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Craig Conover and Austen Kroll Provide a Taste of Their New Charleston Restaurant
The Southern Charm cast members took fans inside the eatery's "preview night," which included a multi-course meal and custom cocktails.
Craig Conover and Austen Kroll are whetting fans' appetites.
Months after announcing their By the Way restaurant, the Southern Charm cast members took to Instagram to provide a little taste of what was in store. The two hosted an intimate “preview” event Thursday at Charleston's Uptown Social, a newly renovated space where guests enjoyed a multi-course tasting.
As shown on Instagram, the “sneak peek” food menu consisted of parmesan and bacon stuffed Caesar salad, Tarvin shrimp tagliatelle, petite steak frites, and espresso crème brûlée for dessert. The drink menu — presented in partnership with William Grant & Sons — included everything from the “Pornstar Martini” and “Blood Orange Paper Plane” to the “Gin Elderflower Spritz” and a selection of wines.
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Craig Conover & Austen Kroll host a tasting for their new eatery, By the Way
Craig posted several photos from the evening, including shots of the stunning tablescapes. The warm-colored floral arrangements and rust-orange candle sticks went perfectly with the rooms' masculine interiors, which were anchored by red brick walls, dark wood paneling, and ornate tin tile ceilings. Clear and retro brown glassware was placed across the off-white tablecloth and next to the matte black silverware and light beige napkins that enveloped each menu.
By the Way is a collaborative effort with Uptown Hospitality Group led by Keith Benjamin and Kara Hammond.
“Forty-five of our favorite people of Charleston have joined us this evening for an incredible celebration of our newest concept, By the Way,” Keith said during the sneak peek event. “This has been something that has been in the works now — shoot, since 1991, right?”
Austen shares his overall vision for his and Craig's Charleston restaurant
Austen and Craig, who are also investors in the NYC eatery Carriage House, announced By the Way in a January interview with Entertainment Tonight. The two explained their intentions and overall vision for the business, which will be located on Charleston’s King Street, just “around the corner from” Uptown Social.
“I’ve gotten countless messages in the past from friends, family, and everyone in between asking where to go out in Charleston, and I’ve always said you can’t go wrong with [UHG’s spots],” Austen said. “What I envision is a place where you come for a drink before dinner, let’s say, lose track of time, and before you know it, hours have passed and all of a sudden, you’re surrounded by all your friends. It’s going to be a place you can come and sit for a while.”
When will Craig and Austen's "neighborhood tavern" open?
Austen and Craig have yet to announce the "neighborhood tavern's" official launch date but are eyeing a summer 2024 opening. Stay tuned.
