Greenville’s food‑scene gets a boost this week as former Top Chef Carolinas contestant Laurence Louie returns to the Upstate for a one‑night dinner at Sum Bar on Nov. 1. The event, part of Louie’s post‑show tour, gives local diners a chance to taste the chef’s signature style while celebrating the city’s growing reputation for innovative cuisine.
Why Greenville?
Louie, who grew up in Quincy, Massachusetts—a town comparable in size to Greenville—said the city’s family‑friendly atmosphere drew him back. “The splash pads at Unity Park and the vibe on Main Street make it feel like home for my family,” he explained.
From community organizer to chef
Before he ever picked up a kitchen knife, Louie spent five years working as a community organizer in Boston’s Chinatown with the Chinese Progressive Association, a nonprofit focused on youth leadership. After a year of soul‑searching in China, he pivoted to food, seeing it as a natural extension of community building and fundraising.
His culinary résumé includes a five‑year stint in London under acclaimed chef Selin Kiazim, where exposure to British‑Chinese culture deepened his appreciation for his own Chinese‑American heritage. “Living abroad pushed me to a new level of self‑awareness,” Loui e said, noting that the experience informs the nostalgic flavors he strives to recreate for his guests.
Sum Bar partnership
Louie first met Sum Bar owner Khailing Neoh when she appeared as a guest on Top Chef. He praised the restaurant’s “second‑generation Chinese‑American food” as a fresh take that isn’t common elsewhere. Neoh echoed the sentiment, highlighting their shared immigrant‑child narrative and the challenge of choosing a culinary path over a corporate career.
Tickets for the dinner are available through Resy.com. In addition to the tasting menu, Louie and Neoh will host a meet‑and‑greet on Oct. 31 at 10 a.m., where they will unveil a new menu item—a bolo bun filled with chrysanthemum tea custard—that will join Sum Bar’s lunch offerings.
Local impact
The event underscores Greenville’s appeal as a destination for nationally recognized chefs and reinforces the city’s reputation for supporting diverse, family‑oriented dining experiences. It also provides a platform for local food lovers to engage directly with culinary talent, fostering community connections that extend beyond the plate.
For residents looking for a memorable night out, the dinner promises not only exceptional food but also a celebration of the city’s vibrant cultural tapestry.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
