There’s an old Southern expression reserved only for the best country cooking dishes: “These (fill in the blank with biscuits, ribs, collards greens, etc.) are so good they will make you slap your Pappy.” If you’ve never heard it before, there’s a decent chance you will overhear it at the new Tupelo Honey Cafe at Market Common in Myrtle Beach. In fact, you might even catch yourself saying it for the first time.
This regional chain out of Asheville, NC, is growing like kudzu for its Southern cuisine with a modern twist. It’s recent expansion to the Myrtle Beach market has given the Grand Strand a new standard for traditional American comfort foods made from scratch, and its location in the upscale Market Common shopping district has added to the vibrant dining scene.
With an atmosphere that stays true to its Southern roots and a creative menu that uses all-natural ingredients, Tupelo Honey Cafe features updated versions of time-tested recipes that yield healthier and more flavor cuisine. The farm-to-table philosophy not only involves the use of local meats and produce, but also fresh seafood straight from the nearby docks and markets.
Serving lunch and dinner daily plus a popular Sunday brunch, Tupelo Honey’s specialty dishes include seafood creations like the Shoo Mercy Shrimp & Grits, Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes and the Pan-Seared Sea Scallops. Other nightly dinner specials are designed around the fresh catch of the day and incorporate house-grown herbs and local vegetables to concoct a unique and flavorful meal.
Among the many favorites on the extensive menu are the Braised Bone-in Porterhouse Pork Chop, the Nutty Fried Chicken and the Pan-Seared Carolina Mountain Trout. Popular side dishes include Fried Green Tomatoes, Baked Macaroni and Cheese, Smashed Sweet Potatoes and Sautéed Collard Greens. The Veggie Plate of four of Tupelo Honey’s signature side dishes is a meal in itself and an excellent alternative for vegetarians or guests with dietary restrictions.
Tupelo Honey also offers a wide selection of sandwiches, salads, small plates and starters that are served at lunch and dinner. The Southern Fried Chicken BLT, Pulled Pork Barbecue and Grateful Dead Black Bean Burger are top lunch choices, and the Tennessee Country Ham Wontons, Appalachian Egg Rolls and Beef and Bacon Meatloaf are great for sampling and sharing. Try to same room for dessert, like the Brown Butter Pecan Pie or the Heavenly Banana Pudding, that truly are good enough to make you slap your pappy.
Sunday Brunch may be the best meal of any day at Tupelo Honey, which offers some of its most in demand menu items, like Shrimp and Grits and Fried Chicken and Biscuits, along with unique breakfast dishes, like the Sweet Potato Pancakes, Made-to-Order Omelets and Super Southern Breakfast Bowls featuring combinations of eggs, bacon, cheddar, salsa and grits. Tupelo Honey also serves Mimosas and several Bloody Mary concoctions. For folks who prefer to live large on the weekends and sleep in on Sundays, the Moonrise Brunch is available from 10 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Tupelo Honey Cafe also specializes in other liquid refreshments, serving its own line of in-house brewed Tupelo Honey brews and a long list of specialty drinks. The microbrew vibe permeates the building and patio deck with a laid-back environment that is country chic. Hardwood floors, folk art and Southern hospitality create a warm, relaxed atmosphere that is fine for families, couples and large groups. Featuring 300 seats between the bar area and both the indoor and outdoor dining sections, reservations are not required but they are a good idea for brunch and busy weekends. For more information or make reservations, visit www.tupelohoneycafe.com.
(Posted: 8/6/15)