A Classy Birthday Dinner

Does anyone else out there really stress about giving a recommendation for a restaurant? I mean, like, REALLY stress about it. I always seem to have the type of luck where it never fails that the time I take people to a place that has always delivered up until then, something goes wrong. But when it’s for one of our dearest friend’s birthday, FORGET IT! Thankfully, we’ve been friends since our honeymoon, so they know that we have usually high standards for food and trust our opinions. So with a babysitter for the night, three couples ventured out on the town to 21 Main in North Myrtle Beach. I actually picked this place because I was expecting to find the restaurant half empty like it had been the last 1/2 dozen times I was there (which would make it more conducive for conversation), but apparently the secret is out about this place because it was packed. Nonetheless, a round of cocktails later, and we were laughing and carrying on in the corner, so I was actually glad for the extra background noise so that we didn’t get pegged the ‘noisy table’, not that it would be my first time…

I do have to admit that I was slightly bummed that there were no specials for the night because those have been some of my favorites (I still dream of the pork belly dish from two years ago), but I have been trying to not overeat, so I decided on what seemed like a practical, balanced dinner: Caesar salad, beef carpaccio, and truffle fries, knowing that I would have at least some room left for their unbelievably good cheesecake. My drink was some sort of lavender gin concoction that was absolutely delicious, only made better when I found out that I struck the seating chart jackpot by sitting next to someone who gave me their white anchovies off of their salad in addition to the ones I already had on mine – SCORE!!! While I didn’t try it, our table also ordered their award-winning lobster bisque and the ceviche of the night – both got rave reviews as well.

Our tastebuds were in full swing by the time our entrees arrived, and they also did not disappoint. By now, I’m somewhat starting to relax about the expectations that I could not bear to ruin my friend’s birthday with a bad recommendation (maybe the cocktail helped as well), and I dug into my carpaccio when it arrived. I know it’s not traditional styled because my husband couldn’t believe that they would char it at all, but I don’t care what they did to it because it was that delicious. The capers and pearl onions on top were the perfect compliment of flavors, and it was gone in no time. By now, I’m starting to feel like my ‘small’ dinner wasn’t so small, but there was no way I was passing up on dessert. Nearly our entire table got steaks pittsburgh rare, with not a bit left over anywhere.

I know I’ve gushed about other restaurant’s desserts, and believe it or not – I actually don’t have much of a sweet tooth; BUT if you go to 21 Main, you MUST get their turtle cheesecake. It’s the best on the grand strand… seriously. Also, they supposedly have some fancy coffee maker that costs $10k, so it’s hard to pass up on a cup of coffee to go with it as well. I wish I would have saved more room so that I could have enjoyed my coffee a little more, but as expected, I ate that cheesecake to the point where I thought my dress was going to burst. We also go the Banana & Chocolate Spring Rolls, which while unique paled in comparison to my slice of heaven. All I have to say is “Thank You” to 21 Main for not making me look like a complete idiot for recommending them on such a big night. Although it is quite pricey, it was fun to get dressed up and spoil ourselves with a culinary experience! This left me with one huge [verging on painful], yet happy full belly!!