Pascal's Cafe Grill - Greenwood

What a wonderful Birthday Dinner I had. Upon the recommendations of some tablemates of ours at a recent fundraiser dinner we attended, Brian made us reservations at Pascal’s Café and Grill in Greenwood, SC. These recommendations were further supported when we ran into friends, and restaurant owner, celebrating their wedding anniversary on the covered patio. You can now add Brian and I to the chorus of those singing the praises of Pascal’s. I could tell Pascal’s did things right as soon as we walked in. In the foyer they had a selection of magnifying reading glasses for customers who needed them, and the table lines were very soft. Much nicer than the stiff nonabsorbent ones that often result when using a linen service. I asked our server if they did their own linens and she told me they do in fact own them and wash them on site. Of course, the main attraction was the food, and it was top notch all around. Striking presentations, imaginative compositions, complex flavors, and ample servings. Unintrusive staff and eclectic décor complemented the enjoyment of the evening. We shared each course. For appetizers we choose: Savory Goat Cheese Crème Brulé with Baggett Toast; and a Potato Cake stuffed with Pepper Jack Cheese, with Crispy Pork Belly, Asian Chili Oil, and Blackened Shrimp. Both were so good we could not decide which one we liked better. The goat cheese crème brule’ was smooth, thick, and pungent, the baggett toast was well seasoned, buttery, and crisp. The combination was a real winner. The small salad with toasted pecans and vinaigrette dressing were there to offer some acid to lighten the dish. For me I loved the cheese and toast so much I left all the salad for Brian. The potato cake with pork belly and shrimp brought just the right amount of spice to our first course. The velvety smooth potatoes were drizzled with an oil that heated things up a bit. Adding both pork belly and shrimp to the dish added contrasting texture and a bit more body to this appetizer. Knowing we were going to have dessert we opted not to have a salad, but the night’s menu did offer four solid classic options. For our entrées we choose: Pascal’s House Made Meatloaf, layered with Mashed Potatoes and topped with Pimento Cheese; and Slow Roasted Duck Confit over Mashed Potatoes. Both were served with Green Beans, Young Carrot, and Couscous. Both dishes were full of flavor. The meatloaf was tender and moist, sliced into two rounds which sandwiched the creamy mashed potatoes. A rich Demi Glaze finished the dish. The duck confit was fall off the bone tender. The feel of the dish was rich not fatty, as can sometimes be the case with duck confit. Both of our potatoes, green beans, and couscous, were prepared as well as anyone could want. For our desserts we choose: Lemon Lavender Tiramisu and Tart Tatin a la Mode. The tiramisu was the more contemporary of the two, the tart the more traditional of the two. Both well executed and very much enjoyed. The tiramisu’s lemon component was tart and creamy. The lavender being present by dried lavender leaves sprinkle among the custard and cake provided a noticeable flavor while avoiding the common pitfalls over overkill when lavender oil is used. The tart was classic rustic apple, pastry, and ice cream. It was served warm, the apples were plentiful, perfectly coated with a restrained amount of spiced sugary glaze. We both left completely happy with our first dining experience, looking forward to returning many times. Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $50–100 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5

The food, wine and service were excellent. Parking: Overflow across the street Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $30–50 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Parking space: Not sure Parking options: Free parking lot, Free street parking

Good food. Little pricy but the atmosphere is wonderful! Service: Dine in Meal type: Lunch Price per person: $30–50 Recommended dishes: Shrimp and Grits with Smoked Sausage Sweet Cajun Gravy on South Carolina Grits, Fried Oyster Appetizer, Escargot

I have been here 3 times. I tried the shrimp grits once and was not a fan. The chicken is really good though!!! It is expensive, but I will continue to go back.

The best option for Greenwood for top shelf culinary experience in a casual environment.