1616 Gervais opens in former Back Porch location

Restaurant 1616 Gervais opened last week on Gervais Street in the space formerly occupied by The Back Porch.

The restaurant, owned by Susan "Susu" Morningstar, was initially scheduled to open Aug. 26. However, "an unfortunate equipment issue" delayed the opening.

Prior to establishing 1616 Gervais, Morningstar worked as promotions director of ROCK 93.5 and FOX 102.3 FM. Her hobby of cooking and the opening of the prime location on Gervais Street led her to the idea for 1616 Gervais.

"I always thought of it as a hidden gem here," Morningstar told The State earlier this year. "And it just happened to be vacant (when I was ready to do something)."

Morningstar hired executive chef Jeff Blackmon and the two created a menu featuring items such as a the Southern fritto mistro--house-seasoned calamari, oysters, shrimp and fried okra served with house-made remoulade, tartar and jalapeno cocktail sauces. Morningstar kept the space's "back porch" atmosphere with a porch and back lounge area in addition to its indoor dining.

1616 Gervais is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday with the bar and lounge open "until" (closed Sunday). For more information: www.1616gervais.com