s a full-circle moment worth hearing.

Plus, pastry talent Sundy Barth, newly graduated from International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach, talks about stepping into the kitchen at Croissants Bistro and Bakery and finding her place in the pastry world.

🎙️Episode 46 of Talkin’ ‘bout Food — catch the full breakdown on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/26hCTdGqOT92TkslmP3mC5?si=d4k86nj6TbS73FLgaGrQwQ

11/09/2025

Morning talk show host of The Liz Callaway Show on Talk 94.5 and her husband Javier Lopez join The Private Chef to the Stars in studio to share some of their favorite restaurants across the Grand Strand.

PLUS… after being turned away last week, Chef Richard finally made it inside Luvan’s Old South Fish Camp in Conway. Was it worth the wait?

DON’T MISS: A helpful cooking tip for the home cook!

🎧 https://open.spotify.com/episode/1FqvkVyZL5HR95lAa3g0Lt?si=FZjPccyXSoe2nZLWDboB_Q

10/25/2025

What happens when The Private Chef to the Stars sets out for “just one dinner”…he ends up on a full-blown quest for a restaurant in City of Conway, SC.

From Luvan’s Old South Fish Camp to Anto’s Pizza Romana & Italian Market, Crooked Oak Tavern, River City Café, to ending up at Rivertown Bistro.

Also joining the show: David McGaha (The Snack Guy) who shares his endless hunt for the best snacks around town and why his recommendations have locals talking.

Restaurants to keep on your radar ⬇️

Segment 1:
Luvan’s Old South Fish Camp
Anto’s Pizza Romana
Crooked Oak Tavern
Rivertown Bistro

Segment 2:
Arepa’s
Caribbean Jerk
Hop n’ Which
Whitaker’s
Shanti’s
Leone’s
Bonfire Taqueria
Papa’s Convenience

Local Favorites Mentioned:
Costco Hot Dogs • Anto’s Pizza • Greg’s Cabana Burgers • Oliver’s Biscuits • Donzel’s Breakfast • Project Smash Burger • Wicked Tuna Burgers • Dumpling & Seafood • Stella’s Ice Cream • Crazy Mason Ice Cream • The Freeze Ice Cream

Link in caption 🎧

10/14/2025

Episode 42 is live!🤌

Grand Strand Magazine writer, Paul Grimshaw, joins The Private Chef to the Stars to talk about the October issue of Best of the Grand Strand Restaurants 2025.

With over two decades of food writing experience, Paul shares his insight on what makes these restaurants stand out. He’s joined by Sophia Edens (The Content Food Critic) for her perspective on some of the winning spots and what truly defines “the best” on the Grand Strand.

🎧 Listen now: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4jUqSmDtaBLSnsTqxsWKE4?si=DJs80MZ9Tqe3CixAunvXWg

Address

Murrells Inlet, SC
29576

Website

http://www.theprivatecheftothestars.com/

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