College taught PJ Cardarelli that he’d rather work behind a bar than an office desk. While attending Ohio State University, he worked as a bartender and server on the weekends to make some extra cash. After graduation, he dabbled in craft beer and wine and never looked back.
When Cardarelli’s parents retired to Charleston in 2006, he helped them move. That first visit to the Lowcountry was all it took. He went home, packed up his things and landed in Mount Pleasant. Due to the flexible hours and the lifestyle, Cardarelli returned to bartending and waiting tables. “That was 15 years ago,” Cardarelli said. “And I’m still here. Sure, there are ups and downs in the industry, but the good always outweighs the bad. It’s important to keep smiling because you never know what people are going through and are dealing with.”
Cardarelli began bartending at Acme Lowcountry Kitchen two years ago. “Working at Acme these last two years has been great. I love talking with our regulars as well as visitors. When I started bartending here, I knew almost the entire staff from working on the island for the previous four years. We all get along. We have fun but we also take our work seriously.”
Behind the bar, Cardarelli’s go-to cocktail to make for Acme’s patrons is the Cherry Limeade, made with:
- 2 ounces cherry-flavored vodka
- Fresh-squeezed lime juice
- Splash of Triple Sec
- Dash of Sprite
- Garnish with a cherry and slice of lime
“It’s refreshing, sweet and a little tart,” Cardarelli said. “And it definitely goes down easy.”
Cardarelli added that his favorite entree on the bar menu is the succotash topped with short ribs. “Our best seller, though, is the IOP shrimp and grits. If you like shrimp and grits, you’re not going to find anything like it anywhere else. Chef Charles Arena always uses fresh local shrimp, never imported or frozen. And he gets the best grits from a farm out of Columbia. I stand by anything that comes out of that kitchen. Charles is the best chef I’ve ever worked for.”
Outside of work, Cardarelli loves walking on the beach. “Dipping my toes in the sand is nature’s therapy,” he said. “I know it sounds corny but it works every time.” He also enjoys relaxing at home with a seltzer, a light beer or shot of tequila, hanging out with friends or zipping around the island on his e-bike or electric scooter.
By Sarah Rose
I believe PJ is mistaken, the statement that ACME does not freeze their shrimp is not correct. In the off season they use purchased local shrimp and freeze them for use during that time.
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