James Island's Big Belly Has Potential; The Park Cafe Comforts Critic

The citizens of James Island were pretty stoked when news of new craft beer bar/Asian and Latin American cuisine restaurant would be among their midst. But after opening, there wasn't a whole lot of buzz for Big Belly Kitchen + Tap House. This week, critic Eric Doksa goes on an exploratory trip and finds a good beer selection and food with "potential." Most of the menu items he samples are overcooked or contain too much salt or sauce. Doksa holds out hope, however, that the kitchen can correct these mistakes in time. The plates look pretty, at least.

Charleston Scene critic Deidre Schipani checks in with Wagener Terrace eatery The Park Cafe. Schipani paints the place as a one-restaurant-fits-all, whether patrons are in need of a comforting meal, simple snack, or just a coffee. She cleverly explains:

The cafe offers little dining "microclimates" for all the neighborhoods’ needs, including children and four-legged family members, with counter service, a slip of a bar, booths, tables and banquettes.

The critic repeatedly praises chef John Amato's skill and "well-refined sense of layering flavors and textures." She is equally impressed that Amato can create so much from such a small kitchen.