Our latest TALK Magazine contribution…

There’s a new kid in Hollingsworth Park…Stella’s Southern Brasserie… and Stella wants her new friends to come out and play! The spawn of the beloved Stella’s Southern Bistro in Simpsonville, this little brasserie has some sass. Owners Julia and Jason Scholz along with Chef Jeff Kelly and beverage director/face at the front Aimee Maher have created the perfect neighborhood spot for any time of day. With all kinds of eatin’ options and clean, classic cocktails, this is the perfect summer sortie.

About Stella…
Now this is a story that tugged at our dog-lovin’ heartstrings. Julia and Jason’s first love was a black lab named…you guessed it…Stella. When the time came to name their first restaurant, “Stella” was the winner hands-down. They wanted Stella’s qualities (boundless energy, full of affection, and always happy to see a friendly face) to carry over into the vibe of their establishment(s). We think they nailed it!

Not your grandpa’s gin & tonic…

The “House Featured” cocktail is a gin and tonic like no other! Choose your spirit from a vast array of clean, pure, refreshing gins that won’t flush your face or change your personality. It’s a collection that will have you earning your gin stripes in no time. And speaking of refreshing, the Citadelle and Tonic is exactly what you need to help you recover from the wilting heat. Made with Citadelle gin (merci Cognac, France!), scratch-made tonic (you’ve never tasted tonic like this…we are converts), and sprinkled with lavender, this refreshing beverage will put more spring in your step and have you imagining a cool breeze. This could be our go-to summer cocktail.

The Parisian Puppy…

The drinks here are concocted so you focus on the liquor and savor the simple. With the best ingredients and savvy bartenders, one doesn’t need a slew of elixirs, syrups, and tinctures to enjoy a good libation. The Parisian Puppy features Boyd and Blair vodka (au revoir Tito’s…this stuff is awesome), fresh pink grapefruit juice and a bergamot sugar rim defining its pure simplicity and balance. This cocktail is magnifique, mouthwatering, subtly sexy and so satisfying.

Have your way with the wine…
Aimee strives to maintain a wine list that combines classics with a few interesting “stretches” to expand patrons’ horizons. But no need for commitment phobia…the entire wine list can be ordered as a petite pour (perfect for a single), a fun pour (perfect for sharing with a friend without going overboard) and, of course, the bottle (for those who are ready to take the plunge). And the same goes for the brews. Order a “beer for one” or a “beer for fun”…also known as the “take one down, pass it around” approach.

Morning, noon and night, Stella’s Southern Brasserie has options galore. Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee served sun-up to sun-down, savor a classique lunch of Croque Madam (above), or move right on to the crispy duck leg on the ever-changing dinner menu (they shop, buy, and serve local as much as possible).  Really…you have no excuse for not finding a time to pay Stella a visit! Our favorite option…amble over to a patio seat on a summer afternoon, order one of Aimee’s “really delicious, well-made cocktails”, and savor the simple!

Stella’s Southern Brasserie . 340 Rocky Slope Road, Ste 100. Greenville
(864)626-6900 . stellasbrasserie.com