Culinary Tidbits . . . Heston Blumenthal, of The Fat Duck, Bray, Berkshire, England http://www.fatduck.co.uk/ who grew tired of traditional holiday menus has recently tried some culinary experimentation, using ambergris (whale vomit), he also included a dish using the small rodent dormouse (although separately) on that same Special Menu, which has not been seen since the reign of Charles II.
More recently, (yesterday) . . . the enormous space Charlie Trotter’s, Restaurant Charlie, at the Palazzo Resort in Las Vegas closed its doors, due to the economic slowdown, which not only affected the entire city of Las Vegas, but particularly the middle/upscale clientele that “Restaurant Charlie” catered to.
Harold’s Diner, Hilton Head, South Carolina
Harold’s Diner is an exception to all of this. Harold’s does not have a website. They do not advertise. They seat only 21 people . . . 13 counter stools, and four small window tables for two. The only Internet notes you will find about them (other than rave reviews by regular diners) is a small notation that they have the “Best burger on the island”. Their motto is “Eat here or we both starve”. It is a true diner in the best tradition of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” (of FoodTV Network fame). Most people find out about Harold’s by word of mouth, or seeing it as they cruise down the highway, and thinking “That would be a cool place to eat”! That’s how I discovered it. The food is good, the ambiance friendly and fun, and the prices (cash only) are very reasonable. Incidentally, despite a recent TripAdvisor review stating that the reviewer was served by Harold himself, the fact is, that Harold died many years ago!
Harold’s at breakfast . . . the hats (hanging) are $15 as are the t-shirts, when they are in stock.
Want a free t-shirt? Just finish two Big “H” Burgers (one pound each) and two orders of fries!
Tickets waiting for the grill cook
Big “H” Breakfast . . . two eggs over easy with bacon, sausage, home fries and hot cakes
Three egg omelette with swiss and cheddar cheese, ham, bacon, jalapenos and home fries with rye toast
Notice the “Sorry, We’re Open” sign!
