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Level 10

3/2/2018

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location.
225 W. Main Street, Suite 100
10th level of the AC Hotel

hours.
mon-sat 4:30pm - until

what they are known for.
stunning views and shareable dishes

Spartanburg has been elevated…by Level 10. Located at the top of the new AC Hotel by Marriott, Level 10 is an upscale dining experience that (IMHO) Spartanburg has needed. Not only is the food spectacular but the views are unreal. ​
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The restaurant itself is quite spacious, with several semi-separate dining spaces plus the bar which extends onto the “rooftop”. There are both booths and tables – check out these swanky chairs! I love when tables are set before you sit down…really taking it up a notch.
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The dishes are described as shareable, so kind of like tapas. There were 4 of us, so naturally we ordered about 9 dishes in total. It may have been a little much but #noregrets.
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Our first round included the Pomme Frites, Roasted Mushrooms, Grilled Oysters, and the Crab Beignets. The beignets surprised me in that they were denser than I imagined – basically like a tempura battered, deep fried, crab cake ball – no complaints here!  Plus the tempura onion rings served with them were to so light and crispy - a perfect compliment. The grilled oysters are great even for people who don’t love oysters because they are cooked through and sprinkled with cheese. The roasted mushrooms had a delicious complex flavor with parmesan and truffle vinaigrette, and went perfectly with a bite of the creamy polenta. But I’m not going to lie, the pomme frites were probably the hit of the first round. Yes, they are "just" French fries, but they were cooked in a way that made them both soft and crunchy, and the dusting of rosemary, garlic and parmesan…finger licking good. 
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Crab Beignets with Tempura Onion Rings, Pickled Peppers and Herb Aioli
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Grilled Oysters, Barbecued on the Half Shell, New Orleans Style
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Roasted Mushrooms with Creamy Polenta, Poached Egg, Parmesan Float and Truffle Vinaigrette
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Pomme Frites with Rosemary, Toasted Garlic and Parmesan
The second round included our only “For the Table” menu item, which are larger and should be ordered early. The Roasted Chicken Roulade with sage and lemon-caper juice was a great main course dish that everyone loved. We got the Roasted Beets to go along side, and even if you aren’t a huge fan of beets, I implore you to try them! They were sweet and earthy, but mild – perfect side dish.
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Roasted Chicken Roulade, Prosciutto Wrapped, Sage, Lemon-caper Juice
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Roasted Beets with Goat Cheese Fondant, Walnuts, and Blood Orange
Last round included the Gnocchi, Seared Salmon and PEI Mussels. I’m a huge fan of mussels, and these did not disappoint. While the mussels themselves were yummy, the best part is obviously dipping that crusty bread into the coconutty, green curry sauce they were cooked in. The seared salmon is a great dish to share because it is mild yet still has a twist with the celery root puree and fennel. Lastly, the gnocchi, which was heavy on the duck confit, was doughy and complimented well by the duck, apples, walnuts and sage. 
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PEI Mussels with Coconut Milk, Cilantro, Thai Green Curry
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Seared Salmon with Celery Root Puree, Caramelized Fennel, and Roasted Pepper Vinaigrette
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Gnocchi with Duck Confit, Roasted Apples, Walnuts, Sage, and Butternut Squash Puree
Before and/or after your meal, be sure to take time to take in the stunning views. I think we’re all looking at Spartanburg a little differently these days, and the view from Level 10 is definitely one you must take in.
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​And, as always, if you’re looking for more Spartanburg restaurant reviews, look no further!
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HenHouse Brunch

7/13/2017

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location.
201 Wall Street, Suite D

hours.
mon-fri 7:30am - 3pm

what they are known for.
breakfast and lunch dishes, fresh baked pastries

menu.

features.
​outdoor dining

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​New to the Spartanburg restaurant scene, HenHouse Brunch has made a name for itself on Wall Street downtown. The day I visited, I waited in line for nearly 20 minutes and only barely found a seat! This did give me ample time to take in the décor which is quite charming; quirky prints and a chalkboard menu surround the counter where you order. After making my menu decision, plus picking up a pastry for the road, I took a seat and eagerly awaited my order: the Hipster sandwich and a side of She Crab Soup. 
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She Crab Soup $5.50; The Hipster $6.25
When it arrived, I loved the casual presentation right off the bat. The sandwich was served on a waxed paper-lined metal tray with wooden utensils, with the soup piping hot in a plastic container. The Hipster features roasted red pepper, egg, cheddar cheese, scallions, wilted spinach, roasted tomato, and harissa sauce on a brioche bun.  The bread was thick and fluffy and soaked up lots of flavor from the veggies and the spicy roasted pepper sauce.  The star of this particular meal for me was, surprisingly, the She Crab Soup.  The creaminess was unmatched and the roasted corn on top added a sweet and salty crunch that I couldn’t get enough of!
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On another visit not too long after this one, I tried The Benny: poached egg, Canadian bacon, and hollandaise on an open-faced croissant. The sauce and the egg yolk soaked right into the nooks and crannies of that croissant making for delicious decadence in every bite. 
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The Benny $9
​And don’t forget to pick up a fresh-baked pastry for later! Now that summer is here, there’s additional seating outside, so if you happen to visit HenHouse Brunch when it’s busy, sit back and relax…it’s worth the wait.

And if you want more Spartanburg restaurant reviews, look no further!
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RJ Rockers & HenHouse Brunch Beer Dinner

6/2/2017

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RJ Rockers HenHouse Brunch Beer Dinner Menu
​Be sure to keep an eye out for the next RJ Rockers beer dinner because these are events that you Spartanburg foodies do not want to miss!  This collaboration with HenHouse Brunch was the third dinner in the series, the first two being with Southside Smokehouse and The Farmer’s Table.  How I wish I’d been at those!  Included in your ticket price is a pint of beer to enjoy while you wait for the first course to be served, so be sure to get there early to enjoy your pint.
RJ Rockers HenHouse Brunch Beer Dinner
The 5-course dinner featured dishes from HenHouse Brunch paired with delicious local brews from RJ Rockers.  Kate White, Public Relations Manager with Rockers, said they bring the restaurant staff in to taste the beers which they then create dishes to match.  Rockers also created a special beer just for this dinner, one that I’ve already petitioned for them to recreate!
RJ Rockers HenHouse Brunch Beer Dinner
The first course was a trio of deviled eggs – Avocado Lime, Grandmama Style, and Bacon Jalapeno.  The avocado lime egg was super creamy with a slight hint of lime and a bit of spice, while the Grandmama style was on the sweeter side.  I’m a sucker for spice so I saved the bacon jalapeno for last – I could have taken a lot more spice, but there’s nothing like a good egg/bacon combo.  The beer paired with this course was the bestselling Son of a Peach, and those sweet, peachy flavors tied in nicely, especially with the bacon.
Deviled Egg Trio: Bacon Jalapeno, Avocado Lime, and Grandmama Style served with RJ Rockers Son of a Peach
Deviled Egg Trio: Bacon Jalapeno, Avocado Lime, and Grandmama Style served with RJ Rockers Son of a Peach
The second course was a hefty slice of brioche toast topped with a creamy spread cheese and avocado, bacon, tomatoes, arugula, a perfectly cooked duck egg, and lots of honey balsamic drizzle.  There’s nothing better than a runny yolk, folks. The beer paired with this course was the special release, only for this event, and it blew my socks off: a Basil and Blood Orange Saison.  If you’re not familiar with this type of beer, it tends to be tart and citrusy with more carbonation. This one had a heavy note of orange with a slight hint of basil, and I’d love to have it in a bottle by the pool this summer *wink wink*.
Farmers Cheese and Avocado Spread, bacon, roasted heirloom tomatoes, arugula, honey balsamic, and a fried duck egg on brioche toaste served with RJ Rockers Basil and Blood Orange Saison
Farmers Cheese and Avocado Spread, bacon, roasted heirloom tomatoes, arugula, honey balsamic, and a fried duck egg on brioche toaste served with RJ Rockers Basil and Blood Orange Saison
​The third course was a Shrimp Panzanella Salad, loaded with chunks of bread that soaked up the juices of the dressing, tomatoes and grapefruit.  It had a spice that lingered in a good way and was cut nicely with the crisp Palmetto Trail Pale Ale which has notes of grapefruit. Note: proceeds from the sale of this beer support the Palmetto Conservation Foundation’s “mountains to the sea” trail in South Carolina.
Shrimp Panzanella w/ Grapefruit Brule served with RJ Rockers Palmetto Trail Pale Ale
Shrimp Panzanella w/ Grapefruit Brule served with RJ Rockers Palmetto Trail Pale Ale
The fourth and main course was a garlicky brisket and sweet potato hash. The brisket was braised in RJ Rocker beer adding a nice depth of flavor, which was balanced by scooping a few of the pickled mustard seeds into each bite. You could tell they made this for the smooth, dark Brown Eyed Squirrel Ale with its smoky finish.
Beer Braised Brisket with sweet potato and roasted garlic hash, pickled mustard seed, and brown butter served with RJ Rockers Brown Eyed Squirrel
Beer Braised Brisket with sweet potato and roasted garlic hash, pickled mustard seed, and brown butter served with RJ Rockers Brown Eyed Squirrel
Last, and best course in my opinion, was the Espresso S’more Brownie paired with the Half Calf Coffee Milk Stout.  The toasted marshmallow truly smelled and tasted like it had been over a campfire!  The brownie was dense and fudgy with the espresso bringing out the coffee notes in the beer, which is brewed with Spartanburg’s own Little River Roasting coffee.  Served alongside a light and simple vanilla gelato, this brownie was the perfect way to end the meal.
Espresso S'more Brownie with jumbo toasted marshmallow and vanilla gelato served with RJ Rockers Half Calf Coffee Milk Stout
Espresso S'more Brownie with jumbo toasted marshmallow and vanilla gelato served with RJ Rockers Half Calf Coffee Milk Stout
Be sure you are following RJ Rockers on Facebook to get notified of the next beer dinner and buy your tickets quickly! It’s such a treat to get to enjoy a meal in one of our local breweries. RJ Rockers is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3pm-8pm, Thursdays and Fridays from 3pm-9pm, and Saturdays from 12pm-8pm. And of course head on over to Wall Street to try HenHouse Brunch from 7:30am - 3pm, Monday-Friday.  They know how to do a beer dinner right - from the table setting to the presentations of the beers and food – many kudos to the staff at Rockers and HenHouse Brunch for a fun evening!
Full disclosure: I was offered free tickets to this event to cover it on the blog.  Giving me free food and drinks – while always appreciated – does not guarantee a positive review.  All opinions are my own.
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The Crepe Factory

5/15/2017

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location.
137 W Main Street

hours.
Mon-Thurs 8am-3pm; Fri 8am-2pm, 5pm-9pm; Sat 8am-2pm; Sun Closed

what they are known for.
sweet and savory crepes, fresh sides

menu.

features.
​outdoor seating

The Crepe Factory stepped onto the scene in 2016 to an enormous response from the Spartanburg community.  We were craving new and unique restaurants downtown, and boy did they deliver.  From the chalkboard menus on the wall to the wood floors and metal chairs, they created the space to feel warm, cozy and a little bit Parisian.  
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The menu features crepes of all styles including breakfast, savory and sweet, all named for streets in Spartanburg.  Like the Spring St. crepe with chunky chicken, mushrooms and spinach lathered in a rich tarragon gravy.  Or try a breakfast crepe, which are served all day, like the St. John St. filled with scrambled eggs and topped with spicy chorizo sausage, creamy queso fresco, and fresh salsa.  
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St. John St. Crepe ($10.95)
All crepes come with your choice of side, and my favorite is the Signature Roasted Brussels Sprout Hash Browns. The smoky brussels sprouts pair perfectly with chunky roasted potatoes, complimenting your meal whether it is breakfast or lunch.
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Kennedy St. Crepe ($8.95)
And lastly the dessert crepe, the queen of the crepes, to finish off your meal.  After a full meal, I’d recommend something like the Grove St. crepe with a tangy Lemon Crème Anglaise and sweet French Lavender Infused Syrup.  It’s just light enough to satisfy your sweet tooth without leaving you ready to take a nap.  If you’re looking to grab a 3pm pick-me-up, pair a latte with the Magnolia St. crepe (can you say bananas foster?!) for a satisfyingly sweet treat.  
​Next time you are downtown, find time to stop in The Crepe Factory! ​And if you want more Spartanburg Restaurant Reviews, look no further!
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Gerhard's Cafe

4/15/2017

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location.
1200 E Main Street

what they are known for.
authentic austrian fare, wood-fired pizza

menu.

features.
outdoor dining
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When you walk into Gerhard’s, you are seemingly transported to a moody Austrian pub with its blend of rustic wood and warm leather.  Feel free to saddle up to the bar for a cold cocktail or German ale while you wait for a table.  There are three distinct seating areas, plus a beautiful patio for warm summer nights.  You have a choice of the formal dining room for fancy occasions, the more casual dining with private booths, and then the Biergarten which has open tables and a cozy fireplace.  
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Bread and Butter Basket ($0 with your meal)
To start your experience, you’ll get a bread basket served with some of the best butter you’ve ever tasted.  It’s spicy, almost cheesy, and simply melts in your mouth!  If you need something else to tie you over until the main course, I highly recommend the fried pickles which are small, battered spears served crunchy and piping hot with a slightly spicy remoulade.  
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Fried Pickles with Remoulade ($7.95)
On the menu for entrees are authentic dishes varying from Mahi-Mahi Kabobs over Rice to Elk Rouladen with Spaetzle and Red Cabbage.  One of my favorites is the Roasted Rack of Lamb with Green Peppercorn Sauce and Fried Potatoes – the sauce is perfectly creamy and spicy, a great compliment to the tender lamb.  For something more traditional, try the Wiener Schnitzel (a thin, breaded veal cutlet) with a traditional Gerhard’s salad (tangy potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and sauerkraut).  
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Roasted Rack of Lamb with a Green Peppercorn Sauce and Fried Potatoes ($36.95)
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Traditional German House Salad (comes with your entree)
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Wiener Schnitzel served with fried potatoes ($24.95)
For a casual night out with the family, try out some of the wood-fired pizzas.  I love the thin and crispy crust and from the traditional pepperoni to the interesting Swiss pizza topped with raclette cheese, you won't be disappointed. And they start at $8!
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​Gerhard’s is a comfortable spot for a variety of occasions, so head there soon to wow a date, relax with your family, or impress out-of-town guests! ​And if you want more Spartanburg Restaurant Reviews, look no further!
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