Chef and Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Restaurateur Chef James Wozniuk opening Makan (Modern Malaysian) in Charleston, SC in June, 2024

CELEBRATED CHEF AND MICHELIN GUIDE BIB GOURMAND RESTAURATEUR CHEF JAMES WOZNIUK OPENS SECOND RESTAURANT IN NATIVE SOUTH CAROLINA 

      Modern Malaysian food: the first of the cuisine’s representation in the Holy City                      

(Charleston, South Carolina, June 2024): Lauded Chef and restaurateur James Wozniuk and Partner Kate Jacob and the award-winning team behind MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand-awarded Makan restaurant in Washington, D.C. are thrilled to announce their sister opening in Charleston, S.C (210 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403) which will open in June 2024. 

The modern Malaysian concept is inspired by Chef James Wozniuk’s years of travels to Southeast Asia and the country of Malaysia– and is a culmination of his over twelve years of cooking Asian cuisine, and his twenty-two years of honing his culinary skills. Guests will enjoy dishes like Char Siu Wings– Cantonese-style grilled wings with ginger scallion, Chicken or Paneer Satay, larger plates like Dry Beef Curry Rendang, along with locally- sourced seafood; a tribute to the bounty of South Carolina’s waterways with dishes like Shrimp with “Stink Beans,” with Sambal Tumis and Tamarind Chili. Special consideration for the region’s spectacular bounty of seafood is also displayed on the menu with one of Wozniuk’s favorite additions- Ikan Asam Pedas– a Fish Curry with a spicy sour broth, Okra and Tomato. 

An expansive craft cocktail program by General Manager/Owner Kate Jacob will also be available- classic cocktails will be a vehicle to feature Southeast and Malaysian ingredients. Libations like her refreshing HALIA & SERAI- a Malaysian gimlet made with lemongrass-infused vodka, ginger, lime or the LAST PLANE OUT OF PANDAN made with Bourbon, Averna, pineapple, lemon, and pandan are perfect complements to Wozniuk’s spicy, sour, sweet and funky menu. 

The opening also marks the return to South Carolina for Wozniuk, who grew up in neighboring Greenville, and his second restaurant opening. Yearning to reconnect and be near family who invigorated his love for food as a child, he is thrilled to come home- and excited to be a part of the incredible and amazing hospitality community in culinarily- complex Charleston.

“Traveling throughout SE Asia, it reminded me of the ingredients that I grew up with in the South. Both having hot/humid conditions you see a lot of crossover ingredients such as corn, okra, tomato, ginger, turmeric, galangal, lemongrass, and water spinach to name a few. As more interest grows for Asian cuisine, local farmers are growing more and more ingredients allowing Asian restaurants to source local produce. Being able to source high quality local fruits and vegetables, it really makes an amazing addition to the menu as well as supporting local hard working families,” says Wozniuk. 

Design elements include a stunning mural by Maria DeFelice, which offers a glimpse into Malaysia’s historic architecture with a nod to the famous Murugan statue & Batu caves with aged-distressed work, hues of soft grays and blues which “drip” like the growth found in temples in Malaysia. The art also simultaneously combines traditional elements with contemporary urban images and incorporates street art, plus pays tribute to the country’s natural beauty and wildlife.

“The goal of the mural for Makan was to create something that combined a contemporary style with more traditional elements. The portrait of the woman with “graffiti-style” hair gives a very urban modern feel, the temple and Murugan statue give us traditional elements, and the background itself feels like you are in a hidden temple in the Malaysian jungle. I wanted this piece to be dynamic and engaging from any point of view inside the restaurant, so each section of the mural can stand alone, but also works beautifully together. Just as the food of Makan fuses new takes on traditional dishes, the mural is meant to be a cohesive meeting place of the contemporary and traditional,” says DeFelice.

Please see the full menu here, open Tuesday-Saturday, 5-10pm. For more about Makan Charleston, please visit: https://makanchs.com/. Instagram: @makan_chs.

ABOUT MAKAN DC

Makan DC is the first solo venture of chef-owner James Wozniuk, opening in the Columbia Heights area of Washington in March 2020 (perfect timing!). After re-opening amidst some of the toughest pandemic restrictions of any city in the country, Makan persevered and became a staple in its neighborhood. Along with garnering acclaim from the Malaysian community. Makan has received a Michelin Bib Gourmand every year since 2021, along with other accolades. Website: https://makandc.com/. Instagram: @Makan_DC