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  • BEST FOOD PODCAST
  • James Beard Awards
  • Webby Awards

The Single Mom Who Changed Myrtle Beach Dining Gets Her Due

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Aug 28, 2026
The Single Mom Who Changed Myrtle Beach Dining Gets Her Due

When Dan had to plan his mom’s big 80th birthday dinner, he knew just where to take the whole family: Myrtle Beach, SC. The group of ten celebrated at Hook and Barrel, a sustainable seafood and wine restaurant owned by restaurateur Heidi Vukov, who’s a legend in Myrtle Beach. She started out as a single mom who opened a small bakery, and 31 years later became the city’s first James Beard semifinalist. Dan also takes his wife and kids to Tidal Creek Brewhouse, known for its ales, its burgers, and — believe it or not — their menu for dogs. 

This episode is sponsored by Visit Myrtle Beach. The city has more than 2,000 restaurants along 60 miles of beaches, and is now one of the major food destinations in the south. So plan your trip today!

The Sporkful production team includes Dan Pashman, Emma Morgenstern, Andres O'Hara, Kameel Stanley, and Jared O'Connell. Additional production on this episode by Grace Rubin. 

Interstitial music in this episode by Black Label Music:

  • "Happy Jackson" by Kenneth J. Brahmstedt
  • "Slightly Carbonated" by Erick Anderson
  • "Loud" by Bira
  • "My Little Friend" by Kenneth J. Brahmstedt
  • "Layers" by Erick Anderson

Photo courtesy of Hook and Barrel.

Right now, Sporkful listeners can get three months free of the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/sporkful. Get all your favorite podcasts, more than 200 ad-free music channels curated by genre and era, and live sports coverage with the SiriusXM app.

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