Crust Soft Opening Happening Right Now

Crust is right next to Zia Taqueria

The anticipated James Island pizza shop Crust lit up their wood-fired oven and is serving pizza, gnocchi and panini this very instant. The official opening is slated for 5 p.m. on Tuesday, but they've opened their doors for a soft opening that's happening right now. Pizza-lovers who are reading this but cannot get there this evening take note: Crust will be closed tomorrow.

Chef Dusty Chorvat, formerly of Daniel Island's Vespa, has nine pizzas on the inaugural menu, and plenty of toppings for creating custom pies. There's traditional combos, like sausage and mushroom and margherita, and some more less-expected offerings, like butternut and crustacean.

The menu stretches beyond doughy options, with appetizers like arancini (fried risotto balls that are stuffed with cheese) and a few nods to the South, such as a braised pork panini. For dessert, Crust is doing wood-fired s'mores and tiramisu.There's also beer on tap and in bottles and glasses of wine, including four sparkling varieties.

Speaking of the bar, manager Joe Lapolla said it's made from old boxcar flooring and the walls are reclaimed barn wood. It's perhaps the only restaurant in Charleston with bathroom tile that was once part of the New York City subway system.

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· Charleston's Biggest Openings for Winter 2013 [-ECHS-]
· Crust Wood Fired Pizza Coming to James Island [-ECHS-]