Chef Bear Cooking

12/12/2025

I got over 300 reactions on one of my posts last week! Thanks everyone for your support! 🎉

12/11/2025

Sushi! Day 2. Lovin it...

12/10/2025

Hey everyone,

I’m cleaning and organizing the kitchen for The Bear’s Den Kitchen & Eatery, and I could use a little help getting everything ready. If you’re interested in lending a hand, please come by Indigo Mercantile and let me know — we’ll talk about how I can take care of you for helping out.

I’ll be working there Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

Hope everyone is doing well, and happy holidays.

— Curtis “Chef Bear” Hillard

12/10/2025

OPEN INTERVIEWS – NEXT WEEK at Indigo Mercantile

I’m holding open interviews for The Bear’s Den Kitchen & Eatery and Chef Bear Cooking next week, and I’d love to meet talented individuals interested in culinary or service work.

I'm hoping to find a person that I can develop into a kitchen manager for both locations that I'll have for The Bear’s Den.

Location: Indigo Mercantile
Days: Monday & Tuesday
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Positions include service staff and back-of-house support for private dinners, small events, and Bear’s Den operations.

Feel free to stop by during interview hours.
You may also send your resume or a few bullet points about your experience to:
[email protected]

Looking forward to meeting you.

— Curtis “Chef Bear” Hillard
The Bear’s Den Kitchen & Eatery
ChefBearCooking.com

12/10/2025

SEEKING CULINARY & SERVICE TALENT FOR PRIVATE EVENTS
Chef Bear Cooking (my personal chef service) is expanding its roster of trusted professionals who can support clients during private dinners, small gatherings, and intimate events across the Grand Strand and surrounding areas.

I am not hiring employees — instead, I am building a list of independent culinary and service professionals who are interested in being connected with upcoming client events. These opportunities come with advanced notice, clear expectations, and the chance to support high-end, small-format dining experiences (typically under 25 guests).

Opportunities include:
• Event servers / wait staff
• Back-of-house support (set-up, plating, light prep, breakdown)
• Assistance with plated dinners, buffets, and passed hors d’oeuvres

Compensation:
Most events pay $150–$250 per shift, depending on what the client requires from the service team. Additional gratuity may also be provided directly by the client. I coordinate the opportunity and the event details, but you ultimately work for the client during service while assisting me in creating an exceptional experience.

Ideal professionals:
• Strong hospitality mindset and professionalism
• Reliable, punctual, and comfortable in upscale dining environments
• Able to follow direction and maintain high standards
• Experience preferred but not required for the right fit

If you would like to be considered for upcoming opportunities and added to my talent list, please message me your name, phone number, and email.

[email protected]

Thank you,
Curtis “Chef Bear” Hillard
ChefBearCooking.com
The Bear’s Den Kitchen & Eatery

12/10/2025

It's sushi night for me!

12/06/2025

Some of my favorite cooking and life moments over the years, all in one reel.

12/06/2025

THE BEAR’S DEN

Kitchen and Eatery

Opening January inside Indigo Mercantile — Georgetown, SC

I’m excited to introduce THE BEAR’S DEN — Kitchen and Eatery, a new chef-driven pre-order and to-go lunch concept located inside Indigo Mercantile.

Pre-ordering is highly recommended, but walk-ins are always welcome. Guests can even order lunch and enjoy it right inside the mercantile while shopping and supporting Michael’s beautiful store.

Along with lunch service, THE BEAR’S DEN will host Chef Bear pop-up dinners beginning in January and will also serve as the pickup location for charcuterie boards, cheese displays, and specialty trays from Chef Bear Cooking.

More details coming soon — thank you for the continued support, Georgetown.

Thank you, Michael Caldwell forgiven me the opportunity to partner with you in this exciting new venture.

SAMPLE LUNCH MENU
( Menu items are subject to change)
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CROISSANT SANDWICHES

Chicken Caprese Croissant
Roasted chicken, sliced tomato, fresh mozzarella, and basil–lemon pesto on a buttered croissant.

Avocado Delight Croissant
Avocado, sliced tomato, cucumber ribbons, pickled onion, arugula, basil oil, toasted croissant.

Citrus Seafood Croissant
Light seafood salad (shrimp + whitefish), orange zest, celery, herbs, citrus mayo, bibb lettuce on a chilled croissant.

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SANDWICHES

Short Rib French Dip
Braised chuck roast, melted Swiss, caramelized onions on a toasted brioche bun, served with warm au jus.

Crispy Fried Grouper Sandwich
Buttermilk-fried grouper, tomato, shredded lettuce, pickles, tangy coastal tartar, toasted brioche bun.
(Optional: roasted grouper available upon request.)

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SOUP

Soup of the Day
A rotating selection of house-prepared soups featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Announced daily.

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SALADS

Add chicken, salmon, or shrimp to any salad.

Poached Pear Salad
Mixed greens, red-wine–poached pear, crisp prosciutto, candied pecans, crumbled goat cheese,
white balsamic–shallot vinaigrette.

Roasted Beet & Citrus Salad
Aromatic boiled beets, segmented oranges, shaved fennel, arugula, toasted pistachios, honey–citrus vinaigrette.

Green Goddess Bowl
Quinoa, chickpeas, avocado, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, radishes, shaved carrots, toasted seeds,
Green Goddess herb dressing.

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PASTA

Pasta of the Day
Daily rotating pasta based on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Designed for fast pickup and prep-forward ex*****on.

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FEATURED ITEM

Signature Dish of the Day
A rotating entrée created from the freshest seasonal ingredients and local market finds.
Changes daily — announced each morning.

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DESSERTS

Raspberry Frangipane Tart with Lemon Gelato
House-baked tart, almond filling, fresh raspberries, bright lemon gelato.

Chocolate Hazelnut Croissant
Chocolate-drizzled croissant served with warm chocolate dipping sauce and hazelnut gelato on the side.
Perfect to enjoy on site or to take to go.

Cobbler of the Day
Warm, buttery fruit cobbler made from seasonal ingredients — peach, apple, berry, or market mix.
Finished with brown-sugar crumble. Packaged to-go for easy pickup.

12/05/2025

12/05/2025

THE BEAR’S DEN

Kitchen and Eatery

Georgetown, something special is coming this January.
I’m thrilled to announce the opening of THE BEAR’S DEN — Kitchen and Eatery inside Indigo Mercantile, a chef-driven lunch concept built around convenience, quality, and community.

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✔ Pre-Order Encouraged — Walk-Ins Welcome

Pre-ordering is highly suggested for the fastest service, but walk-in orders are absolutely welcome. Whether you're a local professional, small business, or someone browsing Georgetown, we’ll make sure you’re taken care of.

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✔ Elevated To-Go Lunches, Enjoyed Inside Indigo Mercantile

Expect chef-crafted croissant sandwiches, braised classics, seasonal soups, vibrant salads, rotating pastas, and house-made desserts — all packaged for efficient pickup.

Shoppers and visitors at Indigo Mercantile can order lunch and enjoy it right inside the store, turning the space into a comfortable, inviting lunch spot.
While you’re there, feel free to browse and support Michael’s beautiful mercantile shop — great food and local shopping, all under one roof.

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✔ January Pop-Up Dinner — First of Many

THE BEAR’S DEN — Kitchen and Eatery will also host Chef Bear pop-up dinners, with the first one planned for January. These intimate evenings will showcase refined, seasonal dishes in the warm and unique setting of Indigo Mercantile.

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✔ Charcuterie Boards, Cheese Displays & Specialty Trays (Pre-Order)

Through Chef Bear Cooking, I’ll also be offering pre-order charcuterie boards, cheese displays, and specialty trays, all available for pickup at Indigo Mercantile.

Perfect for:
• Office lunches & client meetings
• Real estate open houses
• Holiday celebrations
• Girls’ nights & small gatherings
• Hostess gifts & special events

This gives Georgetown flexible, high-quality chef-prepared options beyond lunch service.

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✔ Supporting ChefBearCooking Private Chef Services

THE BEAR’S DEN — Kitchen and Eatery will double as the production kitchen for my private chef services, allowing me to expand offerings across Georgetown, Pawleys Island, Litchfield, and Myrtle Beach.

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Thank you all for the incredible support. I’m excited to bring something meaningful, delicious, and community-focused to Georgetown through this partnership with Indigo Mercantile.

(Stock Photos)