Marty's HHI Restaurant Thread [Ongoing - Post #896 Update]

[jme]

We're at HH now enjoying the mild August/September temperatures we've been dealt this latter part of the summer season....
it's been one of the nicest in a good while, and well below the average for summer. June and July were quite hot.
Mid 80s so far and that's the forecast for all of this next week.
Many days are hazy and pleasantly overcast, sometimes a shower but most often not.
AND, we're also loving the great dining that HH has to offer.
I'll highlight a couple of places so far.....

Last night Crane's Tavern, a perennial favorite of ours:
great bread, a Wedge Salad, and an outstanding Cabernet.......

Followed by a huge perfectly grilled 10oz Filet Mignon, Lobster tail, scalloped potatoes (best "side" on the planet),
and creamed spinach. About as good as it gets.....and Crane's Tavern definitely has a wide array of fantastic steaks,
always in my Top 3-5. Superb in every way--- in a relaxed, quiet, and romantic atmosphere.

This morning a fantastic breakfast at Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe,
featuring the Sunrise Benedict (poached egg on an English muffin, avocados, tomatoes, onions with a great Hollandaise sauce),
hash brown potatoes, link sausage, white toast, and great coffee.

and around noon, a Bloody Mary at Grande Ocean's Loggerhead Landing at the South Pool.

AND I've only been here 24 hours!!!!!
(Mona's been here with several girlfriends since Sunday, but I kicked the GFs out yesterday, LOL.)
***************************************************************************************


So far so good.......headed to our favorite Santa Fe tonight......
We're not officially here at HH until we're seated at table #5 and Chef Dave waves from his grill (my personal favorite "waves" here at Hilton Head!!!!)
I hope to include tonight's fare a little later on....

OK, back from Santa Fe.......WOW....all is right with the world.
(Had the family so didn't have table #5, but a different larger table.)

Our daughter ordered this.....she loves it, as we all do....
Painted Desert Soup: (each area has a different flavor and/or texture), and it's made and served like a painting, and delicious.

Beef Burrito (one of wife's favorites)........SIL also got this.....

And one of my favorites, which I ordered tonight......
Blackened Redfish......absolutely wonderful, and it definitely has a kick. One of the best fish dishes ever.
It was great to see Chef Dave again.......he's amazing.
And the owner Marshall even came over to chat a few minutes, see the grandchildren, and just to catch up. Been knowing him for 25+ years......

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************


Lunch at Jane Bistro today....one of our favorite lunch spots, if not THE favorite.
We agree that their Chicken Salad (salad or sandwich) is delicious, as good as we've had anywhere.
(the grapes mixed in make it very special, and the fresh fruit side is perfect, always fresh & ripe!)

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************


FYI
Santa Fe's Owner Marshall Sampson has opened a Pizza place in Buffton (Pizza Co.)... and a distillery (The Burnt Church Distillery)

Pizza Co:
Website: https://yourpizzaco.com/

Photos:

https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x88fc7794a8d7f5af%3A0x40ebf5e1ed3b7fb8!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipOeVB3PDQ_A3P5ZZt6FOjDh_x8pYsqxbPfaPZJ-%3Dw316-h320-k-no!5spizza%20co%20bluffton%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipOeVB3PDQ_A3P5ZZt6FOjDh_x8pYsqxbPfaPZJ-&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiHpqL87_T5AhXlkWoFHanqD-oQoip6BAhSEAM

Burnt Church Distillery:
Website: https://burntchurchdistillery.com/
Photos:

https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x88fb89d52ac8b0b9%3A0x1f77dfd15a403f6f!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipMc_li61sNTp_chPbsxnIjnGp6on2zTC0ICxK_9%3Dw424-h320-k-no!5sburnt%20church%20distillery%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipMc_li61sNTp_chPbsxnIjnGp6on2zTC0ICxK_9&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwisztK78PT5AhXnlGoFHX-7DfoQoip6BAhuEAM

 

[jont]

Marty
you really like to torture us, dont you?

enjoy

 

[jme]

Marty
you really like to torture us, dont you? enjoy

Well that's my job, to head you in the right direction.
And the best part? My beautiful and sweet wife is always on the other side ........

 

[timtax]

Marty
We are heading to Monarch in 3 weeks and I can't wait to try your recommended restaurants. Your descriptions make me hungry.

 

[mcsteve]

Well, I now have to add Crane’s Tavern to my list. I just started revising my dining plan as we are arriving on the 24th and I don’t want to forget any this trip. We took the Oyster Factory off our list because of a really bad experience in June so this will fit right in there

We tried Sunrise Cafe for the first time last year and it is a must have at least twice or four times each trip now.

Keep up the good work Marty! You are an inspiration.

 

[pedro47]

Marty, Outstanding! Outsatnding. You are a truly a food critics of excellent places to eat on the Island. IMHO

 

[jmhpsu93]

We had an opportunity to savor a few places earlier this month, with a couple of new entries for us.

First we hit up The Crazy Crab on the way in for a late lunch as they were prepping for Hurricane Ian. I had the Lowcountry Gumbo which was excellent. We also went there later in the week again for lunch and I had blackened grouper which was also great. Can't beat the view there on Jarvis Creek.

The day of Ian being offshore 95% of the island was closed but we found one place open that I haven't seen on the lists - the Crave Station across from Coligny Plaza. A weird combination of sushi, bar food, and pizza (though it looked like they weren't running their pizza oven). We got a seafood fry basket to share and it was surprisingly good. And they were open so bonus points for that.

Next up was the reopened Quarterdeck - WOW. We ate at the first floor bar (we wanted to sit outside but they were just getting themselves together day after the close call of Ian). I had the blackened redfish sandwich and The Wife had the charcoal roasted shrimp appetizer as a meal. I had serious food envy but mine was great, too. The upstairs bar and dining area is spectacular.

Finally we tried Gusto's, which we found to be really good, just not WOW. Maybe we just ordered the wrong things. Service was great, agreed on the small family restaurant vibe. Love how close it is to Surfwatch where we stayed. We might try again but we still have like a hundred on Marty's list we haven't tried yet LOL.

 

[vail]

We had an opportunity to savor a few places earlier this month, with a couple of new entries for us.

First we hit up The Crazy Crab on the way in for a late lunch as they were prepping for Hurricane Ian. I had the Lowcountry Gumbo which was excellent. We also went there later in the week again for lunch and I had blackened grouper which was also great. Can't beat the view there on Jarvis Creek.

The day of Ian being offshore 95% of the island was closed but we found one place open that I haven't seen on the lists - the Crave Station across from Coligny Plaza. A weird combination of sushi, bar food, and pizza (though it looked like they weren't running their pizza oven). We got a seafood fry basket to share and it was surprisingly good. And they were open so bonus points for that.

Next up was the reopened Quarterdeck - WOW. We ate at the first floor bar (we wanted to sit outside but they were just getting themselves together day after the close call of Ian). I had the blackened redfish sandwich and The Wife had the charcoal roasted shrimp appetizer as a meal. I had serious food envy but mine was great, too. The upstairs bar and dining area is spectacular.

Finally we tried Gusto's, which we found to be really good, just not WOW. Maybe we just ordered the wrong things. Service was great, agreed on the small family restaurant vibe. Love how close it is to Surfwatch where we stayed. We might try again but we still have like a hundred on Marty's list we haven't tried yet LOL.

I agree--Quarterdeck is fabulous--not only the views but more importantly the food.
Service was great as well.

I also agree with Gusto's.
No idea what is so good about the place?
I found nothing special about it in any way, and there are too many good restaurants as you say to
merit a return.

 

[Fasttr]

On our visit in Sept, we too tried a couple new spots including the reopened Quarterdeck and we also gave it a WOW....both for the food, and the view/ambiance. Its a real game changer for the Harbour Town area.

One day during our stay, we found ourselves visiting the shops in old town Bluffton, and as it was getting dinner time, I looked at what good 'ol Marty had for Bluffton recommendations and found Calhoun Street Tavern on his list. What a great spot. We ate outside in the area set up between the buildings....great vibe, live music, great food, excellent service. Another great recommendation Marty. There is a nice pic of the outside area at their website link here... https://calhounstreettavern.com/

Thanks for keeping up such a great resource for dining in and around the HHI area Marty!!!

 

[jme]

I agree--Quarterdeck is fabulous--not only the views but more importantly the food.
Service was great as well.

I also agree with Gusto's.
No idea what is so good about the place?
I found nothing special about it in any way, and there are too many good restaurants as you say to
merit a return.

I'll have to get back to Gusto to see what's up. We've enjoyed it for several years, but I do know the pandemic hit them hard.
Hard enough that they shut it down permanently.....many months later they reopened due to customers getting in touch and pleading with the owner for its return.
Darn if he didn't reopen.....Gusto moved to a new spot, though----too far out, imho----- which I think hurt them as time went on.

We've dined at many authentic Italian restaurants all over in recent years, in cities known for great restaurants (and not just Hilton Head)----
Charleston SC, Boston, & NYC, just to name 3 culinary meccas to keep it simple.....
and we've spent some time in Italy.....Rome, Monterosso, Florence, and around Tuscany in general. Gusto was not any different from
some of the smaller but popular mom & pop restaurants in Italy....great food and wonderful service in a simple setting but where they know how to cook.

Our experiences were like that at Hilton Head's Gusto, too, for over two years----owned and staffed by Italians. We've had some awesome times there, and everyone loved it.
If it's fallen off lately due to "factors or unforeseen circumstances" I wouldn't know---- we haven't dined there since JUNE 2022........
There are lots of things going on in the restaurant business, in HH and elsewhere.......serious staff shortages now for sure, chefs come and go,
and it's hard to even survive....whatever.

So, perhaps you caught them on a bad day....not excusable, imho----- but get real, stuff happens. I've seen many restaurants go downhill over the years.
My list, anyone's list, will change over time.....that's inevitable.
Just don't think they would have always disappointed you. For whatever reason, many great restaurants everywhere have had issues.
For example, two of the very best Italian restaurants in Charleston SC....(a world-class spot for tourism, and I believe Conde Nast's number # 1 rated city
for tourism in the USA for several years running at one point, and full of exquisite establishments with iconic chefs who are nationally known),
have both shuttered their restaurants totally with no plans to reopen----been closed now for over a year and close to two-------Lucca and Fulton Five.
Man, were we disappointed. We've dined at both more than once, and the meals served there were hardly distinguishable from Gusto's.
Gusto's dishes were not complex, and the place not fancy, but they served simple and basic great Italian food, and the ambiance was beyond fun.
And what usually is an indicator that a place is doing things right, at least in my mind----Gusto was always packed with diners, and frankly,
most of them were locals who returned time and again.

I am sorry to hear anyone didn't like it at Gusto, but I'll look into it, and advise accordingly.

 

[Superchief]

We've noticed that several of our favorite restaurants at home and when traveling have declined in service and quality, and prices have increased dramatically (like everything else). I think the combination of Covid, staffing and product shortages, and out of control inflation have impacted restaurants more than many other industries. Many of us can't afford to eat out as much as we did previously, so I think things will get worse. We now try to concentrate our business with a few restaurants that we've enjoyed over the years, and give them a second chance if we have one unfavorable experience. I think a lot of restaurants will close over the next year, especially the 'trendy' types of places.

 

[vail]

The culinary mecca for me is without a doubt Las Vegas.
Even there Il Mulino at the Forum Shops declared bankruptcy which was surprising.
However every hotel casino has the who's who of chefs--Emeril, Wolfgang etc...list too long to be believed.
In addition many fine restaurants not associated with hotels/casinos.

 

[dioxide45]

The culinary mecca for me is without a doubt Las Vegas.
Even there Il Mulino at the Forum Shops declared bankruptcy which was surprising.
However every hotel casino has the who's who of chefs--Emeril, Wolfgang etc...list too long to be believed.
In addition many fine restaurants not associated with hotels/casinos.

The only problem with Vegas is the prices. It is like the restaurants stick a vacuum hose into your pockets as a method of collecting payment. I thought Disney had high food prices, but nothing compared to Vegas.

 

[JIMinNC]

I'll have to get back to Gusto to see what's up. We've enjoyed it for several years, but I do know the pandemic hit them hard.
Hard enough that they shut it down permanently.....many months later they reopened due to customers getting in touch and pleading with the owner for its return.
Darn if he didn't reopen.....Gusto moved to a new spot, though----too far out, imho----- which I think hurt them as time went on.

We've dined at many authentic Italian restaurants all over in recent years, in cities known for great restaurants (and not just Hilton Head)----
Charleston SC, Boston, & NYC, just to name 3 culinary meccas to keep it simple.....
and we've spent some time in Italy.....Rome, Monterosso, Florence, and around Tuscany in general. Gusto was not any different from
some of the smaller but popular mom & pop restaurants in Italy....great food and wonderful service in a simple setting but where they know how to cook.

Our experiences were like that at Hilton Head's Gusto, too, for over two years----owned and staffed by Italians. We've had some awesome times there, and everyone loved it.
If it's fallen off lately due to "factors or unforeseen circumstances" I wouldn't know---- we haven't dined there since JUNE 2022........
There are lots of things going on in the restaurant business, in HH and elsewhere.......serious staff shortages now for sure, chefs come and go,
and it's hard to even survive....whatever.

So, perhaps you caught them on a bad day....not excusable, imho----- but get real, stuff happens. I've seen many restaurants go downhill over the years.
My list, anyone's list, will change over time.....that's inevitable.
Just don't think they would have always disappointed you. For whatever reason, many great restaurants everywhere have had issues.
For example, two of the very best Italian restaurants in Charleston SC....(a world-class spot for tourism, and I believe Conde Nast's number # 1 rated city
for tourism in the USA for several years running at one point, and full of exquisite establishments with iconic chefs who are nationally known),
have both shuttered their restaurants totally with no plans to reopen----been closed now for over a year and close to two-------Lucca and Fulton Five.
Man, were we disappointed. We've dined at both more than once, and the meals served there were hardly distinguishable from Gusto's.
Gusto's dishes were not complex, and the place not fancy, but they served simple and basic great Italian food, and the ambiance was beyond fun.
And what usually is an indicator that a place is doing things right, at least in my mind----Gusto was always packed with diners, and frankly,
most of them were locals who returned time and again.

I am sorry to hear anyone didn't like it at Gusto, but I'll look into it, and advise accordingly.

We dined at Gusto in late August (first time we've been to the new location) and we both thought it was excellent. Our server was superb and the food very good. It's a smaller, simpler atmosphere than the other Italian places we frequent on HHI - Ombra, Nunzio, and Michael Anthony's - but it's very good, and as you say, is more the family Italian restaurant feel.

We also had a great meal just the other night, Saturday, at Michael Anthony's with two other couples. Their Tagliatelle al Neri (shrimp, clams, calamari in a tomato creme sauce) with a bottle of Banfi Sangiovese was wonderful!

 

[pedro47]

You cannot have a better location than the Quarterback restaurant for a nice view over looking the marina. Plus, the food and service are excellent.

 

[vail]

You cannot have a better location than the Quarterback restaurant for a nice view over looking the marina. Plus, the food and service are excellent.

It is baffling that it took so long for an update to anything in Harbortown.
Hopefully it will just be the start?

 

[Big Matt]

Americans get confused about what authentic Italian food is all about. First, it is very different by Italian region. Second, it is always simple, fresh ingredients cooked simply. Stuff like fettucine alfredo is hard to find there. Go to Little Italy in the North End of Boston to get authentic Italian.

 

[Big Matt]

You cannot have a better location than the Quarterback restaurant for a nice view over looking the marina. Plus, the food and service are excellent.

My only visit the service was terrible. I'm going back in a week or two when I'm back on the Island.

 

[SueDonJ]

Honestly, I miss the old Quarterdeck. The rehab is lovely, sure, but it was our favorite casual place before, can't even count the number of times we sat outside and listened to the guy with the guitar for hours. Our daughter got engaged on the beach just beside the dock at Harbour Town and he played "Lady in Red" for their first dance. I just don't get the same casual vibe or good feeling from the re-do.

 

[vail]

Some people like old cars and call them classics.
To others they are just old crap.
Count me in the latter group.
I found nothing charming about the old quarterdeck.
It was an old dump with crappy food.
Now it is a very nice place to hang out, with good food.

 

[dioxide45]

Some people like old cars and call them classics.
To others they are just old crap.
Count me in the latter group.
I found nothing charming about the old quarterdeck.
It was an old dump with crappy food.
Now it is a very nice place to hang out, with good food.

Does it have new ownership, management or new chef? A renovation doesn't fix the food or service.

 

[jme]

It is baffling that it took so long for an update to anything in Harbortown.
Hopefully it will just be the start?

ADDENDUM: please see my NEW POST a few posts after this one!!! I owe vail an apology, as I got the word “update” seriously mixed up. JME
WHAT?????? so long???? you've had it for as long as I've been doing it. 4 restaurants total.
If a place was missing, it was not worthy of being listed, but two of the four were reviewed.
Have you tried those? You know I do this list just for you.....

Harbour Town restaurants:
Quarterdeck just opened in April, and was booked up way in advance, booked completely through April and into May.
I was able to get a reservation in April, made in February, and we enjoyed it. They had the normal issues opening, but apparently
most of those have been ironed out. I've heard only good things, and our experience was also very good. Hopefully the opening blips are resolved now,
as Harbour Town needs the NEW Quarterdeck.
Before the new Quarterdeck, Harbour Town had the old Quarterdeck which was mediocre at best, and very lousy at the worst......I was never a fan.
It was mostly frequented by tourists and not the locals, and "sometimes" that screams volumes.
CQ's is also there, a great and more refined restaurant located adjacent to Harbour Club, and has been a staple for decades, albeit a quiet gem.
It has never been marketed much except by word of mouth, and they were always successful relying on locals.
Crazy Crab is there, and is......well, Crazy Crab.....crazy. Overcrowded, with the usual seafood fare which can be good
one day and mediocre the next. We call it a zoo because it's so loud and chaotic there. Lots of young children always present, so food and napkins
frequently scattered under the tables after they get up. Very popular but frankly the Jarvis Creek location outshines it by far.
Harbour Town Bakery & Cafe is there too, but it's very small and only has brunch & lunch, but it's excellent!
Great menu and great food. Inside and outside dining. ADDENDUM: please see my NEW POST a few posts after this one!!! I owe vail an apology, as I got the word “update” seriously mixed up.

 

[dioxide45]

WHAT?????? so long???? you've had it for as long as I've been doing it. 4 restaurants total.

I think @vail meant an update to the restaurant, not an update to your list

 

[Dean]

WHAT?????? so long???? you've had it for as long as I've been doing it. 4 restaurants total.
If a place was missing, it was not worthy of being listed, but two of the four were reviewed.
Have you tried those? You know I do this list just for you.....

Harbour Town restaurants:
Quarterdeck just opened in April, and was booked up way in advance, booked completely through April and into May.
I was able to get a reservation in April, made in February, and we enjoyed it. They had the normal issues opening, but apparently
most of those have been ironed out. I've heard only good things, and our experience was also very good. Hopefully the opening blips are resolved now,
as Harbour Town needs the NEW Quarterdeck.
Before the new Quarterdeck, Harbour Town had the old Quarterdeck which was mediocre at best, and very lousy at the worst......I was never a fan.
It was mostly frequented by tourists and not the locals, and "sometimes" that screams volumes.
CQ's is also there, a great and more refined restaurant located adjacent to Harbour Club, and has been a staple for decades, albeit a quiet gem.
It has never been marketed much except by word of mouth, and they were always successful relying on locals.
Crazy Crab is there, and is......well, Crazy Crab.....crazy. Overcrowded, with the usual seafood fare which can be good
one day and mediocre the next. We call it a zoo because it's so loud and chaotic there. Lots of young children always present, so food and napkins
frequently scattered under the tables after they get up. Very popular but frankly the Jarvis Creek location outshines it by far.
Harbour Town Bakery & Cafe is there too, but it's very small and only has brunch & lunch, but it's excellent!
Great menu and great food. Inside and outside dining.

I miss Europa

 

[jme]

I think @vail meant an update to the restaurant, not an update to your list

I think you’re right Dean, I mean I KNOW you’re right, Dean. Sheesh. My apologies to vail. I definitely got the “updated” part dead wrong. In that case I wholeheartedly agree with vail…. That building would have been amazing as a great new restaurant JUST AS SOON AS CAFE EUROPA CLOSED!!!! We adored Cafe Europa, and didn’t consider ourselves at Hilton Head until we went there for our first brunch on our first day. Dinner there was fine dining, and it was also great. The word “update” in my TUG vernacular naturally jumped, without any thought, to my list. Again, sorry sorry sorry…. vail, if we’re ever there at the same time, name the place and I’ll take you and significant other to dinner.