For those looking for just the right spot for a romantic dinner out or a special evening with friends and exceptional food, The Brentwood Restaurant in Myrtle Beach, SC will be a choice you’ll be glad you made. Though it is a little out of the way for those staying in Myrtle Beach, it is well worth the trip. It’s actually in Little River, about seven miles northeast of North Myrtle Beach and only one block off Highway 17. The soft lighting and subtle background music here provides a welcome respite from the crowds and noise of the tourist scene.
This restaurant near Myrtle Beach, with a strong French influence, is situated in a stunningly restored 1910 Victorian home that creates a picturesque atmosphere for a relaxed and serene dining experience. The Brentwood is owned by Chef Eric Masson and his wife Kim, who moved from New York to take over the restaurant from its retiring previous owners. Chef Eric is a native of France with three culinary degrees. He is accompanied by Assistant Chef Danny Smith who has also received training by a French Chef. The wonderful combination of these two talented and creative culinary experts serves to provide an emphasis on fresh, healthy and local dishes with a distinct French twist.
There are several methods of choosing your meal at The Brentwood Restaurant. First is the A la Carte Dinner Menu. Begin the culinary adventure with Hors D’Oeuvres of Escargot, She Crab Soup, Shrimp and Grits or Maine Lobster Risotto. An entree of Salmon, Crab Cake, Pan seared Sea Scallops or Lobster Tail are all superb choices. Those who prefer a more dense meat will enjoy the sumptuous Filet Au Poivre with a peppercorn crust, Veal Chop, Pork Osso Bucco, Roasted Rack of Lamb, Prime Rib or Chicken Brentwood. You must read the descriptions of these dishes to truly appreciate their intricacies. For example, the Crab On Crab is a “pan seared soft shell crab served on top of a tender homemade crab cake with a spicy southern chili Aioli and sweet corn tomato salsa.” The Roasted Rack of Lamb is “oven roasted with sauteed baby spinach, roasted grapes, crispy rosemary polenta and a Pinot Noir reduction.”
The Dessert Menu has several extremely alluring homemade selections that include Caramel Flan with Lady Fingers, Crème Brulee and Key Lime Pie. The Cheesecake with toasted coconut, kiwi and mango sauce sounds awesome; as does the Blueberry Delice which is a blueberry bread pudding topped with blueberry sauce and whipped cream. The Fondant au Chocolat provides that special touch of dark chocolate cake with raspberry sauce. An Espresso, Cappuccino or Cordial would add a relaxing touch to the end of the evening.
Dinner at The Brentwood Restaurant can be very expensive with appetizers from $5 for the French Onion Gratinee to $12 for the St. Jacques Rockefeller with scallops. The dinner entrees range from $21 for the Liver and Onions with bacon to $39 for the veal and lobster. Desserts are about $6. Even though the prices are on the high side, the food and entire dining experience are superb and notable. There are, however, two less expensive options for eating at The Brentwood House that are both very appealing.
Le Menu Paris is an excellent and affordable way to enjoy a nice sampling of menu choices with a four course meal for only $29 per person. If you include wine selections with your Prix Fixe dinner, the combined price is $44. Begin the evening with your choice of soup that includes French Onion, Escargot Du Chef or the St. Jacques Pernod. The second course is the Salad Maison with the acclaimed Miso Vinaigrette. For the entree, guests will savor the Petit Filet, Salmon A L’Oseille or the Chicken Moutarde. Dessert will be Key Lime Pie or Fondant Au Chocolat. Those that indulge in the wine pairings will partake of a selection of three wines, two French and one Brentwood Private Label.
The Brentwood has an even less expensive option for dining with their Early Bird Dinner. It is reserved just for those who are willing to have their evening meal a little early during the less busy hours from 4:30 to 5:45 pm. At the price of $14.95 per person for a three course meal, that is an extremely enticing offer. This menu is a little lighter than the regular evening choices. It starts with the Chef’s Special Hor d’Oeuvres and the Brentwood Salad. The second course is an entree with items such as Little River Crab Cake served with Dijon mustard sauce and rice pilaf or the Salmon a l’Oseille of poached salmon with tarragon cream sauce and rice pilaf. The Apple Jack Pork Chop is grilled and served with a light apple bourbon sauce and Chef’s potato, while the Shrimp Alfredo has large shrimp and broccoli with garlic and a Parmesan cream sauce on top of angel hair pasta. The third and final course is Chef Eric’s Homemade Dessert of the Day. Early Bird Wine specials are also available by the bottle or glass.
The last menu style is more expensive and very appropriately described “It’s not a meal, it’s a journey.” That is how the restaurant describes The Chef’s Tasting Menu experience which includes a spectacular seven course meal at $65 per person with an optional wine pairing consisting of five wines at an additional $30 per person. It all starts with the Crispy Leeks, Golden Potato and Truffle Soup to tantalize the taste buds. Then come the appetizers of Foie Gras, Poached Plum Frisee and Brioche Toast. The Fish & Seafood third course begins to get serious with Pan Seared Scallops, Sweet Corn Risotto and Truffle Beurre Monte. Next, the Trou Normand gives time for pause as it cleanses and refreshes the palate with Watermelon and Midori Sorbet and Rosemary Tuiles. Take a deep breath and enjoy, we’re a little over half way through this spectacular meal. The hearty Meat and Game Course of French Rack of Spring Lamb, Tian Nicoise with Rosemary and Thyme Jus is beautifully served. The Artisan Cheese Plate is a nice way to begin winding down this unbelievable meal with Goat Cheese, Melon Chutney and Caramel Coated Pecans. Then comes the finale with a light dessert of Belgium Chocolate Souffle and Raspberry Sorbet. Those who participate in the wine pairing will receive an appropriate glass of wine with all courses except the soup and Trou Normand. Of course, you will need to call ahead to reserve this sumptuous feast and plan on taking out a bit of time from your evening to bask in the joy of fine French cuisine.
The Sunday Brunch menu is wondrously appetizing with offerings such as Steak & Eggs, Shrimp & Grits, Monte Cristo, Grand Marnier French Toast, Omelets, Eggs Benedict and Crab Benedict. Available sides include sausage, bacon, ham, cheese grits and toasted bagels.
Brentwood’s Happy Hour at the Wine Bistro is daily from 4:30-6:30 pm and offers half price appetizers and discounted beer, wine and martinis. Try the $1 delicious bite-size Crab Cakes! The Piano Bar is also found upstairs at the Wine Bistro with live jazz weekend evening entertainment that features singer and pianist George Devens who was a studio musician for some of the true greats like Frank Sinatra and Barbara Streisand. Take notice of the gorgeous chandelier on your way up the stairs.
You will most certainly want to make reservations for dinner at The Brentwood Restaurant as seating in this beautiful Victorian house is limited. For more intimate and quiet dining, ask to be seated in one of the smaller rooms rather than the larger open dining area that gets a little noisy as it fills up. More specific directions to this Little River location can be found on their website. They typically have a very nice printable coupon on their website that offers some great deals such as Buy One Entree and Get one ½ Price on Monday to Friday. That’s a great deal, so be sure to check that out before you go. The Brentwood Restaurant offers so much more than just dinner, it is a true dining experience with outstanding food, surroundings and service. Ask about the Tapas Bar and the ghost story connected with the beautiful old house.
Those visitors that are chefs at heart or just enjoy playing around in the kitchen will want to call ahead to reserve their spot in one of the inviting cooking classes at The Brentwood Restaurant. They fill up quickly on a first come basis. Plan ahead to ensure your place is saved for a class or two while you’re in town. Just send in your reservation with payment to guarantee a spot. If you have a group size of twelve or more that would like to take a class together, you can call or email Eric to get that set up. Some of the classes that have been taught are Soup & Stew, French Desserts, French Sauces, Holiday Cooking and French Techniques. Most of the classes will include instruction, techniques, history, food sampling, tricks of the trade and a recipe booklet to take with you. Typical cost per person is $45 per class.
The Brentwood Restaurant & Wine Bar
4269 Luck Avenue
Little River, SC 29566
843-249-2601
http://www.thebrentwoodrestaurant.com/
Check out our list of other great Myrtle Beach restaurants. Be sure to check out our list of the best lodging in Myrtle Beach, SC as well as our list of the best coupons for Myrtle Beach.
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