Thurston Southern restaurant consulting firm owner Nathan Thurston and chef Joe DiMaio go way back. “Joe and I started our careers together almost eight years ago,” says Thurston. “He was my student at the Art Institute. Eventually I hired him at the Ocean Room. He worked his way through all the stations there. We stayed in touch.” Now Thurston has dubbed DiMaio exec chef at Thurston’s latest project, The Darling Oyster Bar, formerly Union Provisions.
DiMaio most recently worked at Stars and The Old Village Post House. “He’s a very talented chef. Probably one of the more underrated chefs,” Thurston adds. “I think this project will hopefully show some of his skill set.”
The Darling at 513 King St. — expected to open sometime this winter — is a complete retooling of the ill-fated Union Provisions. Currently the space is under a small renovation and will reopen with a 14-seat bar, a seafood heavy menu, and new cocktail program.
Thurston confirms that Union Provisions co-owners Ben Russell-Schlesinger and Robert Young are behind the new restaurant, but he says he’ll be on the project through opening and the first of the year.
Stay cool. Support City Paper.
City Paper has been bringing the best news, food, arts, music and event coverage to the Holy City since 1997. Support our continued efforts to highlight the best of Charleston with a one-time donation or become a member of the City Paper Club.