Derick Wade

Derick Wade’s culinary journey is a testament to his deep-rooted passion for food, which can easily be attributed to the cherished moments spent in his grandmother’s kitchen. From a young age, Wade recognized the power of food and its ability to bring people together. Today, he exemplifies this notion in everything he does, both within and outside of the kitchen. 

When he assumed the role of Executive Chef at The Darling Oyster Bar in Charleston, SC, Wade’s dedication to delivering an unparalleled dining experience coupled with procuring the freshest selection of seafood and ingredients for The Darling’s guests, quickly reached beyond the plate. Wade works to establish long-lasting relationships with the oyster farms The Darling partners with, aligns with corporations that reinforce The Darling’s charitable pillar, and is proud to be one of the leading contributors to the Department of Natural Resources in their efforts to rebuild the southeast’s coastlines. Most recently, Wade has joined the Oyster Master Guild and is working on attaining his Oyster Master Certified™ Oyster Sommelier certification. 

A Wisconsin native, Wade’s love for food extends globally, as he enjoys traveling to experience diverse cultures and cuisines. With over 15 years of culinary experience, Wade has gained valuable experience in 5-star resorts around the world, showcasing his culinary prowess from Alaska to Russia, Hawaii to Bulgaria, South America to Peru, and back home in the States. Furthermore, Wade has recruited and trained interns from various prestigious culinary schools, contributing to the growth of future talents within the industry. As a seasoned chef in the ever-evolving culinary scene of Charleston, Wade’s team-focused mentality, expansive culinary knowledge, and passion for teaching have made him an integral part of The Darling Oyster Bar, especially with the forthcoming opening of their second location in Savannah, GA in 2024. 

Wade’s culinary expertise has been featured in distinguished publications such as Food & Wine, Travel & Leisure, and Garden & Gun, among others. When he’s not in the kitchen, Wade cherishes moments with his wife, Maria, and their two sons, Lucas and Matthew.