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.

"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.

Michael Sibert, Chef Mike as he is known, owns White Wine and Butter in Greer. Traditional Cajun and Creole flavor combined with high-end food preparation and authenticity are the hallmarks of his unique restaurant concept. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of the Carolinas at Greenville Technical College, Sibert has created his path to success in his career and life by learning, taking risks, staying true to himself, and, oh, making an appearance on the Food Network.

Sibert found an early love of food through the kitchen and cooking experiences shared with his grandparents. All of their family gatherings were centered around food, and with a variety of backgrounds and styles of cooking in the family, his grandparents helped him love it all. His grandmother introduced him to the Food Network. They would watch it all day, and when his grandmother saw something she liked, they went shopping and made it the next day.

“My earliest memory of being in the kitchen is watching my grandfather cook outdoors on his big grey barrel grill and seeing him mopping sauce over different cuts of meat and whole animals, primal style,” says Sibert.

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.