Our taste-and-tell guide to some of the latest food and beverage openings in Charleston
Ember Wood-Fired Kitchen
There’s no doubt that wood plays a role in this cozy Belle Hall eatery. The dining room is decked with the material—it’s used in the wall paneling and the handsome bar—and combined with warm lighting and delicious aromas of hearth-baked bread, the space feels almost like a wood-fire oven itself. Naturally, the lunch and dinner menus, crafted by the team behind Five Loaves Cafe and Sesame Burgers & Beer, are just as comforting. Start by ordering a round of local brews (there are more than 20 on tap), then move on to the wood-fired pizzas—we love the “Ember,” with chicken, basil, and piquillo pepper jam. If slices aren’t your style, other plates like pan-seared salmon with ricotta gnocchi and fresh, seasonal salads are equally crave-worthy. https://www.emberkitchen.com/
Mainland Container Company
The last stop on Ben Sawyer Boulevard before crossing the water to Sullivan’s Island, Mainland Container Company can be spotted by its signature feature: an outdoor bar fashioned out of a shipping container, painted a robin’s egg blue, that serves as an area to mingle and jam to live bands on Friday nights. But the fun atmosphere isn’t the only draw at this eatery—the tasty menu includes an eclectic selection of Southern-meets-Thai-inspired fare. Start with the ponzu chicken wings, then share a mix of small plates with the table (we recommend the Thai rare beef and meaty steamed char sui bao buns). From the entrées, try the “fish of the moment,” a daily rotation of local seafood served atop creamy Geechie Boy Mill grits with chow chow and lemon butter (above).
http://mainlandcontainerco.com/
