Newcomer Stella’s Dubbed ‘Elementally Satisfying’

Of all the recently opened restaurants in Charleston, The Post & Courier critic Hanna Raskin zeroed in on Greek eatery Stella’s last week. What she found was consistent and filling meals and ultimately gave the restaurant three stars. She explains:

Stella’s isn’t edgy, original or overly contemporary: If not for thousands of years of Hellenic history, something as trendy as octopus probably wouldn’t have made the menu cut. But it’s comfortable and welcoming, and the food is elementally satisfying, which means the kitchen doesn’t skimp on lemon juice, salt or cheese.

That’s probably why Stella’s has been packed since its opening in January.

Charleston City Paper reviewer Vanessa Wolf started her trip to Mount Pleasant’s Pier 41 with a $35 bloody mary. Why the high price?

If you want a cocktail that's also a meal, that's also your entire recommended annual serving of horseradish, this is the one. Weighing in at 20 ounces, it's got Dixie pepper vodka and enough Armoracia rusticana to choke a horse. But the murky beverage also comes with a delightful spread, all perched on top: four fried oysters, three chilled shrimp, and a giant king crab leg.

Pier 41’s Asian/Southern menu flips from enjoyable Thai-style red curry coconut broth mussels to a “greasy, garlic-forward concoction” of shrimp fried rice. She concludes, “The Asian/Southern fusion thing shows real promise of working, but still has some kinks in the system. Dial back the sesame oil and spread that kimchi around, however, and I'll dock at this pier again.”

• Find Consistently Good Greek Favorites at Stella's Restaurant [P&C]
• Greek Restaurant Stella’s Officially Open [ECHS]
• Pier 41's Southern/Asian Fusion Offers More Than Just a Great Happy Hour [CP]