CHARLESTON — Despite being surrounded by rivers and the harbor, the peninsula has just a handful of waterfront eateries. And none is as large and intricately designed as the one that just debuted inside The Cooper hotel promises to be.
The Crossing, which boasts nearly 200 seats and a quartet of distinct dining areas, is now open inside the 176 Concord St. property. Housed on the hotel’s second story, The Crossing’s breakfast, lunch and dinner menus are inspired by food from the Mediterranean region.
In the evening, guests can delight in golden hour views of the Charleston Harbor while seated on one of two outdoor terraces. The seafaring theme continues inside, where a “refined maritime aesthetic” is showcased through teak wood floors, polished nickel accents and lacquered blue ceilings.
“Charleston has relatively few waterfront dining options, so we made it a priority for the harbor to play a central role in The Crossing, from the views and nautical inspired design to the fresh locally sourced seafood,” Lukus Grace, managing director of The Cooper, said in a press release.
And while the setting stands out, the food and beverage programs are meant to be just as distinct.
A team led by beverage director Cameron Nadler has devised a drinks list with more than a dozen mostly light and bright cocktails — and that’s not including the special martini menu. Eight different options, from one with junmai sake, vodka and dry vermouth to the classic Cooper, made with Aviation American Gin and a house-made brine, are available, along with the option to build your own martini.
For food, chef Nick Dugan, who also leads the kitchen at Sorelle, is delivering dishes that are meant to be shared. For starters, an avocado fattoush salad, pink snapper crudo and a tangle of Mediterranean octopus might share the table with fresh-made, wood-fired pita that can be dunked in hummus, muhammara, baba ganoush and htipiti.
The entree selection highlights seafood simply grilled or broiled in grape leaves, alongside land options that range from dry-aged beef tenderloin to lamb chops.
The Crossing is open daily for breakfast (7-11 a.m.), lunch (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) and dinner (5-10 p.m.). Brunch is served from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit thecooper.com/dining.
Dining and Cooking