Simpsonville welcomed a new multicultural dining option this month when Potato Joe’s Kusina Latina opened its doors at 430 SE Main Street, next to a local gas station. The restaurant, described by its owners as “bussin’,” blends Filipino and Puerto Rican flavors, reflecting the heritage of co‑owners Analyn Ortiz and Rizza Tumblin, both originally from Davao Oriental, Philippines.
Ortiz, who previously operated a food truck with her Puerto Rican husband, said the permanent storefront has allowed her to meet both Filipino and Puerto Rican residents in the area face‑to‑face. She added that the restaurant also introduces Upstate South Carolina diners to dishes they may not have tried before. “When you say the food and describe it, they don’t like it, but if you give them a taste of it, they don’t even care what it’s called—just ‘Give me that!’” Ortiz explained.
During a visit on Oct. 21, the author sampled Ortiz’s pancit and chicken adobo, two classic Filipino staples that received enthusiastic praise from the staff and patrons alike.
Fine‑dining expansion in Mauldin
Just a short drive away, Mauldin’s Grand Holland Club added two upscale venues in early October. Seven Oaks Restaurant opened on Oct. 9 at 815 Holland Road, offering a fine‑dining experience that nods to a historic 20th‑century establishment of the same name. The restaurant is overseen by Thomas Wirthlin, owner of Dine Upstate, and his wife Angie, who serve as executive directors.
Across the sidewalk, Camellia Cottage coffee shop began serving customers on Oct. 2, providing a casual spot for coffee lovers and casual diners. The Grand Holland Social Club, which has been a community fixture since 2000, now houses three distinct dining concepts under one roof.
Reservations for Seven Oaks can be made through the Grand Holland website, and both venues aim to enrich the local culinary scene while supporting the region’s growing appetite for diverse dining experiences.
These new openings add to the vibrant food landscape of Upstate South Carolina, offering residents fresh options that celebrate both cultural heritage and fine‑dining tradition.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
