Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009
new murrells inlet diner is fit for a prince
prince creek diner
SETTING THE TABLE
I grew up in one of the diner dynasties of the North, where we could practically take our pick of which diner to meet and eat at on any block. (Most times, it was Jennie's Diner.) Even though most of them had the atmosphere of a kitschy, greasy tin can, the food was always unbeatable - as close to home cookin' without cooking it in your own kitchen - and the prices were oh-so affordable, too.
Myrtle Beach isn't really known for its diners - just thousands of other restaurant styles. But Prince Creek Diner, which just opened, is reminiscent of the diners I grew up with - comfort food options at rock-bottom prices, but served in squeaky-clean surroundings. Owner Charlie Raptis practically grew up in his family diner in New York.
Prince Creek Diner is nestled in the new Lowes Foods Complex across from TPC MyrtleBeach on S.C. 707 in Murrells Inlet. Walls are painted in a brilliant, beautiful robin egg blue, trimmed in vanilla wainscoting and accented with vintage framed travel posters, such as one depicting an old scene from the New Jersey Seashore (my first childhood introduction to a beach). Hanging light fixtures are mod-elegant. Seating is available at tables by the front windows, comfy booths lined along the inside of the diner or on stools at the bar that wraps around the open kitchen.
DOWN THE HATCH
Mom and I ventured out for lunch on a cold, rainy day. Prince Creek immediately hit me with a good first impression at the entrance with its warm lighting and delicious aromas wafting off the griddle.
We sat ourselves at a booth near the bar and didn't wait long for a smiling server to take our drink order of a root beer ($1.39) and lemon water. The diner serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, so combinations are endless in its book of a menu - from omelets to burgers to liver and onions and open-face turkey sandwiches with mashed potatoes.
I was in my soup-and-sandwich mindset, so chose a cup of the diner's creamy tomato soup ($1.79), which is served every day. First, the soup was hot; perfect. There's nothing worse than lukewarm soup. The creamy tomato base was silk - not too heavy, not too runny - and filled with a garden full of tomato chunks. I think it was the best creamy tomato soup my spoon has had the privilege to scoop. Yes, it was just that good. To accompany this cup of perfection, I selected the Turkey Reuben ($4.59), slivers of fresh deli turkey, sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing packed between two slices of toasted marble rye. Even my ravenous appetite couldn't conquer both halves of the sandwich. And I couldn't believe I could get a sandwich for less than $5.
Mom decided on a 10-inch Turkey Sub ($5.29) layered with shredded lettuce, tomatoes and mayonnaise on a fresh baked roll. It was deli-delicious. And for a side, she couldn't pass up a small plate of sweet potato fries ($2.19), which were little delights when sprinkled with a shake of salt and dipped in Ranch dressing.
CHECK, PLEASE
Lunch at Prince Creek Diner was cozy, fulfilling and quite enjoyable in such a cute, clean ambiance. I noticed, as we were leaving, that quite a few other lunch bunchers dodging raindrops and filing into the entrance must agree - which is a good sign of locals' loyalty.
I think you could probably feel safe ordering any of Prince Creek's goodies on the menu. It's just that kind of feel-good place. We plan on returning someday soon for breakfastÉ and maybe for dinner, and for more of that tomato soup.
Prince Creek Diner is located at 11907 S.C. 707, Murrells Inlet (beside the new Lowes Foods). Hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. For additional info, visit www.princecreekdiner.com or call 651-4433.
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