4886 South Highway 17 Business Murrells Inlet, South Carolina 29576 843.651.9309 Fax: 843.651.2027

Over the many years that I have been mongering fish to so many great restaurants, I have always read the food critic's reviews on the restaurants who are kind enough to use my food. My all time favorite food critic was Mrs. Jeanne Delia who wrote for the Sun News for many years. She was a Cordon Bleu Culinary graduate who was as soft spoken as she was intelligent. Miss Jeanne and her husband Dr. Bill were regular guests every Sunday after church at my Italian Restaurant in the late 1970's.
 
Dr. Bill was the Chief of Staff at Conway Hospital. He hated cigar smoke and loved good red wine. Back then, we were not supposed to serve wine on Sundays - so I would open a bottle in the kitchen and serve it to the Delias in coffee cups. They lingered long after each meal to enjoy more of their "special coffee".
 
Miss Jeanne's culinary critiques were far ahead of most of us restaurateurs abilities. But her critiques in the paper were only about what we did right. She could be persuaded to criticize technique only after her second cup of "special coffee" - and only in private. She was such a classy lady.
 
The Sun News now employs a wonderful and ebullient lady/foodie as their food critic - Miss Johanna Wilson. She is such a breath of fresh air after many years of unqualified people in that position after Miss Jeanne's retirement. Food and food people make Johanna happy - and it shows in the way she writes her column.
 
But Hey!!! I came up with a great idea while eating at the Chive Blossom yesterday! I will write a critique of each restaurant meal I consume in this blog from now on.
 
PK and Trina Renault are old friends - and loyal clients of Murrells Inlet Seafood. I've known Trina since she was very young and operating her first restaurant in downtown Myrtle Beach. Paul Kelly and I had worked together for many years while he was teaming up with Chef Pierce Culliton at Franks. Since PK and Trina have consolidated their talents at the Chive Blossom, exciting things have been happening.
 
My favorite menu items there (excluding the obvious catch of the day) are the Pan Seared Duck Salad, Asian Noodles and their Creamy Asiago Shrimp Pasta. Their menu is so diverse, delving into Lowcountry, Asian, Italian and more. Yesterday I was in the mood for a traditional seafood platter - so I ordered the Seafood Sampler.
 
AWESOME! Fried Fresh Flounder, Jumbo Shrimp, Dry Scallops and Select Oysters littered the plate quite generously. Mixed in was some delicious fried okra with a bowl of Creamy Yellow Stone Ground Grits center plate. I savored every bite, I can tell you!
 
Please do yourself a favor, if you haven't already - call 237-1438 and make a reservation to eat at The Chive Blossom. They have a wonderful outdoor dining area with a big firepot. Their staff is friendly and knowledgeable - and the food is always over the top!!!

> Live Maine Lobsters (all sizes ) - 12.99 LB. Please reserve early!
 
> All sizes Maine Lobster Tails - 19.99 LB - Wholesale to the public!
 
> Crab Stuffed Pound and a Half Lobsters - 24.99 each. Bake and serve! Order ahead, please.
 
> Rich and Creamy Lobster Dip - 8.99 a half pound
 
> Lobster Deviled Eggs - 1.99 each
 
> Lobster Cocktail Meat - 19.99 a pound
 
> Quarter Pound Lobster Cakes - 9.99 each.
 
> Colossal U-12 White Shrimp - 17.99
 
> Local Waccamaw River Caviar ( AKA Shad Roe ) - 5.99 a set.
 
> Local Clams and Oysters Galore!
 
> Fresh Skinless Jumbo Carolina Flounder fillet - 9.99

Super Bowl Week is here - and we are stocking up for the big party!
 
We are offering a smorgasboard of homemade gourmet dips: Our famous Zesty Crab Dip, Smoked Grouper Dip and Smoked Grouper Adobo, Shrimp Champagne Dill Dip, Lobster Dip, Smoked Salmon Dip, Smoked Cajun Redfish and homemade Pimiento Cheese Spreads. All are priced at $6.99.
 
We have seven different sizes of shrimp to choose from - starting at $5.99 - AND - we have homemade Crab Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp and Jumbo Shrimp, Pineapple and Andouille Skewers.
 
Of course, no Lowcountry Seafood Party would be complete without local clams and oysters. We have Local Clusters at $27 a bushel - South Carolina Select Clusters at $37 a bushel - and Carolina Extra Selects at $49 a bushel. We will also be making our famous Oysters Rickafella.
 
Local Clam Season is in full swing and we have Littlenecks, Top Necks, Cherrystones and Chowders in stock. Buy in volume and get wholesale price! We'll be making our famous Clams Casino too!
 
Don't forget our Famous Soup Bar. New England Clam Chowder, Authentic Lobsta Bisque and Crab/Butternut Squash Bisque are now featured.
 
Poche's Authentic Cajun Meats are the PERFECT Tailgate Party grilling sausages. We have Chaurice, Pork or Chicken Andouiile and Smoked Alligator. For Creole Dishes - we also have Pork Boudin and Crawfish Boudin.
 
The Patriots and Giants! What a matchup! Y'all load up on the very best Murrells Inlet Seafood - and enjoy the game!