HANAHAN — A new Italian restaurant from an established local chef is opening soon in this growing corner of the Charleston-area that borders Goose Creek.
Cane Pazzo (1276 Yeamans Hall Road), owned by chef Mark Bolchoz and his wife Ariana, will debut June 14. The new eatery — located near Kooben Café Mexicano, El Molino and Dashi — will serve a menu reliant on house-extruded pasta, small plates, seafood and a mix of new-age and old-world wines.
The food will delve into regions across Italy, as well as the type of Italian-American staples — think lasagna and Milanese — that are prevalent at New York City establishments. Among the opening night options will be a she crab raviolo with locally caught blue crab, sherry cream and crab roe; wood-fired braised fennel with tomato and basil; and a corn and pepper risotto infused with pancetta.
As is evident in those three dishes, paramount to the operation will be Bolchoz’s relationships with local farmers and fishermen, which he developed during his tenure as a chef and culinary director at Indigo Road Hospitality Group.
Handmade pasta will be a staple at Cane Pazzo.
Andrew Cebulka/Provided
Those who visited Cane Pazzo’s pre-opening pop-ups at The Tippling House, Babas, Stems & Skins and Brew Coffee, Wine and Craft Beer received a first look at how purveyors like Tarvin Seafood, Lowland Farm, Storey Farms and others will factor into the daily menu.
Bolchoz said it’s been fun to rekindle relationships with the producers he worked with at Indaco on Upper King Street. With his seasonal approach, the chef plans to incorporate turnips, radishes, beets and other vegetables that help sustain farmers year-round.
With about 75 seats and an outdoor patio, Cane Pazzo will be the type of neighborhood restaurant diners can visit on a Tuesday and then again on a Friday, Bolchoz said. Its menu will shift with the seasons but remain relatively consistent so guests know what to expect.
“We’re in a market that doesn’t really have a ton to study,” Bolchoz said. “We’re definitely going to be a little more thoughtful about it.”
The chef described the atmosphere as welcoming, with exposed beams, terrazzo flooring, repurposed furnishings and an open kitchen. The bar area, separated from the dining room by a large archway, will offer a special food menu and expensive happy hour, including deals on house whites, reds and bubbles curated by general manager Marina Falliace.
“I think we’re bringing a pretty awesome, exciting and approachable by-the-glass offering,” said Bolchoz, who wants his culinary offering to be just as welcoming. “I don’t know that shock and awe is going to be our winning strategy.”
Cane Pazzo opens for dinner from 5-9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 5-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. For more information, visit canepazzorestaurant.com. To make a reservation, go to resy.com.