The Mills House, Curio Collection by Hilton, is pleased to announce the appointment of Suzy Castelloe (pictured) as executive chef of Iron Rose, the hotel’s signature restaurant located in the heart of downtown Charleston. Opened in 2022, Iron Rose features a seasonally driven, elevated take on Southern coastal cuisine and spotlights locally sourced ingredients. Highlights include shareable bites, tempting twists on Southern staples, and well-crafted cocktails.
“After spending the past decade working in the Charleston hospitality industry, I am thrilled to bring my passion for creating meaningful dining experiences to Iron Rose,” says executive chef Suzy Castelloe. “Whether guests are longtime locals or visiting Charleston for the first time, I’m excited to showcase local ingredients and create dishes that feel familiar, thoughtful and welcoming.”
A native of the Carolinas, Castelloe began her career in the Charleston restaurant industry after graduating from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. She has worked with notable chefs across acclaimed restaurants like Coda Del Pesce and Charleston Grill. Most recently, she served as chef de cuisine of Charleston Grill, a renowned fine-dining restaurant located within The Charleston Place.
In her role as executive chef of Iron Rose, Castelloe brings her passion for quality, locally sourced ingredients paired with bold flavors to the Southern-forward restaurant. A firm believer in teamwork, Castelloe leads her kitchen by example and is always quick to jump in with prep to set up her team for success. In every dish, she works to deliver a unique guest experience while celebrating familiar Southern favorites. Outside of the kitchen, Castelloe enjoys spending time with her dog, Stella, along with solving challenging jigsaw puzzles and exploring Charleston’s robust dining scene with friends and family.
Tucked inside the hotel’s intimate walled courtyard, Iron Rose is the perfect hidden gem for any occasion, from momentous celebrations to casual gatherings, encouraging guests to linger over drinks or an extended meal. Menu highlights include Butterbean Hummus with pickled vegetables, lemon oil, grilled bread; Blue Crab Fritters with Old Bay, lemon herb salad, horseradish aioli; Seared Scallops with parsnip puree, marcona almonds, caper & date conserve, brown butters; and Oyster & Shrimp Stew with Carolina gold rice, spicy chorizo and spinach. Guests can enjoy weekly happenings like half-priced wine on Tuesdays, live music on Thursdays & Fridays, weekend brunch and daily happy hour.
To learn more or to make a reservation, visit ironroserestaurant.com and follow along on Instagram @ironrosecharleston.