David K.
Yelp
I went here based on a recommendation from the owner of the campground where I was staying. It did not disappoint. Almost didn't happen though: I called ahead and asked if I needed a reservation (Monday night), they said no it's not busy. When I arrived 45 minutes later - packed! Every outside table full and 30 minutes wait for an inside table. But a few seats at the bar and they serve the same menu there. Works for me.
The three bartenders were kept busy with drink-making as well as assembling the "chill bar" platters (oysters, shrimp cocktails, etc.) They looked beautiful but I'm not a fan. I liked my bartender, who had an amusing habit of addressing me as "my good man." I started with a jalapeno margarita while I studied the menu. Served in a handled mason jar, reasonably strong, and with enticing flavors beyond the usual which I couldn't identify.
I started with an appetizer of fried green tomatoes. Served with pimiento cheese and a balsamic glaze. I liked the balsamic but not particularly the pimiento cheese - or maybe there was just too much of it? No matter. The tomatoes, green and tangy, held together well and were not overcooked and the light cornmeal batter added texture. Easily enough for sharing but alas I was dining solo. I couldn't finish them.
Main course was Blackened Carolina Catfish, with okra hoecakes, roasted red pepper coulis, charred lemon, and seasonal vegetables. The seasoning was excellent, while the catfish was just ever-so-slightly overcooked. While the fish portion may have been on the smallish side, the hoecakes ensured that the entree as a whole was sufficient. I wasn't sure exactly what hoecakes are, but I found them to be a cross between Chinese scallion pancakes and the familiar American variety in texture and density. A lot more okra in these than the mere specks in a typical scallion pancake. Apparently I got the last portion and I'm glad I did because the fallback, mashed potato cakes, didn't sound nearly as interesting.
The charred lemon: well, I appreciated it for squeezing a little juice on the fish, but "charred" doesn't really add anything except interest on the printed page.
The asparagus was the only disappointment. It was thick and a little woody, and only steamed. Grilling would have transformed it to something better.
I got dessert to go: key lime pie. Nothing special: just lime custard with a little whipped topping on a graham cracker crust. Something like lime zest to add another dimension would have been nice. But the portion: huge! I divided it into two and even a half was bigger than a normal serving. Maybe try something else instead?
The outside tables are the best because of the beautiful waterfront views. But the bar was great for watching the bartenders and the bustling kitchen beyond. The menu is large, ranging from a raw bar, lowcountry boils, seafood fried, roasted, stuffed, and in risottos and pastas, intriguing appetizers, and lots more. Even a few non-seafood items - but why would you?