Welcome to The IncrEDIBLE Discourse, where Chef Mark Grigsby dives deep into the heart of culinary passion, purpose, and technique. In this episode, we tackle a Southern classic: shrimp and grits. Chef Mark explores this dish’s roots, from its humble beginnings as “shrimp and hominy” in Charleston, SC, to his own creative twist, walking you through each flavorful step with tips on everything from selecting ingredients to mastering spice blends. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here. But this episode isn’t just about a recipe—it’s about the skills behind every great dish. Chef Mark emphasizes the importance of mastering core techniques, like controlling heat, handling knives, and organizing a workspace, all of which can elevate any recipe. With relatable anecdotes and humor, he shares why skills are essential, often more so than simply following a recipe, to achieve consistent, quality results. You’ll also hear tales from the kitchen trenches, including the lessons Chef Mark learned from mentors and how he found his path to becoming a chef. Finally, Chef Mark reflects on what it truly means to be a chef. Beyond the culinary knowledge and technical ability, being a chef is about passion, responsibility, and creating meaningful experiences for others. With vivid stories of his journey, he delves into the dedication, creativity, and drive that fuel his life in the kitchen. Tune in to hear Chef Mark’s unique take on culinary life, learn some valuable skills, and, of course, discover how to make his incredible version of shrimp and grits. Whether you’re here for the recipe or the real talk about life in the culinary world, there’s something in this episode for you!