Archive for March 21st, 2010

Culinary Tidbits . . . Heston Blumenthal Served Ambergris on Special Menu; Restaurant Charlie Closes at the Palazzo, Las Vegas

Sunday, March 21st, 2010

small logo RDCCulinary 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 – USA

Sunday, March 21st, 2010

By Sandy Driscoll

Harold's Diner, Hilton Head, South Carolina, (image credit: Sandy Driscoll)Harold’s Diner, Hilton Head, South Carolina

641 William Hilton Parkway
Hilton Head Isle, SC  29928-3551
Open Monday – Saturday
Hours: Breakfast 7-11; Lunch: 11-3
Cash Only

Hilton Head Isle, SC, is a city which exists primarily for golfers, tennis players, sunworshippers and vacationers who are looking for a relaxing getaway. It is 42 square miles in area, has more than 20 individual PGA sanctioned golf courses, hundreds of tennis courts, and more than 250 restaurants. Most of the restaurants are overpriced variations on a theme of over-sauced steaks, fish and pasta, many of which are set against a background of lovely water views and moss-laden trees.

Harold's Diner, Hilton Head, S. Carolina (image credit: Sandy Driscoll)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, Hilton Head, S. Carolina (image credit: Sandy Driscoll)Harold’s at breakfast . . . the hats (hanging) are $15 as are the t-shirts, when they are in stock.

Harold's Diner, Hilton Head, S. Carolina (image credit: Sandy Driscoll)Want a free t-shirt?  Just finish two Big “H” Burgers (one pound each) and two orders of fries!

Harold's Diner, Hilton Head, S. Carolina (image credit: Sandy Driscoll)Tickets waiting for the grill cook

Harold's Diner, Hilton Head, S. Carolina (image Credit: Sandy Driscoll)Big “H” Breakfast . . . two eggs over easy with bacon, sausage, home fries and hot cakes

Harold's Diner, Hilton Head, S. Carolina (image credit: Sandy Driscoll)Three egg omelette with swiss and cheddar cheese, ham, bacon, jalapenos and home fries with rye toast

Harold's Diner, Hilton head, S. Carolina (image credit: Sandy Driscoll)Notice the “Sorry, We’re Open” sign!

Harold's Diner, Hilton Head, S. Carolina (image credit: Sandy Driscoll)