The Larrikin Cafe: The Larrikin Cafe has taken over the former Garden Square space in the Starland District, and one of the first things worth knowing is the experience behind it.
Chef Michael Toscano’s résumé includes Eataly’s Manzo in New York, Perla in Greenwich Village, Jeffrey’s Grocery and Montmartre. He was named a New York Rising Star by StarChefs, made Zagat’s 30 Under 30 and was a three-time James Beard Rising Star Chef semifinalist. He later moved to Charleston and opened Le Farfalle, followed by several other concepts. And he is using this experience to create something special in the Starland District.
That experience shows up here in a way I really like. You look at the menu and see familiar things: roast beef, grilled cheese, a cheeseburger, salads, bowls and roasted chicken. But when they arrive at the table, there’s considerably more thought behind them than the names suggest. The ingredients, combinations and presentation take what could be a pretty straightforward all-day cafe menu and make it much more interesting.
And then there’s the coffee. Toscano has clearly gone deep on it. They're super compassionate about every expression of coffee that you can imagine, being done and a high level.
It’s casual, but there is some serious restaurant experience behind what they’re doing. Definitely one to check out in Starland.
The Larrikin Cafe: The Larrikin Cafe has taken over the former Garden Square space in the Starland District, and one of the first things worth knowing is the experience behind it.
Chef Michael Toscano’s résumé includes Eataly’s Manzo in New York, Perla in Greenwich Village, Jeffrey’s Grocery and Montmartre. He was named a New York Rising Star by StarChefs, made Zagat’s 30 Under 30 and was a three-time James Beard Rising Star Chef semifinalist. He later moved to Charleston and opened Le Farfalle, followed by several other concepts. And he is using this experience to create something special in the Starland District.
That experience shows up here in a way I really like. You look at the menu and see familiar things: roast beef, grilled cheese, a cheeseburger, salads, bowls and roasted chicken. But when they arrive at the table, there’s considerably more thought behind them than the names suggest. The ingredients, combinations and presentation take what could be a pretty straightforward all-day cafe menu and make it much more interesting.
And then there’s the coffee. Toscano has clearly gone deep on it. They're super compassionate about every expression of coffee that you can imagine, being done and a high level.
It’s casual, but there is some serious restaurant experience behind what they’re doing. Definitely one to check out in Starland.
