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Casa Pearl is a collaboration between husband and wife team, Mikey and Chelsea Maksimowicz. Mikey, originally from the Northern Neck, was formally trained at the French Culinary Institute in New York City, graduating in 2005 before he could legally purchase alcohol. Chelsea began her formal culinary training at the Le Cordon Blue in London and graduated from the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Portland, OR, in 2010. At Casa Pearl, you will see Chelsea in the front of the house as General Manager, and Mikey will be the Executive Chef back in the kitchen. Fortunately, they have found an amazing staff of individuals excited to prepare delicious food and drinks for you.

Mikey and Chelsea became established chefs in premier restaurants along the east coast. These restaurants include Michelle Bernstein’s Omphoy (Palm Beach, FL); 2941 Restaurant (Falls Church, VA); and Vidalia, Rogue 24, Blue Duck Tavern, Fabio Trabocchi’s Fiola Mare and Fiola (all of Washington, DC).

Mikey and Chelsea met while working in DC, and there was an instant connection. The two eventually decided to head further south to Charleston, SC, in 2015. Between the two of them, they have learned oysters from some of the best Charlestonian restaurants: The Ordinary, Rappahannock Oyster Bar, Leon’s Fine Poultry and Oyster Shop, and Charleston Harbor Fish House. In their free time, they enjoy exploring the area by water or hiking trail with their dog, Daisy.

The Concept

Our team is very passionate about Casa Pearl’s concept, oysters and tacos! At first glance, it may seem like an odd pairing, but doesn’t it sound delicious? Oysters play a big part in the aquaculture, livelihood, and history of the Chesapeake Bay. Our team is obsessed with the two, and marrying oysters and tacos in a fun and lively atmosphere is the perfect setting for a memorable meal enjoyed with friends and family.

Casa Pearl focuses on quality locally-sourced ingredients, seasoned culinary expertise, and gracious customer service. Our raw bar features many of the delicious fish and shellfish that the Chesapeake Bay region has to offer.  Tacos are Latin-inspired, but with a southern twist.  The menu consists of smaller plates to encourage sharing.

The Space

Casa Pearl resides in a renovated Texaco gas station transformed into an oyster bar and taco joint. We are located along the Merrimac Trail corridor at the edge of York and James City Counties in the growing food and beverage scene on 2nd Street / Merrimac Trail. We are well situated to serve every type of person: foodies, families looking for good food in a relaxed atmosphere, couples heading out for a fun dining experience, patrons looking for a refreshing beverage, college students, the weekend crowd, and local professionals to name a few. The roll-up garage doors and additional patio will be open during nice weather for diners looking for an outdoor experience.