Dylan Foster is a culinary king, and the jewels in his crown come from his reign as an executive chef and operating partner of Pawleys Tap House & Grill, personal chef, cooking class instructor, and food judge. As an associate judge on Seasons 1 and 2 of Chef Swap at the Beach, he is also a purveyor of good taste who knows and understands food at its foundation.

Foster, who attended the University of Maryland and Johnson and Wales University, always liked cooking. When he wasn’t as popular and not nearly so busy, he prepared large breakfasts for his family on the weekends.

“When I got to the University of Maryland, I started cooking and grilling for my fraternity tailgates and parties as a way to meet women,’’ said Foster, a Grand Strand resident who has been a chef for more than 20 years. “I realized that I wasn’t the most attractive guy around. So, I had to highlight my strengths.”

His strategy worked when he met his wife, Angela – who is not skilled in the kitchen but enjoys great grub – in 2015 and married her in 2017. They have two sons, Hudson and Lennox, born in 2018 and 2019.

However, Foster worked on the Grand Strand at some of its most beloved restaurants before he tied the knot and became a dad.

“Now, my favorite part of my career has been the amazing men and women who I have had the privilege of working with for so many long hot shifts on the line,’’ said Foster, host of the YouTube show “On The Hook” and a native of Thurmont, Md. “It has always been rewarding coaching and leading my team to get better and push ourselves past our mental and physical limits to create delicious and beautiful food.”

Foster immerses himself in building great teams, teaching, getting to know his colleagues, and growing with them. Doing so keeps him motivated and excited.

“Food is just food,’’ said Foster, who holds cooking classes weekly, with people registering via ChefDF.com. “It’s the memories and experiences created in the preparation and consumption that transform food into something truly special.”

His cooking classes are fun and interactive as participants engage from beginning to end while enjoying tasting the food as Foster highlights cooking techniques and preparation methods.

Time away from work allows him to enjoy an array of activities with his family and be active in the children’s ministry at Thrive Church.

“When I relay want to disconnect and get some quiet time, my boys and I enjoy jumping on the lawnmower and spend the afternoon mowing our yard and the yards of our neighbors who need a helping hand,’’ he said.