SOUTH CAROLINA - Charleston's vibrant dining scene has officially welcomed a heavy-hitting culinary addition. Chef Johnny Curiel and his partner Kasie Curiel, the visionary founders behind Fonda Fina Hospitality, have officially debuted Alteño in South Carolina. Located on the ground floor of The Charlee on Cannon at 89 Cannon St, this new destination brings the bold, fire-kissed flavors of Mexico's Jaliscan Highlands directly to the Lowcountry.
Michelin-Acclaimed Chef Johnny Curiel Brings Live-Fire Jaliscan Cuisine to Charleston With Alteño
Building on its Michelin-recommended Denver flagship, the Alteño Charleston location pays homage to the culinary traditions of Curiel's father, the original 'Alteño' (Highlander), a highly respected chef and restaurateur. It's a campestre-style restaurant where classic Mexican cevicheria traditions meet the very real Charleston coastal identity. A huge hearth dominates the kitchen and wood-fired grill, a true celebration of the centuries-old practice of cooking over an open flame.
A meal here is a very relaxed, communal affair. You can start at the raw bar with several coastal-style crudos, including the Aguachile Negro, which is a celebration of the local Tarvin Shrimp, and the Pesca A Las Brasas, which features a rotating selection of the best seafood from South Carolina. At the hearth, you can have the Ostiones A La Lena, which are tiny oysters grilled over the fire with the native Yahualica pepper and Serrano ponzu.
The menu also features some elevated Mexican comfort food. The Pan De Elote is a very substantial jalapeño cornbread with huitlacoche butter and fresh truffles. The Cachetada is a classic taco style with a prime NY strip, Cippolini onions, and melted cheese, all in two nixtamal tortillas. To pair with the live-fire menu, you have a strong selection of agave spirits, a solid wine list, and signature cocktails, including their famous Avocado Margarita and an Oaxacan Old Fashioned.
This is a major one as it's the first restaurant the Curiels have designed from the ground up. In conjunction with Agatha Jane Interior Design, the 55-seat restaurant is a perfect marriage of Mexican craft and Charleston coastal character. The dining room features adobe-inspired plaster walls, detailed piteado leatherwork, modern punched-tin lighting, and a spectacular onyx chef's counter (from Mexico) that seats ten and offers a truly intimate view of the open hearth.
For local folk who want to experience this Michelin-level hospitality, Alteño is open every day and serves the full menu from 3.00 PM to 10.00 PM. There's also a dedicated small bites menu on weekdays (only) from 3.00 PM to 5.00 PM, with drink specials running from 4.00 PM to 5.00 PM.