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

[Serina]

Taste of Europe - Hilton Head Island, SC

Specialties: European (with a strong Hungarian liking; think paprikash and goulash) With a special bar dining menu. Established in 2019. Est. 2019 we wanted to offer back an old locals favorite hangout on the island, as well as healthy options on the north end and hearty European dinners...

www.yelp.com

New Hungarian restaurant mid Island on 278 In Northridge Plaza. We haven’t been there but other locals are highly complementary.

Any updated reviews on this restaurant? Looks interesting.

 

[JIMinNC]

This full article may be behind a paywall, but the executive chef and co-owner of Ombra on HHI, Michael Cirafesi, is missing and considered endangered.

https://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/crime/article281484263.html

 

[jme]

This full article may be behind a paywall, but the executive chef and co-owner of Ombra on HHI, Michael Cirafesi, is missing and considered endangered.

https://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/crime/article281484263.html

View attachment 83711

Oh wow, how concerning!!!
Hope it has an innocent explanation----it is a possibility.
I've had the pleasure of seeing him in the restaurant several times----very nice guy.
Hope things work out and it's all good.

 

[SueDonJ]

I'm deleting my last post and Marty's upbeat response to it, because after waiting and searching for an official media update that's nowhere to be found, I think - in fact I'm almost certain - that I read the Tio's update all wrong. I'm so sorry.

This is everything that's on the Tio's Latin American Kitchen Facebook page/post:

>>Tio’s fam, we need your help. Michael Cirafesi, a fellow Chef from Hilton Head Island is missing. As regular patrons of his restaurant, Ombra, we are praying for his safe return and for peace for his family during this agonizing time of the unknown. Please spread the word and keep an eye out. His home is in Sea Pines, but as an islander, we all know it’s a small island and he could be anywhere. Praying Chef is found safe.

Update- guys, I’m using this platform to get the word out. It was NEVER my intention for our auto messaging to be turned on. My sincere apologies. The most important thing is that Chef Michael is found! Much love- thanks, Sally Z<<

Edited to add WSAV link from last night which isn't behind a paywall:

>>https://www.wsav.com/crime-safety/police-searching-for-missing-and-endangered-hilton-head-chef/<<

 

[jme]

Michael Cirafesi found safe and unharmed.

Missing Hilton Head Island chef found safe after disappearing for several days

The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office reports that Michael Cirafesi has been located safe and unharmed.

www.wjcl.com

UPDATE: Missing South Carolina Restaurateur Michael Cirafesi Located "Safe and Unharmed" - FITSNews

What happened to popular Hilton Head Island chef?

www.fitsnews.com

 

[jont]

Thanks for posting this Marty. I’m glad he’s ok and I hope he able to get the help he needs.

 

[JIMinNC]

New Year's Eve at Hilton Head's The Jazz Corner! Great food and great jazz from the Noel Freidline Quintet featuring Maria Howell. Our fourth year in a row ringing in the new year at The Jazz Corner.

 

[jmhpsu93]

We're going to be on HHI for Easter (Grande Ocean)...any recommendations for Easter brunch? Not much published yet on the restaurant sites.

We're not buffet people as I rarely can eat $80 worth of food, so would be prefer a menu. If you think there's a brunch that's worth it, I'm all ears.

 

[DeeCee]

We ate at Frankie Bones for Easter year before last. It was a brunch menu, but not a buffet. Service was very good and food was delicious.
Happy Easter!

Dee

 

[jme]

JUST A HEADS UP HERE.
To all the discriminating diners out there who will be visiting Hilton Head Island.

I seldom do this, but it'll be a while before I update the HH Menu Guide (it does take time to accomplish, but in reality
it's because not much has changed....until now). So I'll add these thoughts soon to the "official big list", but for now,
mentally add this addendum to your own notes if you're planning to visit HH anytime this year.

My wife is at Hilton Head for two weeks, just started this past Friday. I join her on weekends because I commute home to work during the week.
So I'm here now this first weekend, returning home in the morning. When I'm not here this upcoming week she'll be joined by her best girlfriend,
and this next week 5+ other girlfriends will be coming down to stay, and naturally I'll be returning next weekend.

Tonight we had dinner with friends at Black Marlin Bayside Grill & Hurricane Bar (their new name), and it was our first dinner in the new gutted/renovated restaurant.

Gallery - The Black Marlin

blackmarlinhhi.com

Firstly, the new restaurant is absolutely gorgeous. They have expanded sideways to add a HUGE Sports Bar area (the old fairly large gift/garment shop next door has given way to the Black Marlin restaurant)..... and the new bar alone is gargantuan. It takes up most of the space of the former gift shop,
and then some!!!
There are about 4 big screen TVs overhead. That area was packed when we arrived at 5:50pm, and every bar seat was taken.
They also eliminated a dividing wall that split the old restaurant into two parts, so the net effect is now one large open room which accommodates the bar and the dining area. The bar has several hightop tables (1st come, 1st served) and the rest of the restaurant has booths lining the exterior window wall to the patio and down the sides, including a single row of 2-top booths along the approx 5' "short wall" adjacent to the bar area, allowing vision into the bar area, but splitting the two areas------the server said allowing a total of 65+ additional guests now compared to the old place.

The result is really stunning, and the first impression upon entering is that new vibe has been enhanced dramatically. I couldn't believe it was the same place. The old restaurant was musty and tired, boring, and even run down. The serving staff has now been increased despite the short-staffing problems at many other island restaurants, and the result again is phenomenal. The place is now large, open, fresh, modern, and downright fun.
And the staff is large enough to take care of the crowd.
The food is even better. They kept many of the old favorites on the menu, and added a few new items, and it's impressive too.
The long-time server who waited on us said he's been there 15+ years and now it's finally reached the potential he always envisioned.

The location has always been fantastic, but because of the inside conversion, the amazingly large patio/outside area seems even better,
and their weekend "outside summertime dining with live entertainment" will also be even better.
They also have a separate covered/enclosed area (with plastic walls) for when the weather turns rainy.
The large number of outside patio tables provide a perfect spot for not only couples, but also large parties or families with kids.

I cannot say enough how impressed I was with the changes, and how my own expectations were exceeded.
This "new" restaurant has just catapulted itself into a spot that is capable of vying for Hilton Head's BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT.
The bar itself may now be one of the best on the island, and the food is a definite "must-try".
My Blackened Salmon and Seafood Chowder appetizer was nothing short of great, and my wife and friends really enjoyed their meals too.
We all left very, very happy, with definite plans to return---like next week! Before, The Black Marlin was good, but seemed mired and
"lost in the middle" in the seafood line-up. Now I'd say, imho, it's firmly in the top 2-3 as far as dedicated seafood establishments.
They used to have a weekend Breakfast Brunch, so check that out too.....in the new environment it should be a hit as well.

 

[jme]

Addendum to previous post above: My friends, my wife, and I took advantage of the Black Marlin's "Early Dining Daily" last evening....that was how I got the Salmon,
which I requested to be blackened. It was quite a large portion of fish for an "Early Bird" deal but all the portions were generous. Mine was particularly delicious,
and will definitely get me going back next weekend. Check out the "Early Dining Daily" MENU link---- the GREAT line-up of selections (wow) were $22.50 or $25
which was a steal, and included the entree, a beverage, a House or Caesar's salad OR Seafood Chowder (that's what I got and it was also delicious, as good as any on the island and chock full of good stuff). I really wanted to order more to take back but since I was leaving the island this morning after breakfast I didn't. My friend had had that previously and insisted I get it instead of a salad, so I'm glad I did.......a full bowl of that would be a wonderful meal.

Items + price = an awesome deal. click on Early Dining Daily

Menu - The Black Marlin

blackmarlinhhi.com

Our table at Black Marlin: (not the best picture).....two Salmon choices (one grilled, one blackened), a fried Flounder, and a Pecan Brown Butter Cod.
I'd say that was one of the most enjoyable meals of late.

Worth Bonus Points:
My VERY BEST meal this 2-night weekend (no surprise) was at Santa Fe on Friday evening,
which we enjoyed with a different couple. (see pic below)

my Blackened Redfish...(imho, one of the 4-5 best fish selections on the island)

the table: two "Outrageous Chimichangas", one Ribeye Burrito,
and my Blackened Redfish

but wait, there's MORE.....

My two breakfasts this weekend....
1. Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe -- Sunrise Benedict, grits, link sausage.
(avocados, tomatoes, onions, poached egg, English muffin, Hollandaise sauce)

2. French Bakery---my custom omelette---it's LOADED (ham, cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, tomatoes, pimiento)
with toasted Crostini and fruit (wife had French Toast with side of bacon but skipped the powdered sugar)

 

[wuv pooh]

Hey Marty. Have you ever tried Nectar? https://nectarfarmkitchen.com/

I tried it last year and thought it was fantastic. Looking forward again next week, plus that Santa Fe steak of course.

 

[Superchief]

JUST A HEADS UP HERE.
To all the discriminating diners out there who will be visiting Hilton Head Island.

I seldom do this, but it'll be a while before I update the HH Menu Guide (it does take time to accomplish, but in reality
it's because not much has changed....until now). So I'll add these thoughts soon to the "official big list", but for now,
mentally add this addendum to your own notes if you're planning to visit HH anytime this year.

My wife is at Hilton Head for two weeks, just started this past Friday. I join her on weekends because I commute home to work during the week.
So I'm here now this first weekend, returning home in the morning. When I'm not here this upcoming week she'll be joined by her best girlfriend,
and this next week 5+ other girlfriends will be coming down to stay, and naturally I'll be returning next weekend.

Tonight we had dinner with friends at Black Marlin Bayside Grill & Hurricane Bar (their new name), and it was our first dinner in the new gutted/renovated restaurant.

Gallery - The Black Marlin

blackmarlinhhi.com

Firstly, the new restaurant is absolutely gorgeous. They have expanded sideways to add a HUGE Sports Bar area (the old fairly large gift/garment shop next door has given way to the Black Marlin restaurant)..... and the new bar alone is gargantuan. It takes up most of the space of the former gift shop,
and then some!!!
There are about 4 big screen TVs overhead. That area was packed when we arrived at 5:50pm, and every bar seat was taken.
They also eliminated a dividing wall that split the old restaurant into two parts, so the net effect is now one large open room which accommodates the bar and the dining area. The bar has several hightop tables (1st come, 1st served) and the rest of the restaurant has booths lining the exterior window wall to the patio and down the sides, including a single row of 2-top booths along the approx 5' "short wall" adjacent to the bar area, allowing vision into the bar area, but splitting the two areas------the server said allowing a total of 65+ additional guests now compared to the old place.

The result is really stunning, and the first impression upon entering is that new vibe has been enhanced dramatically. I couldn't believe it was the same place. The old restaurant was musty and tired, boring, and even run down. The serving staff has now been increased despite the short-staffing problems at many other island restaurants, and the result again is phenomenal. The place is now large, open, fresh, modern, and downright fun.
And the staff is large enough to take care of the crowd.
The food is even better. They kept many of the old favorites on the menu, and added a few new items, and it's impressive too.
The long-time server who waited on us said he's been there 15+ years and now it's finally reached the potential he always envisioned.

The location has always been fantastic, but because of the inside conversion, the amazingly large patio/outside area seems even better,
and their weekend "outside summertime dining with live entertainment" will also be even better.
They also have a separate covered/enclosed area (with plastic walls) for when the weather turns rainy.
The large number of outside patio tables provide a perfect spot for not only couples, but also large parties or families with kids.

I cannot say enough how impressed I was with the changes, and how my own expectations were exceeded.
This "new" restaurant has just catapulted itself into a spot that is capable of vying for Hilton Head's BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT.
The bar itself may now be one of the best on the island, and the food is a definite "must-try".
My Blackened Salmon and Seafood Chowder appetizer was nothing short of great, and my wife and friends really enjoyed their meals too.
We all left very, very happy, with definite plans to return---like next week! Before, The Black Marlin was good, but seemed mired and
"lost in the middle" in the seafood line-up. Now I'd say, imho, it's firmly in the top 2-3 as far as dedicated seafood establishments.
They used to have a weekend Breakfast Brunch, so check that out too.....in the new environment it should be a hit as well.

My brother, SIL, and I went to Black Marlin last week and our dinner was also excellent. We really like the remodeling and open space. All of our seafood entrees were outstanding. We also enjoyed the special restaurant week menu at Sea Grass Grill which was delicious.

 

[jme]

Every February we invite my wife's best friend and her husband to stay through our last weekend at Grande Ocean
(wife's friend is always there Sun-Thursday of the two weeks anyway, while I commute and work, returning for the weekends).
Both of our anniversaries are fairly close together so we use the occasion to have a great dinner out and celebrate both our anniversaries
AND Valentines Day together. We've had some wonderful evenings----- the girls always wear red and the guys always
have single red roses to hand to our "brides" at the table. We choose special restaurants which not only have great food but also
have a definite romantic vibe. We typically change venues each year, but not always.
In the past we've dined at Ela's, The Studio, The Pearl, Sea Grass Grill, Vine, Ombra, and a couple more.
This year we'll be at another great spot, but I'll not divulge exactly where until it's over....always a surprise to the ladies.
There were about three to choose from, and we'll hit all three in the coming years, but this time it's one of my most favorites
(not Santa Fe, though, since we're there so much all the time). Have had the reservation for over a month now, AND the table number request.


Table # 41 (semi-circular booth for four), but can you guess where? (I'll never tell.....)

 

[taxare]

Marty, I wanted to add that this year Restaurant Week was back with many HHI restaurants. It was January 28-February 3. For those that may be going to
HHI next year at this time, it is well worth indulging in these really good deals in excellent restaurants!

 

[jme]

Marty, I wanted to add that this year Restaurant Week was back with many HHI restaurants. It was January 28-February 3. For those that may be going to
HHI next year at this time, it is well worth indulging in these really good deals in excellent restaurants!

At each restaurant we visited last week there was an extra one-page "Restaurant Week" menu.... mostly a pre fixe menu with special pricing.
The variety of the choices and the deals were great, definitely worth doing.
Thanks for the reminder.

 

[Superchief]

SERG Takeout Kitchen will have a special fish fry hot takeout meal available every Friday in lent. If it is as good as the Jerk Chicken dinner special, it should be very popular. They only offer hot items on Fridays, but the frozen items (including a whole key lime pie) are available during all open hours. We really enjoy the Caribbean curry chicken pot pie.

 

[jme]

Hello all.....
Wanting to mention some NEW spots "here and now" before I officially add them
to the Restaurant List posted on TUG. Haven't had time to make the additions but hope to soon.


Benny's Coastal Kitchen ...located on Squire Pope Road, which essentially runs from (near) Crazy Crab Jarvis Creek location off Hwy 278
to Bluewater Resort by Spinnaker.
Have been there and have also received good reviews from friends. I'll get it added to my list soon.
Website:

Benny's Coastal Kitchen - Skull Creek, Hilton Head Island, SC

Benny's Coastal Kitchen, completed in early 2024, sits waterfront on Shrimpers Row off Squire Pope Road with breathtaking views of Skull Creek....

bennyshiltonhead.com

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/absZM9emgbNCFS896



Kind of Blue......HAVE NOT been here yet, but found out about it recently and it looks very interesting.
Those who frequent The Jazz Corner might want to try this. Different type entertainment but seems to be gathering a following already.
website:

Kind Of Blue | live music | 19 Dunnagans Alley, Hilton Head Island, SC, USA

Kind of Blue-HHI is a live music inspired restaurant with Seafood, Southern Dishes, Craft Cocktails, Cigar Bar, Live Music, DJ, Karaoke, and more! Find everything from Grammy Award winners, The Voice-Finalists, and of course your favorite local musicians playing 7 days a week! Make us one of of...

kindofbluehhisc.com

menu:

Kind of Blue - 19 Dunnagans Alley - Hilton Head Island, SC- 29928

Kind of Blue - 19 Dunnagans Alley - Hilton Head Island, SC- 29928

www.kindofbluehhisc.com

location: in the area near the FIRST traffic circle. https://maps.app.goo.gl/kEP8Lf75vAE8JxaSA

PHOTOS: (click on "see photos" in the little picture on the right)

kind of blue hilton head - Google Search

www.google.com

The Daily Cafe & Market....... HAVE NOT been here yet, but will visit in early April.....
It looks great, and I'm going out on a limb saying it'll be a sure-fire addition to my list.
location: in Shelter Cove Harbor.
website:

Daily HH

www.dailyhh.com

photo gallery:

GALLERY — Daily HH

www.dailyhh.com

enjoy...........

 

[jont]

Marty
You're killing me! Every time I knock a few off your list you go and add a few more . Im sure they are all great additions and i'll need to make more of an effort to get down there more often. keep the pics coming

dude.

 

[Steve A]

Hudson’s is recommended frequently as a go to spot. Consider this from the Packet on a recent health inspection:

Hudson’s Seafood House, 1-C Hudson Road, Hilton Head, scored a 78% (B) on Feb. 7 in a routine inspection. Issues noted by inspectors included: An employee washed hands at the food prep sink; the outdoor bar hand sink had no soap or paper towels; an unwrapped sheet pan of raw fish fillets was stored directly over an unwrapped bucket of ready-to-eat potatoes; all ice machines had a heavy accumulation of black organic matter; issues with food held past the date mark for disposition; the menu includes a consumer advisory but does not it to all items served or offered undercooked; a bowl without a handle was being used as a scoop in ready-to-eat cocktail sauce; the three-compartment sink was not sealed to the wall; and water was leaking at the mechanical dish machine and steamer drain lines. The restaurant was reinspected on Feb. 16 and scored a 100% (A).

Read more at: https://www.islandpacket.com/news/business/article286774200.html#storylink=cpy

 

[jme]

Hudson’s is recommended frequently as a go to spot. Consider this from the Packet on a recent health inspection:

Hudson’s Seafood House, 1-C Hudson Road, Hilton Head, scored a 78% (B) on Feb. 7 in a routine inspection. Issues noted by inspectors included: An employee washed hands at the food prep sink; the outdoor bar hand sink had no soap or paper towels; an unwrapped sheet pan of raw fish fillets was stored directly over an unwrapped bucket of ready-to-eat potatoes; all ice machines had a heavy accumulation of black organic matter; issues with food held past the date mark for disposition; the menu includes a consumer advisory but does not it to all items served or offered undercooked; a bowl without a handle was being used as a scoop in ready-to-eat cocktail sauce; the three-compartment sink was not sealed to the wall; and water was leaking at the mechanical dish machine and steamer drain lines. The restaurant was reinspected on Feb. 16 and scored a 100% (A).

Read more at: https://www.islandpacket.com/news/business/article286774200.html#storylink=cpy

Thanks SteveA!
Hudson's has never been a favorite of mine, and I've used words like "mediocre" to describe the food over the years. They seemed to right themselves after owner changes in the past few years, so I gave the benefit of the doubt to the masses of tourists who go there.
I wanted to take it off my list a couple of times, but people still liked it a lot, so I left it.
But it's true that the consistency is not there.
It is the ONLY place on my list that I'm not entirely enthusiastic about.
It's difficult to make changes on the list because SueDonJ has to make those for me, and she's been quite busy with things,
so I have put off any request to tweak the list....it's my fault. I've needed to add a few spots, and perhaps to take a couple of places off the list
(for instance Vine has gone out of business),
but I too have been extremely busy in my work, and have had zero time to do much else, so I will try to make the needed changes soon.
Not sure whether to give Hudson's more time or not......a tough call since they've been a popular place with "others" for so long, and I didn't wish to banish them!
But I'll be weighing that. The recent report doesn't do Hudson's any favors.
I'll say here and now that there are many better seafood spots on the island.

 

[Superchief]

Removing a restaurant from the list is probably like pulling teeth!

 

[Steve A]

Thanks SteveA!
Hudson's has never been a favorite of mine, and I've used words like "mediocre" to describe the food over the years. They seemed to right themselves after owner changes in the past few years, so I gave the benefit of the doubt to the masses of tourists who go there.
I wanted to take it off my list a couple of times, but people still liked it a lot, so I left it.
But it's true that the consistency is not there.
It is the ONLY place on my list that I'm not entirely enthusiastic about.
It's difficult to make changes on the list because SueDonJ has to make those for me, and she's been quite busy with things,
so I have put off any request to tweak the list....it's my fault. I've needed to add a few spots, and perhaps to take a couple of places off the list
(for instance Vine has gone out of business),
but I too have been extremely busy in my work, and have had zero time to do much else, so I will try to make the needed changes soon.
Not sure whether to give Hudson's more time or not......a tough call since they've been a popular place with "others" for so long, and I didn't wish to banish them!
But I'll be weighing that. The recent report doesn't do Hudson's any favors.
I'll say here and now that there are many better seafood spots on the island.

We started coming to HHI in 2000 or so. We’ve lived on the Island since the end of 2014. We’ve never been to Hudson’s.

 

[jme]

We stated to come to HHI in 2000 or so. We’ve lived on the Island since the end of 2014. We’ve never been to Hudson’s.

Thanks so much Steve for being my eyes and ears when I'm not there! I'm envious of your chosen destination to live......it's an awesome place,
and we love being there 8+ times a year, but that's not nearly enough. Just happy we're only 2.5 hours away.

 

[Big Matt]

We like Hudsons, but it is mostly for the ability to sit outside right on top of the water and that's pretty unique on HH. They have a good fish sandwich and steamed shrimp. We don't stray too far from simple stuff.