Social Wine Restaurant + Bar at 188 East Bay Street in downtown Charleston is thrilled to introduce a new talent in the kitchen. The new downtown hot spot recently hired Mark Kaufman as Executive Chef. Kaufman brings several years of culinary experience to the table and has worked in several big name kitchens around the country.

After graduating from the prestigious Culinary Institute of New Orleans in 2001, Kaufman was hired as sous chef at the historic Palace Café in New Orleans, owned and operated by Dickie Brennan of the famed New Orleans restaurant family. In 2004, he headed over to Emeril’s, another much-loved New Orleans institution, where he worked as sous chef. A stint out west followed, where Kaufman worked as sous chef and later executive chef at restaurants in Oregon and California.

Coming back to the east coast, Kaufman returned to New Orleans to cook once again at Emeril’s, where he was part of the post-Hurricane Katrina culinary rebuilding team, a highly rewarding experience. In 2006, Kaufman decided on a move to Charleston to join the bustling downtown culinary scene. As banquet chef at the highly acclaimed Magnolia’s, Kaufman was responsible for overseeing all banquet operations, as well as training new chefs and assisting in seasonal menu writing.

As Executive Chef at Social, Kaufman lends his culinary expertise and experiences in kitchens around the country as he prepares flavorful, seasonal dishes and gourmet wood-fired pizzas. To contact Social Restaurant + Wine Bar please call 843.577.5665 or visit www.socialwinebar.com.