'Crazily Addictive' Fare at Stereo 8; 'Coastal Favorites' at Noisy Oyster

After a damming first review from Charleston Scene, James Island newcomer Stereo 8 responded to the comments and adjusted its service. Last week, another big review came through from City Paper, and this time, it was a win. "Now is the time for James Islanders to give Stereo 8 the feedback it needs so that it continues to hit the right chords," chimes writer Allston McCrady. She goes through most of the "varied, international menu of affordable, shareable plates." The kale chips are "crazily addictive," flights of sake are "a fun way to entertain your taste buds," and lamb meatballs play "nicely" over harissa yogurt. She gives her own feedback for improvements to the kale chips and curried yellow squash appetizer, but this critique is mostly positive for Stereo 8.

Critic Deidre Schipani stops in tourist-favorite Noisy Oyster to inspect recent revisions to the offerings. She explains that big name chef Bob Waggoner was invited to "take a look at their operation and participate in a little reinvention and reinvestment on the menu side." The menu is still full of "tried-and-true coastal favorites" but now with more local and seasonal products. Other than some "pasty corn glue" grits and overcooked Silver Queen corn in a shrimp boil, Schipani doesn't find much fault at the seafood shack. However, she's not overly endorsing the restaurant when she states, "The Noisy Oyster is no Bubba Gump, which is also located in the City Market, but it is also no Pike Place Market in Seattle."