Listen to this article
Charleston continues to add to its bona fides that qualify it as a “foodie town.” The latest eatery to join the ever-growing restaurant scene is Legami at 492 King St.
Legami, which is Italian for “ties” or “bonds” between people, places or family, is the latest project by Washington Street Hospitality. The family venture is also responsible for various New England restaurants such as Pasta Beach (with Newport, Boston and Providence locations) and Mr. R. Fusion in Newport, R.I.
Brothers Eldredge and Tyler Ropolo are leading the project and partnering with Don and Joanne Migliori, who operate Migliori Pizza in Mount Pleasant. The concept is a change for the restaurant group.
“Because Charleston is such a big foodie city, I thought we would change what we do,” said Eldredge.
Washington Group’s Executive Chef Andrea Congiusta is guiding menu development.
“We found him in Rome about two years ago and he’s helped us with our other establishments. He’s an exceptionally talented chef and worked in Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy,” said Eldredge, adding that Congiusta has mastered quite a few techniques over the years to express himself in an artistic way.
The 180-seat restaurant, designed by Eldredge’s brother Tyler, will feature banquettes with marble tables, wall sconces from Torino, a glass room and a veranda, which Eldredge describes as “very elegant.”
The bi-level Legami restaurant on King Street features a terrace. (Photo/Peter Frank Edwards)
What’s on the menu?
According to Ropolo, the menu will feature a fish of the day, along with a caviar section offering sturgeon, ossettra and beluga and dishes like gnoccho frito, which is fried dough topped with Prosciutto di Parma. Appetizers and small plates will include dishes like foie gras, country squab and braised octopus with tomato chutney served with a pureed foam.
“It’s light and refreshing,” said Ropolo.
A pasta section will include dishes like ravioli with ricotta and pomodoro and a 24-month Parmigiano Reggiano, cappelletti with goat cheese, fresh herbs, a butter pecan sauce, onion and sauteed mushrooms, tagliolini with mussels, king crab and Calabrian chili flakes and finally rich tortellini in crosta.
“It’s a puff pastry with classic tortellini, pork & beef ragu, béchamel and a 24-month Parmigiano cream,” said Ropolo.
Rounding out the menu are meat dishes like duck breast, Mediterranean lamb, filet mignon alla Wellington and veal Milanese.
For those who like to end their meals on a sweet note, the menu lists creative options like roasted pineapple with anise ice cream and candied cashews, raspberry tiramisu, and a daily homemade gelato selection.
The cocktail program, developed by James Ruggiero, (formerly of Castle Hill Inn and Matunuck Oyster Bar in Rhode Island), is leading the beverage program at Legami. Ruggiero is taking Italian flavor notes and combining them with local products like South Carolina peaches, according to Ropolo.
A selection of wines will be Italian focused, but will also include California wines, along with old world vintages from France. “Our list is very extensive, with about 140 selections from around the world,” Ropolo said.
Ropolo explained that it all goes back to connections and ties.
“We grew up in northern Italy in Torino where my father is from,” Ropolo said. “My mom is from the United States and we spent summers in Newport; we’re in Charleston now. My entire family fell in love with it and we’re looking forward to connecting with the Charleston community.”
The 180-seat restaurant, designed by Eldredge’s brother Tyler, will feature banquettes with marble tables, wall sconces from Torino, a glass room and a veranda. (Photo/Peter Frank Edwards)
h