Fat Hen, the newest restaurant from renowned Chef Fred Neuville, opened its doors Friday, July 6th on Johns Island at 3140 Maybank Highway with a portion of sales from the opening weeks to benefit the City of Charleston’s Fireman Fund.

Neuville, formerly founding Executive Chef at 39 Rue de Jean, COAST, and Good Food Catering, is excited to embark on his first solo venture. “With Fat Hen, I am striving to create a neighborhood restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and signature French-inspired Southern cuisine,” he says. “Johns Island is a fast-growing area and I believe island residents – along with others from around Charleston – will appreciate what we have to offer.”

Lowcountry French: The Cuisine

Fat Hen’s main dishes center around innovative French classics with Lowcountry flourishes, sourced from the finest local produce farmers. Neuville’s tangy-but-tender BBQ Scallops, are first marinated in a house-made pomegranate barbecue sauce, bacon wrapped and grilled to perfection. The scallops are then served in their flavorful juices with a herb salad. The Braised Chicken features one half of a locally raised free-range chicken braised in red wine with rich bacon lardons, pearl onions and mushrooms over sautéed haricots vert. Fat Hen’s Short Rib, a favorite signature dish among Neuville’s family and friends, is braised for hours in a rich veal broth and served with hand smashed

potatoes and savory garlic spinach. Other entrees include Grilled Tuna with Hoppin’ John, Seared Grouper with Local Butter Beans and House Cured Salmon with Marinated French Lentils and Crème Fraiche among others. Neuville’s wine list will feature a grand variety of wines from around the world, showcasing the growing number of small sophisticated wineries integrated with well known vineyards.

Farmhouse Chic: The Decor

The restaurant’s interior was designed by Neuville’s wife, Joan in conjunction with Heather Barrie-Ahern, designer and owner of Gathering, a Charleston-based event and floral design company. Working closely with Neuville, Barrie-Ahern and Joan Neuville have created a cozy 100-seat dining room and bar, situated in small cottage once home to the St. Johns Island Café.

Guests enter through the front of the 1940s bungalow into a sun filled dining area where windows present picturesque views of aged oaks and palmetto trees. Continuing into the restaurant, diners are drawn in by the whitewashed cornflower blue and glazed yellow walls, as waiters are bustling to deliver food piping hot from Chef Neuville’s kitchen. An inviting 14-seat community table, constructed of antique barn wood, rests close to the bar, providing a comfortable spot for cocktails or a casual snack from the blackboard bar menu. The cottage walls play host to salvaged antique window panes, family heirlooms and French countryside artifacts. Seating includes school house benches and chairs; all hand made from antique barn wood and finished with a cherry stain.

With a focus on fresh, delicious food, sensuous wines, comfortable design and warm hospitality, Fat Hen provides diners with a feast for the senses. Chef Neuville looks forward to welcoming you!