From the helm of one of Charleston's most storied kitchens, Michelle Weaver not only created a culinary legacy, but earned herself the title of South Carolina Chef Ambassador for 2018. Through the initiative, chefs from across the state are selected to promote South Carolina's culinary heritage and local food culture through cooking demonstrations, guest appearances and educational programs.
In her years of serving as executive chef of Charleston Grill, Chef Weaver's culinary aesthetic earned the establishment the distinction of being the most elegant, unforgettable dining experience in a city teeming with great dining. In 2023, she transitioned into an exciting new role as culinary ambassador for Charleston Grill as well as all the restaurants of Charleston Place. In this capacity, she oversees recruitment and training while providing mentorship for new staff and expert direction for recipe and menu development.
In other words, she might not be working the kitchen each day, but her influence is the driving force that keeps these restaurants in the upper echelon of dining experiences.
Chef Weaver's distinctive approach to food was built upon a convergence of pathways taken as she navigated her way to executive chef-hood. A native of Decatur, Alabama, she was raised on the iron-skillet Southern cooking of her mother and, as an adult, mentored by Chef Bob Waggoner during his time in Nashville. Weaver followed him to Charleston Grill in 1997, where she assisted in the kitchen for 11 years, learning the nuances of French-influenced cuisine while developing a love for Lowcountry ingredients. When Waggoner left to pursue other opportunities in 2009, she assumed the position of executive chef.
Here, Weaver shares some insights about herself and her chef philosophies:
