http://mbsun.ifg.net/ en jim@mbgolfinsider.com Copyright 2012 2012-05-11T19:42:06+00:00 http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/pigging-out-at-two-new-barbecue-restaurants/ http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/pigging-out-at-two-new-barbecue-restaurants/#When:13:28:38Z By Becky Billingsley When talking about what’s good to eat in the Myrtle Beach area the conversation has to include barbecue, and this spring there are two great new restaurants to celebrate. It’s time for a pig-off! Twisted Pig Twisted Pig between Conway and Myrtle Beach opened in mid-April, and already locals are flocking there for excellent smoked meats and side dishes. At his country barbecue joint, Joe Potter built a dedicated new building for his high-tech Ole Hickory Pit where he burns a blend of hard and fruit woods to smoke chickens, beef brisket, ribs and pork butts. The meats’ flavors are glorious with infusions of peach and pecan smokiness. The meats are also moist and delectable. St. Louis-style and Baby Back Ribs have a light bark and juicy interiors and pulled pork has magnificent pink and purple smoke rings. The brisket is so tender the thin slices fork apart. Four barbecue sauces are Hickory Barbecue, Apple Barbecue, Twisted Mustard and Vinegar. In addition to smoked meat sandwiches and entrees, Twisted Pig has appetizers including Fried Pickles, Smoked Dry-Rub Wings and Fried Okra. Side dishes are phenomenal and include light and sweet Hush Puppies containing corn kernels and rolled in sugar; Three-bean Baked beans; Sweet Potato Souffle; Coleslaw, Macaroni and Cheese made with real cheese; Green Beans, Greens, Macaroni Salad and Sweet Potato Fries. Diners can also order Burgers and Smoked Chicken Salad, and dessert includes rich Banana Pudding. Twisted Pig’s big country back yard will have live music performances this summer, and inside an ice cream and candy shop will soon open. Twisted Pig BBQ is at 1315 S.C. 90 just east of Conway, and the hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. The phone number is 843-347-3090.Screamin’ Pig Earlier in spring 2012, Chef Pete Hutchings cranked up his Texas smoker at Screamin’ Pig in North Myrtle Beach to produce Beef Brisket, Pulled Pork, Baby Back Ribs, Smoked Wings, Smoked Sweet Sausage and Barbecue Chicken. Screamin’ Pig is in a cool old historic retro building that used to be part of a fish camp. Counter and table seating are available inside, and more tables are outside. The pronounced smoky flavor in Twisted Pig’s meats is not as pronounced at Screamin’ Pig, but it’s there, especially in their delectable ribs. Four sauces to accompany the barbecue include Pig Original (dark red and sweet with a kick); Pepper Vinegar, Mustard and Kickin’ and Screamin’. In addition to barbecue sandwiches and combo plates, Screamin’ Pig has a BBQ Egg Roll filled with pulled pork and collards; Pulled Pork Nachos; St. Johns Chicken Salad with walnuts and grapes; burgers; hot dogs; and standard southern sides like fries, slaw, macaroni and cheese, collards and baked beans. The Screamin’ Pig is at 1020 Sea Mountain Highway in North Myrtle Beach. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, and the phone number is 843-427-7901. Blog, Myrtle Beach Area, Visitor Info, Restaurant Reviews 2012-05-18T13:28:38+00:00 http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/video-tips-from-stroke-savers-the-long-bunker-shot/ http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/video-tips-from-stroke-savers-the-long-bunker-shot/#When:20:19:06Z In Part 2 of his latest series of bunker play tips, Mel Sole of the Ritson-Sole Golf School in Pawleys Island, SC shows us how to hit the longer bunker shot near the green. Video was shot on-location at Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club. Golf, Golf Instruction, Visitor Info, Myrtle Beach Area, Blog 2012-05-17T20:19:06+00:00 http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/n.y.-law-enforcement-group-celebrates-14-years-of-spring-myrtle-beach-golf/ http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/n.y.-law-enforcement-group-celebrates-14-years-of-spring-myrtle-beach-golf/#When:12:08:57Z https://intranet.ifg.net/htmlgui/images/mbn/Image/Eight_New_Yorkers.jpg Pictured (l to r) are: Jeff Brink, Lee Rywalt, Mike Hernandez, Joe Ryan, Keith Kizka, Jim Kane, Jim Ryan and Mike Nagle. For the past 14 years, some of New York’s finest law enforcement officers and corrections facilities officers in the Hudson Valley, 40 miles outside of New York City, have been heading to Myrtle Beach in late April for a golf getaway vacation. Lee Rywalt, 47, of Bloomingrove, N.Y., and Joe Ryan, 47, of Newburgh, N.Y., have been organizing the golf vacation each year since 1998. “We try to play different courses every time we come down,” said Rywalt, who is a nuclear security officer at the Indian Point Energy Center in Buchannan, N.Y. “This time we played two courses at Myrtle Beach National, Tradition Club and Wachesaw East. But, there are still a lot of courses we haven’t played, even after 14 years.” This year (April 25-29), there were eight golfers in the group, but there have been as many as 14. They used to pile in a van and drive to Myrtle Beach in their younger days, but now they fly. “We want to go for Tidewater, TPC Myrtle Beach and Wild Wing next year,” said Rywalt. “We played Caledonia and True Blue a long time ago, but it would be great to play one of those again. We couldn’t afford to play those kind of courses here in New York; too much money.” None of the group is a threat to play on the PGA Tour, but the guys have fun and they enjoy telling stories about how quiet group member Keith Kizka, a big man at 6’7” and 250 pounds, can occasionally bomb his drives more than 350 yards. But most of the time the big corrections facility sergeant is searching for pars just like the rest of the group, who break 90 only on a good day. “It builds camaraderie and everyone enjoys themselves,” said Rywalt. “There is so much to do. We come back and talk about the week we just had playing golf and then we immediately start thinking and planning for next year.” The group planned and booked its getaway on www.mbn.com, with Ryan, the chief of police for Plattekill, N.Y., doing the bulk of the organizing. The group stayed at Palmetto Dunes in Myrtle Beach. Among their favorite eating spots were the Carolina Roadhouse and 14th Avenue Pier in central Myrtle Beach. They flew direct via Spirit Airlines, originating in LaGuardia, N.Y., and the non-stop flight reportedly took less than 90 minutes. Blog, Myrtle Beach Area, Visitor Info, Golf 2012-05-16T12:08:57+00:00 http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/three-new-myrtle-beach-restaurants/ http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/three-new-myrtle-beach-restaurants/#When:18:42:06Z By Becky Billingsley So many new restaurants are opening in the Myrtle Beach area, this week you’re getting news of three that opened recently, featuring soul food, seafood and German cuisine. Big Mike’s Grill Mike Chestnut, a Myrtle Beach City Councilman, is a longtime restaurateur who recently Big Mike’s Grill at 504 16th Ave. N. in Myrtle Beach. Taking a starring role on his menu are $8 Blue Plate Specials, where you get a choice of one meat (fried chicken, meatloaf, smothered pork chop, fried pork chop), two sides (cabbage, green beans, mac and cheese, collards), rice and gravy or mashed potatoes, and cornbread with butter. This is soul food the way it was meant to be served - cooked slow and flavored well. Collards have a meaty richness and peppery kick (additional hot sauce is provided), tender meatloaf is served in four-inch slabs, moist fried chicken has a crispy scald and macaroni and cheese is baked like a casserole. Cornbread is sweet and light; it’s almost cake-like. Other dishes include salad topped with grilled chicken, a $5.50 burger plate, grilled cheese, BLT, hot dogs and a fried baloney sandwich. Baskets come with fries, hushpuppies, coleslaw and a choice of chicken fingers, shrimp, fish or chopped sirloin with onions. Big Mike’s Grill is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and the number is 843-712-2048. Brother Shuckers This new addition to the local restaurant scene is in the Carolina Forest area just west of the Intracoastal Waterway. Brother Shuckers is owned by local restaurant veteran David “Murph” Murphy, and he has created a nice but casual spot where diners can feel comfortable wearing shorts or business attire. Servers are professionally dressed in black and white and are friendly and efficient. Happy hour from 4-7 p.m. is a lively time when house liquors, wines and beers are $2.25-$3.50 and selected appetizers like Seafood Spring Rolls, Blackened Fish Tacos and Crab Fries are $2-$6. More appetizers are Hot Blue Crab Dip, Tempura Onion Rings, Gulf Oysters on the Half Shell and O’Brother Shrimp, which are breaded in panko and fried, tossed in creamy spicy sauce and served with extra sauce on the side. Soups and salads include the house specialty Crab and Chicken Soup, House Wedge Salad and Caesar Salad. Four Sandwiches are Crab Cake, Chicken Cutlet Florentine, Po’ Boy (oysters, fish or shrimp) and an 8-ounce Angus Burger. Entrees include hot Eastern Shore You-Peel Shrimp served with red potatoes and onions, lemon wedges and fresh cocktail sauce; Shrimp and Cheese Grits Cake; Soaked Mussels; Fish and Chips; Shrimp Scampi Florentine; Rob’s Rack of Ribs; Filet Mignon; Crab Cake Dinner; Fried Seafood Plates; Bouillabaisse; Chicken Marsala; and Ahi Tuna that’s coated in panko before being seared. Brother Shuckers is at 4999 Carolina Forest Blvd. in Myrtle Beach, and the number is 843-903-7946. It’s open starting at 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.Brat Haus A short drive west of Myrtle Beach lands diners at a new German restaurant, owned by two native Germans. Andrew Fuchs and Werner Ott recently opened Brat Haus in the central part of Horry County near the intersection of S.C. 22 and S.C. 90. A chalkboard lists daily specials such as Swedish Meatballs with steamed potatoes and cranberry sauce; Mini Meatloaves with sauerkraut and Bavarian potato salad; and Peach Strudel with a frothy custard sauce. The menu starts with three hearty soups: Lentil, Split Pea and Gulasch, which is beef stew in a rich and thick tomato broth. The meat is tender two-bite roast chunks, and juiciness is added from onions. Brats and sausages are crafted at a local butcher shop using Brat Haus authentic recipes - even incorporating imported German herbs and spices. Thueringer (pronounced THOR-ringer) Rostbratwurst is a long (more than a foot long) and thin sausage that can be served with a crusty and freshly baked roll and a dab of German grained mustard, as an entree with sauerkraut and a side dish, or as part of a Bavarian sausage platter. Other sausages include Smoked Bratwurst, German Wiener and Curry Wurst, which is a smoked brat in curry ketchup sauce. Side dishes include German Cucumber Salad, German Green Bean Salad, Pickled Red Cabbage, Bavarian Potato Salad and Hessen Potato Salad. Other entrees include Schnitzels and roasted meat dinners such as Rotisserie Chicken, Pork, Rouladen and Gulasch with pasta. Rouladen features thin slices of top round rolled around pickles, onion and bacon served in a rich-tasting beef pan sauce. All desserts are $2 each and include Chocolate Mousse, Bavarian Creme and Bread Pudding (studded with raisins and creamy). By the end of April 2012, beer and wine will be available. Also coming soon is an additional dining room and a bakery case filled with freshly baked breads and soft pretzels, plus German pastries such as Black Forest Cake with Kirsch-soaked cherries. Brat Haus is at 7050 S.C. 90 in Longs, and the number is 843-492-0091. It opens at 11 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Restaurant Reviews, Visitor Info, Myrtle Beach Area, Blog 2012-05-11T18:42:06+00:00 http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/video-tips-from-stroke-savers-stretching-the-deltoids-traps/ http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/video-tips-from-stroke-savers-stretching-the-deltoids-traps/#When:16:56:24Z The deltoid and trapezius muscles are critical elements of the golf swing. Let USGTF certified instructor Meredith Kirk show you how to properly stretch these muscles prior to play to loosen up your swing! Golf, Golf Instruction, Visitor Info, Myrtle Beach Area, Blog 2012-05-10T16:56:24+00:00 http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/vision-airlines-announces-new-non-stop-service-to-myrtle-beach/ http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/vision-airlines-announces-new-non-stop-service-to-myrtle-beach/#When:15:13:17Z Vision Airlines recently announced new, non-stop 737 jet service to Myrtle Beach, S.C., from the following cities: Cincinnati, Cleveland, Toledo, and Columbus, Ohio; Indianapolis; Louisville; Nashville; and Springfield, Ill. Seats are on sale now for flights, beginning May 31, 2012 through October 31, 2012. Vision Airlines’ low-cost fares to Myrtle Beach start at just $109* each-way (including all taxes and fees). Tickets and complete vacation packages may be purchased at www.VisionAirlines.com or through the Vision Airlines Call Center at 1-877-FLY-A-JET (1-877-359-2538). Customers may also contact their local travel agent for more information. “We are excited to welcome Vision Airlines to MYR and we are confident that the markets that they’ve chosen will provide terrific opportunities for both Vision Airlines and our destination,” said Mike La Pier, director of airports, Myrtle Beach International Airport. “It’s been our goal, along with the Chamber and Golf Holiday, to continue to work to bring new visitors to our destination with increased air service. We are pleased to partner with Vision Air to introduce all that Myrtle Beach can offer to a new and much greater audience.” ”Vision Airlines’ new, non-stop flights to Myrtle Beach are another step in providing low-cost air service to fantastic vacation destinations. The great golf courses and family-friendly beaches make Myrtle Beach an excellent vacation value,” said David Meers, senior vice president of Vision Airlines. “Vision Airlines’ non-stop, big jet, Boeing 737 service will save passengers time and money, making flying a more attractive option for traveling to Myrtle Beach this summer.” For decades, Myrtle Beach has maintained its status as an award-winning destination. Many leisure travelers choose Myrtle Beach because of attractions that include 60 miles of beautiful beaches, top hotels and vacation rentals, championship golf courses, thrilling water sports, live entertainment, amusement parks and an abundance of dining options. Approximately 14 million visitors vacation in Myrtle Beach each year, and now Vision Airlines’ new flights will make it more affordable and convenient to fly there. Source: Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Business Development, Airlines, Visitor Info, Myrtle Beach Area, Blog 2012-05-09T15:13:17+00:00 http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/floating-casino-debuts-new-restaurant/ http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/floating-casino-debuts-new-restaurant/#When:16:25:14Z By Becky Billingsley Favorite dishes from several restaurants in the TBonz Restaurant Group are now being served at SeaBonz, the floating restaurant aboard the SunCruz Casino Boat in Little River. At the end of 2011, SunCruz operators Robert Weisberg and Spiro Naos decided to stop providing the food service aboard their casino boat and bring in an experienced restaurant group to handle the task. After a thorough review of their options, they selected TBonz Restaurant Group in a joint venture to provide favorites from many of their popular restaurants’ menus. SeaBonz General Manager Brett Evans is overseeing the preparation and serving of favorite recipes from TBonz Gill & Grill, Capriz Italian Feast, Rioz Brazilian Grill, Flying Fish Public Market and Grill and Liberty Steakhouse in buffet and a la carte presentations. Italian specialties, steaks, seafood, breakfast and more are in the repertoire. At the noon cruise on April 14 (there are two daily cruises, daytime and nighttime), the afternoon started with a buffet that’s available until 2:30 or so. One side was all about brunch with pancakes, French toast, bagels, grits, scrambled eggs, fresh fruits and a station where a chef created customized omelets. On the other side was lunch with a salad bar, top round steak in gravy, tender meatloaf slathered in tangy sauce, ham in citrus glaze, rosemary potatoes and buttery haricots vert. Three days per week, the buffet is themed. Monday nights (there is no day cruise on Mondays) it’s steak, Wednesdays are Italian, Fridays are Surf and Turf, and Sundays are Asian. All the buffet dishes are cooked fresh on-site in the ship’s galley. Evans says that’s a challenge sometimes, because no gas is allowed on the ship so all his kitchen equipment is electric.Evans has worked in all the TBonz Restaurant Group concepts, and he is enjoying this new floating restaurant. “It’s great,” he said. “We can do anything we want, so we make a little bit of everything. We put a wide variety on the buffet, and it changes daily.” Robert Weisberg says he is extremely pleased with the decision to stop employing his own restaurant personnel and let the SeaBonz staff handle that task. “It’s better quality food than we had before,” he said. “It’s a marriage made in heaven. In addition to the buffet, SeaBonz has an a la carte “anytime” menu with seven choices priced at $11 or less. Passengers’ favorite dish, Evans said, is Roasted Chicken Nachos layered with black beans, cheeses, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and jalapenos. Diners can also enjoy a Steak Philly, an enormous Original Cobb Salad, Cheeseburger and TBonz World Famous Chicken Wings. The SunCruz general boarding fee is $20. A SeaBonz lunch buffet is an additional $10, while the dinner buffet is $15. For reservations, call 843-280-2933 or visit suncruzaquasino.com. Restaurant Reviews, Visitor Info, Myrtle Beach Area, Blog 2012-05-04T16:25:14+00:00 http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/video-tips-from-stroke-savers-standard-greenside-bunker-play/ http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/video-tips-from-stroke-savers-standard-greenside-bunker-play/#When:14:41:06Z This week, Mel Sole of the Ritson-Sole Golf School at Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club in Pawleys Island, S.C., introduces the first in his six-part series for improving bunker play: how to play the standard greenside bunker shot. Golf, Golf Instruction, Visitor Info, Myrtle Beach Area, Blog 2012-05-03T14:41:06+00:00 http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/record-numbers-drive-april-edition-of-myrtle-beach-golf-insider-top-25/ http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/record-numbers-drive-april-edition-of-myrtle-beach-golf-insider-top-25/#When:15:05:07Z One course made its debut, another a long-awaited return and the top 14 remained unchanged in the April 2012 edition of the Myrtle Beach Golf Insider Top 25, the Web site reported Wednesday in releasing its monthly rankings.Farmstead Golf Links, home to the only par-6 hole on the Grand Strand, rode a recent wave of strong reviews from visiting golfers to make its first-ever appearance in the rankings since the Golf Insider Top 25 debuted in June 2010, entering at No. 23. The Avocet Course at Wild Wing Plantation (No. 21) returned to the Top 25 after an 18-month absence, while Heather Glen (No. 25) reappeared for the first time since January 2012.“The Myrtle Beach market’s peak golfing season brought post-play reviews in record fashion,” said Jim Maggio, Myrtle Beach Golf Insider editor, noting that more than 900 reviews posted to the site in April - far and away the most active period in the Myrtle Beach Golf Insider’s three-year history. “More than ever, visiting golfers are both relying upon the reviews of fellow golfers to shape their golf vacation plans, and contributing heavily so that future vacationers also benefit from their insights.”The rankings are determined by golfers who submit their post-play reviews for publication on the Golf Insider’s Web site, MBGolfInsider.com. They are based on the aggregate scores of each participating golfer’s review, where golfers rate on a 10-point scale their course experience in each of six categories: pro shop, grill, staff, fairways, tees and greens. The April 2012 Top 25 was completed on May 2, 2012, with ties separated by total number of reviews for each course:1. Caledonia                              8.8    287    NC2. Dunes Golf & Beach Club        8.8    143    NC3. Thistle Golf Club                    8.8    130    NC4. True Blue                              8.6    185    NC5. MB National King’s North        8.5    637    NC6. TPC of Myrtle Beach               8.5    407    NC7. MB National SouthCreek         8.5    274    NC8. Legends - Parkland                8.5    87    NC9. Barefoot - Love                     8.5    77    NC10. Barefoot - Fazio                   8.5    61    NC11. Willbrook Plantation             8.4    644    NC12. Tradition Club                      8.4    477    NC13. Arrowhead                          8.4    232    NC14. Man O’ War                         8.4    168    NC15. Wizard                                8.4    135    +9T-16. Legends - Heathland         8.4    114    NCT-16. Crow Creek Golf Club        8.4    114    +918. Glen Dornoch                      8.4    106    -119. River Club                           8.3    620    NC20. MB National West                8.3    591    NC21. Wild Wing Avocet                8.3    354    NEW since 10/1022. Grande Dunes                     8.3    178    +123. Farmstead Golf Links           8.3    143    DEBUT24. Legends - Moorland             8.3    126    -925. Heather Glen                      8.3    114    NEW since 1/12The Myrtle Beach Golf Insider Top 25 represents a broad consensus of opinion based on thousands of golfer reviews - more than 13,000 since the site’s inception, according to Maggio.To sign up for free and leave your own course reviews, visit MBGolfInsider.com. Golf, Visitor Info, Myrtle Beach Area, Blog 2012-05-02T15:05:07+00:00 http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/video-tips-from-stroke-savers-strengthening-the-glutes1/ http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/video-tips-from-stroke-savers-strengthening-the-glutes1/#When:15:50:59Z First the glutes ... now the abs! USGTF Certified Golf Instructor Meredith Kirk shows us the next step in golf conditioning for a stronger swing! Golf, Golf Instruction, Visitor Info, Myrtle Beach Area, Blog 2012-04-26T15:50:59+00:00 http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/caribbean-resort-announces-new-starbucks-and-whitecap-frozen-yogurt-to-open/ http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/caribbean-resort-announces-new-starbucks-and-whitecap-frozen-yogurt-to-open/#When:01:44:57Z Representatives of Caribbean Resort & Villas announced that the full-service family destination resort in Myrtle Beach and member of www.MyrtleBeachHotels.com will be welcoming new outposts of Starbucks Coffee and Whitecap Frozen Yogurt to its food offerings later this spring. Starbucks is world renowned for its coffee drinks, with over 19,000 store locations in 58 countries.  Whitecap Frozen Yogurt, on the other hand,  will open its flagship location within Caribbean Resort’s walls. “We are excited to be able to offer resort guests and the general public these two great food options,” said Patrick Norton,  vice president of marketing for Brittain Resort Management. “Starbucks delivers reliable quality while Whitecap Frozen Yogurt will be sure to become a local favorite.  We know they will only serve to augment the great experience of our guests.” Visitor Info, Hotels, Family attractions, Myrtle Beach Area, Blog 2012-04-26T01:44:57+00:00 http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/restaurant-makeover-in-pawleys-island/ http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/restaurant-makeover-in-pawleys-island/#When:00:00:03Z By Becky Billingsley In September 2011, MBSun.com published an article about the fabulous smoked meats at Sanford’s Southern Fried Smokehouse, but since then the Pawleys Island restaurant has had a complete makeover including a new chef, new menu, new decor and new entertainment and events. In early 2012, Chef Louis Osteen, became the chef at the restaurant owned by Dwayne Christen and Rodney Long, who also own a Georgetown-based restaurant supply business called Po’ Boys Discount. Chef Osteen owned restaurants in Pawleys Island twice before, first at Pawleys Island Inn, before he moved to Charleston and gained national status as a southern food revivalist. Osteen moved back to the same building in Pawleys Island to own and operate Louis’s at Pawleys and the Fish Camp Bar before leaving again to pursue opportunities in Las Vegas, Florida, Kentucky and Tennessee. But now the 70-year-old chef is back, and his new menu is delighting fans who are appreciating his fresh flavors and lower price points. The restaurant has been renamed Louis’s at Sanford’s, and the decor is less cluttered and more like an airy beach cottage. The standard menu is a fun romp through southern tastes, but it’s the seasonal specials that bring back repeat customers eager to discover what culinary gold the chef has found throughout the region. Currently some of those specials include Shad Roe and Bacon with lemon, capers and grits; briny Apalachicola oysters on the half shell; Oven-roasted Monkfish with fresh spring ramps; and Chile-glazed Soft Shell Crabs with Napa Cabbage Slaw. The smoker for which Sanford’s was originally lauded is still in place, and Chef Osteen is using it to flavor meats in dishes like St. Louis Back Ribs, Sliced Brisket Austin Style, Pulled Pork and House Smoked Salmon. About that salmon - diners can order it as a sandwich on brioche with condiments including cucumber, hard-boiled egg, pickled red onion and caper sauce. An outrageously wonderful use for the smoked salmon is in the Deviled Egg appetizer. The flavor infuses the whipped yolk filling for a delectable and savory treat. Other appetizers include Chef Osteen’s famed She Crab Soup garnished with a dollop of aged sherry; Crab Cake with grain mustard and spicy slaw; and Meatball Sliders made with Veal and Ricotta, Tuna or traditional Italian. Pate of the South (a.k.a. Pimento Cheese) is a staple at Louis’s, and it’s served with house-made flat bread.Everywhere Chef Osteen has worked there have been creative entree salads on the menu, and the ones he has developed for Sanford’s are wonderful. His renowned creamy Shrimp Salad featuring Duke’s Mayonnaise, chopped shallots and avocado is served, along with Shredded Brisket Salad with chipotle dressing; Smoked Trout Salad; Crunchy Salad with goat cheese; and Fish Camp Chopped Salad. Caesar Salad is unique in that it features whole grilled Romaine hearts, while Izy’s Reinvented Waldorf Salad is tempting with buttermilk creme fraiche dressing bathing greens, tart apple chunks, walnuts and thinly sliced beets. Choices become more casual in the sandwich selections, including Roast Pig Tacos with tomatillo salsa, Proper Shrimp Roll, Perfect Po Boy (with fried oysters or shrimp) and a vegetarian sandwich comprised of goat cheese, roasted red peppers, grilled zucchini, Kalamata olives and pesto. Entrees listed under House Favorites include Grilled Fish of the Day with Romesco, Tartar or Lemon Vinaigrette sauces; Mongolian Pork Chop with spicy Chinese mustard; Charleston Shrimp and Creamy Grits; Chicken Fried Duck Breast with stewed kumquat gravy and mashed gold potatoes; and North Carolina Rainbow Trout plated with bacon, crabmeat and scallions. There’s a $12 entree special every day: Mondays - Buster Holmes Garlic Chicken; Tuesdays - Muffy’s Meat Loaf; Wednesdays - Shrimp Piquant; Thursdays - Beer Braised Pork Shoulder with fried cabbage; Fridays - Smoked Mountain Trout Tacos; Saturdays - Braised Beef Short Ribs; and on Sundays a $15 lunch includes Fish Camp Skillet Fried Chicken, slow-cooked green beans, squash casserole and rice with gravy. Chocolate Mousse is a locally favorite dessert with French Huguenot roots, and Chef Osteen turns it southern with a foundation of Boiled Orange Custard. Excellent rich flavors and creamy textures make for a memorable combination. Also on the sweet list are Classic Coconut Cake, Sweet Potato Cheesecake, Caramel Cake, Fried Apple Half Moon Pie and Bread Pudding with Fried Apples and Brandy-Fig Compote. Many special events are planned in upcoming months, including live music, wine tastings and wine dinners. Louis’s at Sanford’s is at 251 Willbrook Blvd. in Pawleys Island, and the phone number is 843-237-5400. It’s open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and the bar stays open later. Restaurant Reviews, Visitor Info, Myrtle Beach Area, Blog 2012-04-21T00:00:03+00:00 http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/new-show-at-medieval-times-dinner-tournament-comes-to-myrtle-beach/ http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/new-show-at-medieval-times-dinner-tournament-comes-to-myrtle-beach/#When:01:51:09Z Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Myrtle Beach invites guests to travel back to the 11th Century this June with the premiere of a new show – the first since 2008. While the show offers many new elements, some of the most popular elements remain. The live show will still feature two- and four-legged performers with a utensil-free meal served in a castle-inspired arena. Approximately two years in the making, the new live production presents even more audience favorites such as live jousting, sword fights, horsemanship and falconry. Guests are taken back in time and encouraged to cheer for one of six “Knights of the Realm,” named after historic regions of medieval Spain. In addition to a new story, the production includes new lighting,  choreography and battle scenes, costumes, new horse dressage elements and a new musical score custom-created for Medieval Times, which was recorded in Kiev, Ukraine. “In a sense, we’ve gone back to basics,” said Paco Perez-Luna,  Myrtle Beach Medieval Times senior vice president. Guests will see a celebration of the horses, along with more action and elements of high drama. The streamlined plot allows more concentration on the action.  “When we started to put pen to paper, we knew from the start we wanted to grab guests’ attention from the moment they take their seats. This led us to the creation of the opening moment, when Liberty Horse enters the arena.” After the opening, guests will witness intricate battles, which are precisely planned sequences that have been practiced daily. With authentic weaponry and enhanced armor, the new production presents non-stop action tied to the tempo of the music. And while there’s still a general theme of “good versus evil” throughout the show, guests will see much more of what they like most about the show – fight scenes that maintain the highest quality and safety standards. Guests will also enjoy an upgraded menu for the utensil-free meal during the new show featuring a new score, costumes, characters, storyline and plot.    Guests can purchase tickets online at http://www.medievaltimes.com/myrtlebeach.aspx or by calling (843) 236-4635. For show times, visit http://www.medievaltimes.com/myrtlebeach.aspx. Guests also can find Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, Myrtle Beach on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Medieval-Times-Myrtle-Beach-SC/159532127405203.  Source: PR Newswire Restaurant Reviews, Entertainment, Visitor Info, Family attractions, Blog 2012-04-20T01:51:09+00:00 http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/meredith-visits-monday-after-the-masters/ http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/meredith-visits-monday-after-the-masters/#When:03:59:30Z By Meredith Kirk Never in a million years would I have imagined meeting Darius Rucker, being serenaded by Javier Colon or interviewing golfing greats like Annika Sorenstam and Jim Furyk, yet all these thrills materialized during my first visit to the annual Hootie & The Blowfish Monday After the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am on April 9. It’s no wonder more than 6,000 people flocked to The Dye Club at Barefoot Resort & Golf in North Myrtle Beach, SC to attend such a great event.  To witness the pairings of professional golfers and celebrities as they join forces for charity is special to behold and inspiring for our community. The event’s festivities kicked off Sunday night with a live auction and pairings party at The House of Blues in North Myrtle Beach. Each year, the live auction raises money for the Hootie & The Blowfish Foundation, which supports the South Carolina Junior Golf Foundation and the educational needs of children throughout the state.  Over the past 16 years, Hootie & The Blowfish have raised more than $4.5 million for these programs.  It is no wonder this event draws both players and spectators alike and has become one of the most popular pro-am events in the nation! During the event I spoke with Darius Rucker, who reiterated what many of the attendees concluded: this event is a great charitable endeavor for junior golf and a heap of fun for the attending spectators, professional golfers, celebrities, musicians, and athletes alike. I also spoke with Jim Fuyrk, who was a little sleepy-eyed from his week in Augusta and pre-Monday After the Masters festivities.  He said that he enjoyed this event because he and his wife have their own foundation, and understand the importance of the professional and celebrity golfers uniting together for an important cause. Rucker and Furyk both agree that keeping it fun is what this event is all about, and the pre- and post-event activities for these players and participants are simply too much fun to miss! Would I attend this event in the future?  In a heartbeat! The atmosphere was welcoming and the players were courteous to our community by signing autographs, conversing with spectators and simply relishing the atmosphere of Myrtle Beach golf. For more information on Monday After the Masters, visit the event Web site at Hootiegolf.com. Meredith Kirk is a USGTF certified golf instructor based in Murrells Inlet, S.C., and a regular contributor to the “Stroke Savers” video golf tips series that appears throughout National Golf Management’s network of Web sites. Golf, Visitor Info, Myrtle Beach Area, Blog 2012-04-18T03:59:30+00:00 http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/big-tastes-at-little-bistro/ http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/big-tastes-at-little-bistro/#When:18:10:27Z By Becky Billingsley   A new 28-seat bistro on Front Street in Georgetown is wowing locals and tourists lucky enough to stumble across it.   Alfresco Georgetown Bistro opened in February, and the culinary team behind it are no newcomers to the Grand Strand dining scene. Executive Chef Eddys Chacon, formerly of Portofino’s on the Wharf and Rocco’s, has long been a well-respected member of the local restaurant industry. His attitude toward creating tasteful dishes with fresh and local ingredients is passionate.   His partner is also his wife, sous-chef Lisa Chacon, and she has been an apt pupil at her husband’s side. She has learned well to execute dishes Chef Chacon creates, and is creative in her own right.   Although the bistro is small, its decor is exquisite with warm mustard-colored walls and eclectic touches such as table runners and placemats instead of conventional linens. Additional seating is available outside on the sidewalk, and soon an outdoor patio will be constructed.   At first Alfresco was open only for lunches and early dining specials, but now dinner service has been added.   The lunch menu features starters such as Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wrap, Mediterranean Vegetable Tart, Wild Mushroom Lobster Bisque and Goat Cheese Truffles with Pepperonata.   Several salad platters include tuna salad, chicken salad, shrimp salad or lobster salad served on lettuce with potato salad, coleslaw and sliced tomatoes. Entree salads are sumptuous, such as Lisa’s Chopped Salad, Classic Caesar with chicken or shrimp, Tuna Nicoise and Filet Mignon Cobb Salad with spinach, Romaine, bacon, tomato, avocado, egg and Dijon vinaigrette.   Sandwiches can be lavish or straightforward, like Meatball Sub or Pastrami on Rye with spicy mustard, Toasted Pimento Cheese with a cup of Lobster Bisque or Lobster Salad or Lamb Meatball Sliders. Sandwich bread choices include wheatberry, sourdough or marble rye, and they come with a choice of pasta salad, potato salad or garden salad.   Other lunch entrees include Roasted Pork Loin with salami, melted mozzarella, cherry tomato sauce and broccolini; Macaroni and Cheese with lobster meat; Cuban Pork Tacos with red cabbage jicama slaw and black bean corn salsa; Shrimp and Lobster Crepes; and Chicken Tostadas layered with chicken, peppers, onion, tomato, lettuce and salsa.   Early diners, from 3-5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, are loving special $12 dinners that come with a house or Caesar salad. The Chacons offer early diners dishes such as Eggplant Rollatini, Baked Lasagna, Roast Turkey with stuffing and gravy, Chicken Cordon Bleu with veloute sauce and Slow-roasted Pork Loin.   Another early dining special that’s also on the dinner menu is Shallow Poached Atlantic Salmon. On the early dining special it comes with mashed potatoes and bruschetta vinaigrette; if you get it for dinner it’s served over Mediterranean Orzo with a flavorful and chunky dill sauce made with yogurt, dill, sour cream, capers, sun-dried tomatoes and cucumbers. The moist orzo contained a medley of fresh diced vegetables, and the dish was garnished with a juicy and beautiful tomato peel rose.   The dinner menu continues the lavishness with entree choices such as Lump Crabmeat Flounder Fillet in Tarragon Sun-dried Tomato Sauce; Braised Lamb Shank with Espagnole Sauce; Crab and Lobster Cakes; Braised Short Ribs in Truffle Bordelaise; Orange Glaze Roasted Duck with sweet potato puree; and Slow Roasted Beef Bourguignon.   Alfresco Georgetown Bistro is at 812 Front St. in Georgetown, and the number is (843) 344-3869. It is open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Lunch is served until 3 p.m., and early dining specials are available from 3-5 p.m.   Restaurant Reviews, Visitor Info, Myrtle Beach Area, Blog 2012-04-13T18:10:27+00:00 http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/never-forget-memorial-golf-outing-set-for-may-20-23/ http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/never-forget-memorial-golf-outing-set-for-may-20-23/#When:19:07:58Z The Never Forget Memorial Golf Outing each year brings together firefighters from around the country in the spirit of brotherhood, camaraderie and honoring their fallen brethren. This year’s event takes place May 20-23 in Myrtle Beach, and features golf on several of the Myrtle Beach area’s finest courses along with its culminating “Beach Bash” event. Four-night, 3-round pricing for this year’s event starts at just $396 per golfer, and all proceeds benefit the Firefighter Cancer Support Network. For complete details, visit http://www.MyrtleBeachNeverForgets.com or call 877-411-3369. Golf Vacations, Golf, Visitor Info, Myrtle Beach Area, Blog 2012-04-12T19:07:58+00:00 http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/video-tips-from-stroke-savers-strengthening-the-glutes/ http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/video-tips-from-stroke-savers-strengthening-the-glutes/#When:17:15:01Z USGTF certified golf instructor Meredith Kirk shows us how strengthening the glutes will help develop more power in your golf swing! Video was shot on-location at Blackmoor Golf Club in Murrells Inlet, S.C. Golf, Golf Instruction, Visitor Info, Myrtle Beach Area, Blog 2012-04-11T17:15:01+00:00 http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/big-deals-at-big-daddys/ http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/big-deals-at-big-daddys/#When:15:45:54Z By Becky Billingsley Juicy steaks, $3 margaritas, friendly servers and a showman of a table busser have made Big Daddy’s Roadhouse Grill in Myrtle Beach a favorite restaurant among locals, visiting golfers and tourist families. The 178-seat restaurant is owned and operated by Myrtle Beach residents Ervin and Linda Brock, who have more than 30 years’ industry experience. When they or their son, Lyle, are in the house they make it their business to greet diners and ensure their happiness. That happiness is evident in their staff, who say working for the Brocks is a pleasure. But while the servers are pleasant, there is one employee who is positively ebullient. Isaac Collington, a 46-year-old man of God who busses tables at Big Daddy’s, regularly inspires applause from patrons. Collington bussed tables for 30 years at a now-closed Myrtle Beach restaurant called The Filling Station. He became locally famous for his lightning-fast work whipping dirty dishes off tables and wiping them down, and for his singing. He sings hymns and country tunes as he works, and Collington has a fine deep voice. Collington’s work is dinner theater, made better because he oozes good will and cheerfulness. About those dinners - they’re also wonderful. Dominating the restaurant’s central lower level is a grill pit where steaks, seafood and chicken are cooked over natural hickory charcoal. The big pit grill turns out ribeyes, t-bones, filet mignons, sirloins and New York strips with char-crispy exteriors and juicy middles.  If you arrive for dinner before 6 p.m., several early dining specials are offered such as Filet Mignon Tips in mushroom gravy, Sirloin Steak and a half-rack of barbecue sauce-slathered Baby Back Ribs, Filet Mignon and Southwestern Barbecue Chicken. Side dishes include baked potato, baked sweet potato, au gratin potatoes, baked beans and cole slaw. Many diners opt for appetizers and drinks, like crispy Mahi Mahi Bites served with lemony dipping sauce, Hushpuppy Baskets, Tumbleweed (whole fried flower-cut onion), Chicken Quesadillas and Fried Dill Pickle Chips. Big Daddy’s offers Chili and a creamy regional dish called She-Crab Soup. Roadhouse Salad is topped with cheeses, vegetables, chopped eggs, croutons and bacon, and can also come with grilled or fried chicken or shrimp or grilled steak.   The entree menu is full of crowd-pleasing flavorites like fried or grilled seafood platters, the aforementioned steaks and ribs, and several chicken choices including Smothered Chicken where a grilled breast is buried under sauteed mushrooms, grilled onions and Jack and Cheddar cheeses. Pasta lovers also have several options, like creamy Shrimp Alfredo. Sandwich lovers can also get their fixes with The Big Daddy Burger, Three Alarm Burger with jalapenos and chipotle mayonnaise, Steak or Chicken Philly sandwiches, Flounder Sandwiches (fried, grilled or blackened) or a Crab Cake Sandwich. The bar is a happening place dispensing those $3 margaritas, plus well drinks, specialty cocktails, draft beers, domestic and imported bottled beers and wines. Children have a special list of choices like Steak Tips or Fried Shrimp that each come with one side dish. This is a great place to take a crowd of people; there’s plenty of room and everyone will find something to like on the menu. They’ll also like the show, courtesy of table busser Isaac Collington. Big Daddy’s Roadhouse Grill is at 1610 S. Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach, and the number is (843) 448-3819. It’s open daily starting at 4 p.m.   Restaurant Reviews, Visitor Info, Myrtle Beach Area, Blog 2012-04-06T15:45:54+00:00 http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/the-big-miss-more-like-a-big-mess/ http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/the-big-miss-more-like-a-big-mess/#When:23:41:48Z by Meredith Kirk Hank Haney’s recent bestselling book, The Big Miss, may be producing some hype, but there’s nothing praiseworthy about it. The Big Miss chronicles the relationship and memories Haney shared with Tiger Woods throughout his six-year coaching tenure.  Many feel it is a gossip book at best – and I happen to agree. Haney is now taking heat for what some say is the epitome of coaching betrayal, bitterness, and greed. In the world of golf, Haney is a household name. His career skyrocketed after he began working with Tiger in 2004. Unfortunately, greed has driven Haney to a “tell-all” book. During Tiger’s golden years, I respected Haney for his coaching strengths and character in working with such a high-profile athlete.  After reading The Big Miss, I realize Haney is not the person I once admired. He exploits his relationship with Tiger, discussing personal issues beyond Tiger’s swing.  What was supposedly a relationship built upon trust and confidence is shattered in Haney’s book.  I’m not interested in reading about Elin’s icy stares at Tiger after his scandal broke loose, nor am I interested in reading about whether or not Tiger gave Haney a popsicle after practices. How juvenile. Who are the people supporting this “Big Mess?”  Are they the “Tiger haters” who rejected him when his personal life came crashing down in 2009? For a moment, imagine Tiger never had the personal infidelities. Tiger is happily and faithfully married to Elin and they have two beautiful children. Life is good, except for his golf game. After four tough years without any wins and numerous operations, he is starting to see a flicker of hope after a win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational last month. Although no longer coached by Haney, Tiger is grateful for their years together. He is now enjoying a new coach, Sean Foley.  Then suddenly, out of the blue, right before the 2012 Masters, Tiger’s old coach, Haney, releases a tell-all book about his relationship on and off the course with Tiger Woods. The premise of the book is supposedly about the memories Haney shared with Tiger.  Many are much too personal and private, going far beyond the ethical boundaries of the student-coach relationship. Now what do you think of The Big Miss? Is this book ethical, worthy or even relevant? Most certainly not!  Our perception of the book is clouded by judgments of Tiger’s infidelities and influenced by Haney’s bitterness and back-fenced talk. Sadly, this book will forever change Haney’s career. How many tour players will hire him as a coach if they know he is capable of a smear campaign in the end?  The privilege he had working with Tiger should have remained just that, a privilege.  In the end, what was gained through exploitation will be lost along with integrity. As Esau sold his birthright to Jacob over a bowl of soup, Haney may have sold his career for a nice meal.  The Big Miss is exactly that, a big miss and a big mess. Meredith Kirk is a USGTF certified golf instructor based in Murrells Inlet, S.C., and a regular contributor to the “Stroke Savers” video golf tips series that appears throughout National Golf Management’s network of Web sites. Golf, Visitor Info, Myrtle Beach Area, Blog 2012-04-05T23:41:48+00:00 http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/caledonia-back-on-top-glen-dornoch-make-big-move-in-golf-insider-top-25/ http://www.mbsun.com/article/view/caledonia-back-on-top-glen-dornoch-make-big-move-in-golf-insider-top-25/#When:14:24:25Z   A new number one emerged, and three courses made big upward moves in the March 2012 edition of the Myrtle Beach Golf Insider Top 25, the Web site announced Wednesday in releasing its monthly rankings. Caledonia Golf & Fish Club moved up one spot to reclaim the top spot, edging out Dunes Golf & Beach Club and Thistle Golf Club for the honors. True Blue and King’s North at Myrtle Beach National once more rounded out the top 5. Barefoot-Love (up 7 spots to No. 9), Tradition Club (up 8 spots to No. 12) and Glen Dornoch (up 8 spots to No. 17) were the rankings’ biggest upward movers. The rankings are determined by golfers who submit their post-play reviews for publication on the Golf Insider’s Web site, MBGolfInsider.com. They are based on the aggregate scores of each participating golfer’s review, where golfers rate on a 10-point scale their course experience in each of six categories: pro shop, grill, staff, fairways, tees and greens. The March 2012 Top 25 was completed on April 4, 2012, with ties separated by total number of reviews for each course: Caledonia                          8.8     275     +1 Dunes Golf & Beach Club      8.8     142     +1 Thistle Golf Club                 8.8     124     -2 True Blue                          8.6     175     NC MB National King’s North       8.5     600     NC TPC of Myrtle Beach             8.5     394     NC MB National SouthCreek        8.5     259     NC Legends-Parkland                8.5     84      NC Barefoot - Love                  8.5     70      +7 Barefoot - Fazio                  8.5     56      -1 Willbrook Plantation             8.4     605     -1 Tradition Club                    8.4     432     +8 Arrowhead                         8.4     215     -2 Man O’War                        8.4     158     -2 Legends-Moorland               8.4     119     -2 Legends-Heathland              8.4     111     -2 Glen Dornoch                     8.4     100     +8 Tiger’s Eye                        8.4     82      -3 River Club                         8.3     568     -2 MB National West                8.3     551     -2 Long Bay Club                    8.3     435     -2 Heritage Club                     8.3     252     -1 Grande Dunes                    8.3     162     -1 Wizard                             8.3     128     -1 Crow Creek Golf Club           8.3     109     -1 The Myrtle Beach Golf Insider Top 25 represents a broad consensus of opinion based on thousands of golfer reviews - more than 12,000 since the site’s inception, according to Myrtle Beach Golf Insider Editor Jim Maggio. To sign up for free and leave your own course reviews, visit MBGolfInsider.com.   Golf Vacations, Golf, Visitor Info, Myrtle Beach Area, Blog 2012-04-04T14:24:25+00:00