Cafe Amalfi: Elevating Experience
By Becky Billingsley
Hotel restaurants are often overlooked as dining destinations, especially by locals who may not realize some of them offer exquisite meals. Cafe Amalfi inside the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort is a sensory treat where locals take friends and associates for impressive meals.
The first impression is the view. Cafe Amalfi is on the mezzanine level of this luxurious-yet-affordable resort hotel, and the effect is one of being on a mountainside overlooking the sea. The floor-to-ceiling windows, white bead board paneling topped by light yellow walls, white ceilings and white fans give an airy effect, while carpet with rich jewel tones, honey-colored tables, smoked water glasses, blue chair upholstery and blue linens add deeply dramatic flair.
Not that this space needs a lot of extra flair, because the view alone inspires breathlessness. Diners can often observe groups of frolicking dolphins, or simply become mesmerized by the endless horizon.
This is the setting for Executive Chef Peter Gennaro III and Sous-Chef Kevin Luque to create award-winning dishes. Chef Gennaro's experience in food presentation and preparation is vast and has included some of the most prestigious resorts in California.
At Cafe Amalfi the day begins with a breakfast buffet and an a la carte breakfast menu with dishes such as Vanilla Bean Infused Apple Walnut French Toast; a Carolina version of Eggs Benedict featuring a buttermilk biscuit, fried green tomatoes and crab cakes; and a spicily exciting Tijuana Frittata.
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The luxury continues with a lunch menu replete with impeccably prepared fare that can start with Fresh Seafood Chowder, a Fruit Salad Bowl with honey-ginger dressing, or a Pecan Crusted Goat Cheese Salad with grapes and sweet aged sherry vinaigrette. Sandwiches have special qualities, like the tomato herb aioli on the Portabello Burger, or the boursin cheese and remoulade on the Crab Cake Sandwich.
Appetites are whetted with delicious aromas wafting from an exposition kitchen where grilled items are prepared.
Dinner menus change seasonally, and current appetizers include Pretzel Crusted Lump Crab Cake and Lobster/Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese creamily flavored with mascarpone, gruyere and fontina cheeses, and enhanced with an umami infusion of white truffle oil.
As the sun sets and casts glittering jeweled pinpoints on the tide, diners savor entrees such as Lamb Shank with thyme and garlic white beans; Half a Long Island Crispy Duck served with peach gastrique; Line-Caught Cherokee Point Swordfish with lemon herb sauce; and savory Crab Wellington. Steak lovers can enjoy a Char-grilled New York Strip, or a Filet served with garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus and Shiraz jus.
Of course the seafood dishes capture regional culinary flair, and a special treat comprised completely of local ingredients is the Kingston Shrimp Boil with white shrimp, sausage, fresh corn and new potatoes.
Locals in the know often have weekend getaways at the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort, and Cafe Amalfi is a big part of that decision since there's no need to leave the hotel to experience fresh seafood and other regional fare. For an extra treat the restaurant staff is happy to provide room service including cheese plates, wine and truffles.
Cafe Amalfi is in the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort at 10000 Beach Club Dr., and the number is (843) 449-5000. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
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