A man who whips up fine Italian and fresh local produce, seafood and meat by the stomach-full in downtown Sumter was chosen to represent South Carolina in an effort to entice tourism and promote agriculture. Raffaele Dall'Erta, the executive chef at Hamptons and its upstairs bar, Rafters, was named one of four participants in the 2020 South Carolina Chef Ambassador Program.

Chefs from across the state are nominated each year, and selections are based on the "quality of their provisions and their dedication to incorporating healthy, locally grown ingredients into their menus," according to an announcement from Gov. Henry McMaster, S.C. Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers and S.C. Parks, Recreation and Tourism Director Duane Parrish.