The Darling Oyster Bar, set to open at 513 King Street this winter (aka the old Union Provisions location), has named Joe DiMaio as Chef for the casual neighborhood restaurant. DiMaio honed his culinary skills at numerous renowned Charleston-area restaurants, including the Old Village Post House and the Ocean Room at the Sanctuary Hotel. That career path has exposed him to classic styles of cooking, which will be showcased on The Darling’s yet-to-be-released menu. DiMaio counts among his mentors Chef Frank Lee (Post House), and The Darling Oyster Bar’s consultant, Nate Thurston, with whom he worked at the Ocean Room. Most recently DiMaio was Executive Chef at Stars, where he enjoyed participating in a restaurant from concept to opening and beyond. DiMaio earned his culinary degree from the Art Institute of Charleston. In helping to craft The Darling’s culinary story, DiMaio emphasizes that a chef’s ability to adapt is critical; creating meals that delight guests consistently and with creativity “will help The Darling live up to its moniker as something near and dear to the heart,” he said. Follow The Darling‘s progress on Facebook and Instagram.