press
Meet Michael Sibert, 2024 South Carolina Chef Ambassador
It was television that first beckoned a young Michael Sibert to explore the wonders of food culture. Hours spent watching cooking shows with his grandmother introduced him at an early age to a world where mouthwatering possibilities could become delicious realities by following her instructions in the kitchen. And there was room for experimentation, too.
“We would get inspiration from the show we were watching, then go in the kitchen and try to re-create that same dish, but with our own touches,” he remembered. “I always admired the creative freedom chefs had on TV. They were like rock stars.”
After years of training at Cornell University and the Culinary Institute of the Carolinas at Greenville Technical College, the one-time fanboy of TV chefs has risen to the ranks of stardom himself. Not only has Chef Sibert appeared on the Food Network and earned accolades for his exceptional culinary talents, but he has been named to the 2024 roster of South Carolina Chef Ambassadors.
Greer, South Carolina, chef to appear on Food Network's 'Guy's Grocery Games'
"The experience of being on Guy’s Grocery Games has given me the opportunity to represent My State, Greer, My Friends and Family," Sibert said in a release.
Sibert will appear on "Guy's Grocery Games" on Wednesday night at 9 p.m.
Sibert is a graduate from Cornell University and was taught by world renowned chefs in New Orleans.
His first executive-chef position came when he was 22 years old.
"They get to see me break down barriers and help build a bridge of hope in my community for the little boys and girls who were told they weren't good enough to do certain things," Sibert said. "I just want them to know anything is possible and hopefully this experience will continue to give me purpose, and opportunities to make an impact in people’s lives."
Sibert is holding a watch party Wednesday night at the Cartwright Food Hall in Greer.
Meet Michael Sibert: 2024 South Carolina Chef Ambassador
From humble beginnings in Greenwood, South Carolina Michael Sibert has emerged as a culinary powerhouse in South Carolina. After growing up watching his grandparents cook for both family and their community, Sibert was inspired to pursue a culinary career. He attended the Culinary Institute of the Carolinas and first made his mark in Greer at White Wine & Butter, a family affair that featured Cajun recipes from his wife’s great-grandmother.
These days, Sibert is making waves with his latest concept: Anonymous Burger, a smash burger joint featuring “conspiracy theory” menu items like the Sasquatch Burger with Area 51 sauce, located in the Cartwright Food Hall in Greer.
“At Anonymous, we offer a hidden menu that keeps guests totally engaged and coming back to try what’s next,” says Sibert. “In a nutshell, the inspiration behind my restaurants is to give my crazy ideals a permanent home and create opportunity for community, friends, and family.”
10 One-Ingredient Upgrades For The Best Thanksgiving Dinner, According To Southern Chefs
If canned cranberry sauce is a custom at your Thanksgiving table (hey, we love it, too!), Michael Sibert, executive chef at White Wine and Butter in Greenville, South Carolina, has a bubbly idea to breathe some extra life into each bite. Round up a bottle of bubbly, then save the rest to sip alongside dinner.
“In a pan, warm a can or cranberry sauce, add 2 tablespoons of orange juice and 2 tablespoons of Prosecco, Champagne, Cava, or sparkling wine, and garnish with orange zest,” Sibert says. “It can be our secret that it came from a can”…or not!
South Carolina chef recognized with statewide honor
An Upstate chef is being recognized for his contributions to the culinary world and the local community with a statewide honor. Chef Michael Sibert, of Greer, has been named one of three 2024 South Carolina Chef Ambassadors.
The Chef Ambassador Program is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
It recognizes South Carolina chefs who highlight the state's culinary traditions and agriculture.