All right, let’s set the table. Tell us who you are and what you do?

I’m Chef Jamie Daskalis from Johnny D’s Waffles and Benedicts with three locations. One in Surfside, Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach.

What sparked your love for food? 

I grew up in the restaurants, literally running behind the counters and all. At the age of 13 I started working and learning the operations. When I was finished with high school, I wasn’t quite sure what route i wanted to take as far as education. One day I was in the kitchen watching my father prepare a Spanakopita and in that moment, I felt like I wanted to go to Culinary School. With speaking to my father about i decided that i will learn the baking & Pastry program that the culinary institute of America offered. Upon completing and receiving my degree, I decided i enjoyed cooking far more. i became fascinated with creating different flavor combinations and the importance of texture. My pallet was expanding so quickly in such an approachable way and I was able to gain the trust of my customers slowly and with each successful dish, i couldn’t help but keep going and keep learning to perfect my menu.

Do you consider yourself a chef, cook, a foodie, a flavor chaser?

Honestly? All of the above. I’m a chef—I run the kitchen and keep things moving. But when it comes to creating, I’m a cook first. I don’t take myself too seriously, I just love making good food. Foodie? For sure. There’s nothing better than finding something amazing while out exploring. And “flavor chaser” totally fits—I’m always chasing that next great combo that makes people say, “Wow.”

First dish you ever fell in love with — making or eating?

I am obsessed with Chicken cutlets… I’m not saying mine are the best… but I’m also not sure I’ve ever had better, just saying! My love for chicken cutlets started when I was a teenager visiting my best friend’s house. Her mom used to make them by the plateful, and I’d eat them all evening long—cold, right off the counter. There was something so comforting and addictive about them. Eventually, I started making my own, and it became one of those dishes I’m constantly perfecting, even years later

 What’s a food memory that shaped your taste?

I don’t think it was just one moment—it’s more like a patchwork of memories and experiences that have shaped how I eat and create. I’ve always paid close attention to texture, flavor, how something hits the palate, and of course, presentation. Every time I try a new dish, I notice what stands out. Was it a surprising crunch? A hint of sweetness? An unexpected ingredient? I take those little moments and try to apply them to everything I make. It’s less about replicating flavors and more about translating what made a dish memorable into something that’s my own.

Describe your food vibe in 3 words.

Comforting- everything part of the dish, gracefully thought about to enrich each bite, showing off my care for my guests.

Elevating- I love classic dishes with a new twist or flavor, paying attention to textures and opposite flavor profiles

Trustworthy- my food is consistent earning people’s trust. I don’t chase trends and I build a menu that people return for time and time again

Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions Chef! See the whole Podcast on Youtube here: Brought You A Bite, Babe, Episode 1 with Chef Jamie Daskalis from Johnny D’s Waffles