Unity Park on a sunny Sunday in September is sure to be busy, and Sept. 21, 2025 was no exception. The playground was filled with kids, but it was the first time I've seen a line of parents standing on the hill overlooking a closed Michelin Green.

With black tents surrounding the typically open green space and colorful food carts matching the colors on the iconic Unity Park sign, Greenvillians were quick to realize what they were seeing: "Top Chef: Carolinas" was filming, and they happened upon a front-row seat.

A few of you saw me that day (hi, Kaite M. and Sangeeta H.), and I couldn't say a word. But now that the episode finally aired, I'm taking you behind the scenes.

People stand on a grassy hill overlooking the “Top Chef: Carolinas” filming area at Unity Park, watching from behind yellow tape near the playground slides on a sunny afternoon with large clouds overhead. — Greenvillians tried to get a closer look at the action. | Photo by GVLtoday

Small business shoutouts

I got emotional as I walked up to the park that morning, knowing the national spotlight was about to shine on two of my favorite local businesses: Greenville Bike Taxi was ready to transport the Cheftestants to Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery.

Side note: I'm interested to see how our beloved Stecca Bread gets painted in the episode, since each Cheftestant was given a free loaf and it became the centerpiece of multiple dishes, which host Kristen Kish pointed out less than enthusiastically. Did that make the cut? Watch the episode to find out.

What is Video Village?

The production at each filming site is massive. In addition to the cameras and crews you see roaming, key crew members (think: the director and producers) sat inside black tents behind monitors watching everything as it happened live. They're tracking the storylines in real time, deciding what makes the episode and what will be cut. Not to mention, inside the Unity Park welcome center, crews escaped the bright sun and humidity, and "beauty shots" were taken of each Cheftestant's creation on a high-tech contraption that captured HD, 360° views of every dish.

The judges on Michelin Green at Unity Park during filming, smiling and listening as one holds ingredients in hand on a sunny day. — The Try Guys' Rachel Cole and Keith Habersberger stopped by to guest judge. | Photo by: Paul Cheney/Bravo

Stars in town

I'm not sure if The Try Guys had a chance to explore Greenville before or after arriving on a pedicab as guest judges, because as quickly as they rode into the park, they disappeared. Personally, I hope they keep as many of Keith Habersberger's reactions in the episode as possible. As someone who has watched him online for years, he was even funnier in person.

Next up

There's one more Greenville stop for Cheftestants in this week's elimination challenge. They hit Michelin-recommended Topsoil in Travelers Rest for a Michelin-inspired challenge featuring rabbit — an ode to everything in Greenville being named after a Swamp Rabbit. Want a taste for yourself? See how you can join a number of local "Top Chef" experiences.

As "Top Chef's" time in Greenville is winding down, my own time with "Top Chef" is just getting started. I'm excited to share my experience as a diner for a different upcoming episode soon. Stay tuned.