fbpx

2024 World Food Championships | Meet Team Lake Murray Country

October 28, 2024

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The World Food Championships (WFC) are one of the highest-stakes food competitions in the world. This multi-day, live, culinary competition, showcases some of the world’s best cooks who compete for food, fame, and fortune in 12 categories.

Since 2021, the Taste of Lake Murray’s annual 4th of July Celebration fundraiser by Capital City/Lake Murray Country has been the South Carolina Super Regional Qualifier for the World Food Championships. This year 20 chefs from around the region were tasked with producing their best samples for over 800 guests, all of whom got to vote on their favorite flavors of the night to create “Team Lake Murray Country” through a people’s choice process.

Chef Wade Penland was selected to join “Team Lake Murray Country” at the Taste of Lake Murray (TOLM), on Thursday, March 21, 2024. He joins 2x World Food Championships veteran Chef Chris Williams to represent the Palmetto State at the 12th Annual Ultimate Food Fight, scheduled for November 8-12, 2024 in Indianapolis, Illinois.


Chris Williams, an African American man wearing a black shirt, pants, and an apron sits on steps pointing to the words "South Carolina Bacon" Chef Chris Williams | Roy’s Grille | @roysgrille

“It feels amazing to have the opportunity to once again represent Team Lake Murray Country, my restaurant, and my brand at the 2024 WFC. My sights are set on gold this year!”

How long have you been cooking?
I have been cooking since I was 9 years old.

Are you formally trained?
No, I did not go to culinary school or have any formal training.

What is your favorite dish/food?
Seafood!

Have you won any other competitions and awards?
I am a South Carolina Chef Ambassador and placed 5th last year at the WFC in the sandwich category.


Chef Wade Penland stands in front of a wall of wine bottles with a smile and his arms crossed.Chef Wade Penland | The Bistro | @bistro_on_the_blvd

“I am thrilled and humbled to represent Lake Murray Country at the World Food Championships this year,” says Wade Penland, Executive Chef/ Managing Partner of The Bistro and the People’s Choice Winner at this year’s Taste of Lake Murray. “The opportunity to showcase our region is truly an honor that I can’t put into words. I look forward to representing The Bistro well and making our community proud!”

How long have you been cooking?
I’ve been in the restaurant industry for my entire career 20+ years now. Time flies!

What is your favorite dish/food/meal?
That’s tough and probably depends on the day you ask me. I make a killer bolognese with hand-rolled pappardelle, which is one of my favorite things to make for my family for a special occasion. The more everyday answer is really, really good barbecued chicken thighs with whatever vegetables are the most fresh for the season. Last meal? No question – sit me down in front of a talented sushi chef for omakase and I’m a happy guy!


Both chefs bring their unique talents and regional flavors to the WFC, where they will compete for a chance to advance to the Final Table, the World Food Championships title, and $100,000 in prize money. Lake Murray Country has deep ties to the World Food Championships. In April 2022, the Final Table was hosted right here in Columbia, SC, at the University of South Carolina’s McCutchen House, further strengthening the region’s connection to this culinary showdown.

Cheer on Team Lake Murray Country and stay updated on their progress in Indianapolis by following CCLMC on Facebook and Instagram!

About World Food Championships
The World Food Championship is the world’s top food sport competition, where elite cooks compete for fame and fortune across 12 categories, including: Bacon, Barbecue, Burger, Chef, Dessert, Live Fire, Noodle, Rice, Sandwich, Seafood, Soup, and Vegetarian. Since 2012, teams from nearly 40 countries and every U.S. state have competed for a coveted Golden Ticket.


UPDATE November 9, 2024: World Food Championships Results | Team Lake Murray Country

We’re so proud of our local chefs for giving it their all in Indianapolis:

  • Chef Chris Williams (Roy’s Grille) – 13th Place | Rice
  • Chef Wade Penland (Bistro on the Boulevard) 17th Place | Seafood

Their commitment and talent shined on the world stage! Join us in celebrating their hard work and dedication!