The 5-star club | Metromix Greenville

You’re probably tired of turning on the television and hearing the dire economic news of the past few months. As Americans look to the new administration for the much-debated “economic stimulus” and wait to hear about more layoffs and budget deficits the simple things become important and the proverbial belts are tightened (It’s interesting how you never hear about belts being loosened).

McDonald’s and other fast food outlets have recently reported a spike in sales, but what of Greenville’s many more expensive fine dining restaurants? After all, people are still having birthdays, making the dean’s list, proposing marriage, and entertaining friends from out of town so you’ll need a place to go for that special occasion.

As a public service to our readers, Metromix offers this user’s guide to the highest of the high end, a snapshot of the priciest items from a few of Greenville’s best restaurants. We call it “The 5 Star Club.”

Devereaux's

Devereaux's

25 E. Court St. - Greenville
864-241-3030

“Duo of Ribeye” ($37) — That had better be plenty of meat for almost $40, but I was more interested in the “confit of king trumpet” accompanying Deveraux’s most expensive entrée. “Confit” is a French method of food preservation involving salt and fat, and a king trumpet is one of the largest types of edible mushrooms. Don’t fill up on bread before ordering this.

Rick Erwin's West End Grille

Rick Erwin's West End Grille

648 S. Main St. - Greenville
864-232-8999

“Lobster Tail” ($32 or $22 for a half plate) — Mmmmm…..lobster. This entrée is available “broiled with citrus risotto” (aka fruit-flavored rice that has been cooked in wine) or “deep-fried with drawn butter and remoulade.” Do we need to explain “deep-fried?” Didn’t think so, but remoulade is a French condiment often compared to a flavored tartar sauce.

The Melting Pot

The Melting Pot

475 Haywood Rd - Greenville
864-297-5035

“Lobster Indulgence” ($89 per couple) – You’d think lobster was a delicacy or something. “Fondue” is a Swiss term for heating up cheese, chocolate, or other food into a semi-liquid state and then dipping in meat, fish, or fruit. This seafood lovers’ delight includes “Twin Lobster Tails” and “Cedar Plank Salmon.” Save room for dessert and some “Cherries Jubilee Chocolate Fondue.”

Rio Grille

Rio Grille

802 S. Main St. - Greenville
864-335-5055

All-you-can-eat ($30) — If you’ve ever had trouble choosing between saliva-inducing items on a menu, then this South Main Street Brazilian restaurant may be for you. It’s all-you-can-eat at the Rio Grille, with a rotating selection of meats served right at your table “Rodizio” style (right off the cooking skewer). The items offered may vary, but include Flank Steak, “Linguica” (Brazilian Sausage) and Leg of Lamb.

Larkin's on the River

Larkin's on the River

318 S. Main St. - Greenville
864-467-9777

Veal Osso Bucco ($34) — The well-respected Greenville steakhouse (sponsor of the “Rhythm on the River” summer concert series) has its own way of preparing this traditional Milanese dish of braised veal shanks. Enjoy the “Larkin’s Original” red wine sauce with your entrée, and make sure to sample something from the wine list. Larkin’s wines received an “Award of Excellence” from Wine Spectator Magazine.

Northampton Wines & Wine Cafe

Northampton Wines & Wine Cafe

211 E. Broad St. - Greenville
864-271-3919

Venison ($38) — Northampton Wines has long been a Greenville institution for fans of the grape, but did you know that dinner is served six days a week after 5.00 p.m. at the E. Broad Street location? Northampton offers Cervena vension (from New Zealand) with “mashed Yukon Gold Potatoes, Exotic Mushrooms, and Bordelaise sauce.” That’s a French sauce made with wine which can include shallots and herbs. You’ll definitely want a Cabernet or Zinfandel with that.

American Grocery

American Grocery

732 S. Main Street - Greenville
864-232-7665

Campfire Ribeye ($37) — Doesn’t a steak sound good right about now? What’s really special about this small restaurant across from the Greenville Drive’s stadium is the ever changing menu, which varies according to the seasons and what’s available at the local and regional farms and producers that supply the ingredients. It’s worth a second trip to the Grocery, because what you’ll have to choose from could be entirely different.

Cafe and Then Some

Cafe and Then Some

101 College St. - Greenville
864-232-2287

Pork Medallions Marsala ($18) – A Marsala sauce is wine reduced with onions and seasoned with mushrooms and herbs. But of course what’s really flavorful at the Café isn’t the sauce but the original theater pieces that have been presented there for three decades. The Greenville-themed shows include a loveable collection of recurring characters and are best enjoyed with a dessert from the Café’ kitchen. We recommend the “Homemade Sin,” which involves a giant chocolate chip cookie and is exactly as decadent as it sounds.

Note: Many of these restaurants change their menus according to seasonal availability of various ingredients. The availability of certain menu items is not guaranteed.

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