Critic ‘Suddenly Transported to Paris’ By Way of Purlieu

Charleston City Paper critic Vanessa Wolf finds herself “suddenly transported to Paris” as she walks into Westside restaurant Purlieu. She writes, “the warm, cozy space has a distinctly European ambiance.” Wolf approves of the frog leg tarte, the artichoke gratin, rabbit rillet with foie gras mousse, beet salad, roasted chicken, bouillabaisse, and celery root hash. Actually, she doesn’t find anything that she doesn’t like.

“As far as I can tell, there’s only one thing missing from Felix,” writes Post & Courier critic Hanna Raskin. She praises chef Elizabeth Shultenhover for the classic French fare and bubbly cocktails, but she thinks the dining room lacks old-world Paris charm.

... what Felix currently lacks is the patina that comes from being loved and lived-in. Not every restaurant benefits from a little wear, but the squeaky newness of the space is at odds with the timeless Parisian haunt it’s trying to conjure with fetching details such as the rounded bar, with black-and-white tiles beneath the barstools’ feet; chandeliers and mirrors that stretch to the ceiling. Felix has an older soul.

• Purlieu Is the French-Inspired Restaurant We’ve Been Waiting For [CP]
• Restaurant Review: Felix [P&C]