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by Karen Pacifico
photography by Donna Huffman
ife is too short, so indulge yourselves now. The Inn at Palmetto Bluff offers the River House Dining Room for those of you who are looking for more than just a dining experience. You will find a serene setting, exquisite wines, gracious hospitality, distinctive cuisine and elegant atmosphere. The Inn exists in a breathtaking setting as part of a waterfront village alongside the May River. It is an Auberge Resort --- managed by one of the world’s foremost operators of luxury small hotels. Whether you are a local resident or visitor, there are cottages, cottage suites and village homes where you can retreat to world class resort accommodations. We all have special events in our lives and search for a memorable way to celebrate. This is it, right here on the beautiful May River.
On a recent evening my husband Tony and I joined Donna (that’s our beloved publisher) and Ted Huffman for dinner at the River House. We were delighted to also meet Jim and Ann Lau, friends of ours who were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with their friends Marge and Ron Lantz. What a compliment to the chef and dedicated staff that they were chosen to provide the perfect dinner for such a special occasion. Ann shared with me that the guys were fraternity buddies whose lives took them in different directions, and who reconnected after all these years of living in the same community.
The Inn is also celebrating an anniversary --- their first! This review will highlight our selections, and those of our friends, to provide you with a variety of future choices to please your palate.
We started with a glass of wine, which we enjoyed while sitting on the porch overlooking an expansive lawn and the river. As it turned out, the evening would have significance for us in many ways. Ted informed us that his company, PGP&A, installed the beautiful gaslights which adorn the village and porch area. Our server, Aldo Ackerman, turned out to be the son of W. Raymond Ackerman, Master Organist, recently highlighted in last month’s issue of this magazine. Events and people have a way of coming into our lives and blessing us. Aldo, our sincere thanks for making us feel so special, even as you offered us “Bluffton’s finest” with your selections of water. It’s so obvious that Aldo’s pleasure is in being with those he serves. Additional thanks to Ana Lavin, Director of Sales and Marketing, and also to Robert Parody, Restaurant Manager. Bill Harris, Wine Manager, added a personal touch, providing information about the Inn and the wines served
Donna and I felt right at home as we walked past an extraordinary collection of black and white photos taken by the late Jack Leigh. Donna and I met when she developed my black and white photos and both of us share an appreciation for Jack Leigh’s work. It is only fitting that his work be displayed with honor in such a beautiful location.
Our appetizer selections included Fried Green Tomatoes with goat cheese, arugula, sweet peppers in a balsamic vinaigrette ($8), She-Crab Bisque, consisting of lump crab and roe flavored with sherry ($10), Butter Lettuce Salad containing shrimp, avocado, cherry tomatoes in a vinaigrette topped with parmesan ($12), and Chilled Seafood made from local shrimp and oysters with lobster ($18).
Our entree selections included Pan-Fried Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes with flaky biscuit, summer succotash and herb butter ($26), Florida Grouper with shrimp pilau, andouille, clams, bouillabaisse jus ($24), and Filet of Beef served with horseradish potatoes, summer vegetables in a red wine glaze ($30). In speaking with our friends, it was noted that some dietary needs were requested and met without question. Chef Steve Jordan exceeded all expectations.
Desserts generally don’t interest me, but these were extraordinary. Palmetto Tiramisu is house-made ladyfingers soaked in Reunion Island espresso with mascarpone mousse and espresso cream. Need I say more? We also ordered Chocolate Quartet, a decadent silky milk chocolate panna cotta, semi-sweet chocolate mousse dome with a shot of Godiva chocolate liquor. Who would not be impressed? Two can easily share one dessert. The presentation was impeccable.
You can count on the staff to respect your wishes. When Ann was asked if there was a special occasion, she responded in the affirmative, but asked that they not make a fuss over it. The Chef created something special for them, but without any unwanted fanfare. Two very exquisite chocolates were served to their friends and beautiful chocolate covered strawberries with the words “Happy Anniversary” in chocolate on the plate were presented to the anniversary couple. Who wouldn’t enjoy such attention?
The River House Dining Room is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And, the Inn and its knowledgeable Wine Manager, Bill Harris, announced the launch of a wine lecture and dinner series. Themed lectures, which will each cover a different wine region, will be presented on the last Saturday of each month from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Wine pairing dinners will follow and expand on the lecture series on the first Thursday of each month from 7:00 to 9:30 pm. Both events will be held in the River House Wine Cellar.
All in all, it was a perfect evening with an almost perfect moon, palm trees swaying in a warm, gentle breeze and an unforgettable dining experience. It bears repeating that life is too short, so indulge yourself now. You won’t regret it. The entire evening exceeded our expectations.
The entrance to the Palmetto community is 1.2 miles in from Hwy 46. Be sure to tell the Security guard(s) at the Gate House that you are having dinner at the Inn. You’ll receive a guest pass and then you proceed ahead 4 miles. There is limited public parking on the street and a public parking lot located a short distance away. Bon Appetit!
The Inn at Palmetto Bluff
476 Mount Pelia Road
Bluffton, SC 29910
To make reservations,
call 843-706-6500
Hours:
Monday - Friday
Breakfast: 7 am - 11 am
Lunch Selections: 11 am - 10 pm
Dinner: 6 pm - 10 pm
Saturday - Sunday
Breakfast: 7 am - Noon
Lunch Selections: Noon - 10 pm
Dinner: 6 pm - 10 pm
