Friday, Nov. 20, 2009

Croissants offers taste at every meal

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all dynamite at Croissants Bistro & Bakery.

Everything from stone-ground yellow grits to oven-roasted rack of lamb are on the menu of what is arguably one of the most popular, locally owned eateries in Myrtle Beach. The service is consistently good, and the food is satisfying.

Breakfast at Croissants offers handfuls of Southern flavor and a bit of Northern intrigue. The omelets are fluffy, with just the right touch of butter and whatever good stuff you pick to have inside. Croissants offers several options, including ham and cheese, seaside (with shrimp and boursin cheese) and Norwegian (with salmon, pickled onions, cream cheese and capers).

I went for the Greek, which contains spinach and feta. I asked the waitress if I could add bacon and sundried tomatoes. She said I could, so I did, and the flavors made for a perfect combination. I ordered grits as my side and was pleasantly surprised when my waitress brought stone-ground yellow grits. It reminded me of the grits my mama makes me when I visit home. The consistency of it was just right, with just the right touch of butter mixed in.

Other breakfast items include blueberry pancakes, shrimp and grits, and Eggs Benedict Florentine.

The eatery's lunch menu is a practical landscape that features hearty wraps, sandwiches, salads and soups. There are even homemade pizza and quiche offerings.

The grilled chicken cordon blue is served on a buttery croissant and comes with a side of potato, pasta or broccoli salad, as do all the hot entrees. My favorite is the pimento cheese and artichoke melt. It comes with smoked turkey on sour dough bread, but I prefer the seven-grain bread. The open-faced sandwich contains homemade pimento cheese and whole artichoke hearts. I cherish each bite and look at my plate with sadness when it's all gone.

Croissants is also known for its homemade soups, including French onion and the ultra-popular butternut squash, which is only served on Thursdays. It is a creamy, palate-pleasing soup that has a beautiful golden yellow color. Alone, it rocks, but if you pair it with one of Croissants' signature sandwiches or wraps, you will experience food heaven on Horry County earth.

The dinner menu is equally impressive because it showcases fine-dining meals without the fine-dining prices. Most dinner entrees are below $20. The Pork Tenderloin Francais is accompanied by Pennsylvania apple butter and creamy polenta. The Steak Classique pays homage to a chargrilled rib-eye steak paired with Parmesan and cheddar scalloped potatoes. Veal, grouper, mussels and other delectable offerings are here as well.

As marvelous as the meals are, diners would be cheating themselves if they didn't have a dessert from Croissants. Croissants offers a wonderful dining experience, regardless of the time of day.