BY PAIGE MARSHALL

 

When people think of Charleston, one of the first things that comes to mind is the abundance of restaurants. The culinary industry is booming in Charleston and is only getting better. From a hip new dinner spot to a delicious Manhattan-style brunch, Charleston’s restaurants are expanding this spring. Here are a few spots worth checking out.

     The Westendorff is set to open on St. Philip Street this spring. Owner Steven Niketas hired a head chef, Christopher Jackson, straight out of New York City, and Niketas says he is excited to “bring a Brooklyn brunch feel to Charleston.” While most Charleston restaurants are open for brunch solely on Saturdays and Sundays, the Westendorff will serve it seven days a week. Niketas believes this will be a great hit for the abundance of Charleston visitors, because since they are on vacation, “every day is Saturday.”

     The Relish Restaurant group opened 492 on Lower King the first week in April. Chef Nate Whiting works from an open kitchen to, as he puts it, “stop the separation between the diners and the chef.” He makes many ingredients within the restaurant, and the kitchen is almost completely visible behind the bar. Along with the downstairs eating area, there will be an upstairs banquet room, outdoor patio and rooftop garden.

     When Anson caught on fire and was completely destroyed on the inside in 2013, many worried that a reopening was not foreseeable. Luckily that was not the case. The southern restaurant plans to open once again this spring. The owners will maintain their delicious menu and hope to be done with construction in June.

     The West Side Deli on Fishburne Street is projecting an opening this spring. The deli aims to be a northerner’s southern dream, with a menu consisting of bagels, Boars Head meats and hearty sandwiches.

     Finally, there is a new addition on Folly Road. The Screen Door has confirmed its head chef is Blake Joyal, formerly the head chef at the Palace Hotel. Its goal is to be open by summer 2015, just in time for folks to stop on the way home from a day at Folly Beach.