Talkin' 'bout Food

04/09/2026

The Grand Strand's most trusted voice in weather is trading the forecast for a seat at the table.

On Episode 52, we are joined by top meteorologist Ed Piotrowski WPDE and his wife Cindy for a conversation that dives into heritage, tradition, and the local food scene.

Hosted by Richard Florczak, The Private Chef to the Stars.

👉 Listen to Episode 52 wherever you get your podcasts!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4ukz4nUdrWOuAii11Jcz9a?si=zdOtLDqBQ96A2aUkKk2eCw

04/09/2026

Thank you Ed Piotrowski WPDE & Cindy for joining the show!

Check out the episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4ukz4nUdrWOuAii11Jcz9a?si=AIWok7z2SvSia5hH9hq-Ig

So I get invited to be on podcasts quite often but today was the first time Cindy and I did one together. We were honored to join Richard Florczak, former private chef for Tom Cruise, Mel Gibson, Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Garner, on his Podcast, "Talkin' 'bout Food"! It was so much fun and all about food...our favorite subject. You can find this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, etc. Let us know what you think. And thank you, Richard!

03/20/2026

We’re drawing a line between "food influencers" and true community advocates.

On Episode 51, Jason Black joins to discuss the reality of the Grand Strand food scene. Having lived here for over 30 years, Jason isn't just a lover of great food, he is a massive advocate for our privately owned restaurants through his pages JBlack - Out & About, 411 in the 843, and Myrtle Beach Eats.

Plus, Jack Gregory of Murrells Inlet Foodies and Entertainment is back in the studio, and he has a few choice words about the rise of local "food influencers." Jack also gives us the latest on the goings-on at some local restaurants like Dead Dog Saloon and explains why McEisley's Tavern in Murrells Inlet is currently standing out.

Hosted by The Private Chef to the Stars, who brings over 25 years of experience serving Hollywood's A-list; from Tom Cruise to Mel Gibson.

So join the conversation with each episode of Talkin’ ‘bout Food because nothing brings people together like great food.

Notable restaurants mentioned are tagged in the comments!

Episode 51: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0q6JPVpkEkaMBi4wzkzycw?si=o610X1AjTVi8y1pFezBFlw

03/14/2026

03/12/2026

Thank you to Grand Strand Magazine, be sure to check out the article!

As the “private chef to the stars,” Richard Florczak shares stories and interviews of local and regional foodies, along with the occasional celebrity, on his podcast Talkin' bout Food, which streams from Murrells Inlet.

The widely available podcast has originated weekly (more or less) from his garage-turned-studio in Murrells Inlet since September 2024. His focus is on the people, food, and restaurants of the Grand Strand, and less about the stars with whom he worked and traveled: Tom Cruise, Mel Gibson, Kenny Wayne Sheppard, Christina Aguilera, Kevin Nealon, and others.

Learn more on our webpage at https://grandstrandmag.com/feature/private_chef_to_the_stars

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

02/27/2026

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

02/22/2026

You’re going to want to listen to this episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/265DmL5ttL0HmGpVT3uHb9?si=2DSeb3mgSZeIHIZLcvGeaw

02/18/2026

Have you read the latest issue of Grand Strand Magazine?!

The Private Chef to the Stars, Richard Florczak, your host of the Talkin' 'bout Food podcast was recently featured!

Read more: https://grandstrandmag.com/feature/private_chef_to_the_stars

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! 👇