Confession & Report: 33 Liberty in Greenville, SC

[Cary]

I posted a few days back asking for recommendations in Greenville as a business traveler hailing from San Francisco. At the beginning of my search, I wasn't optimistic at all.

As a disclaimer, I asked a bunch of my coworkers, many who lived and worked in Greenville, for recommendations above the casual level, and many hemmed and hawwed and couldn't think of places aside from Devereaux and The Peppermill. I haven't gone to those two places yet, but a brief scan of their menus made me want more. So I turned to trusty Chowhound South and found several positive posts to 33 Liberty. Egullet also yielded positive posts (as well as humorous posts from chef proprietor John).

So that settled everything, and I made a reservation for tonight.

First impressions. Well I wish there were more restaurants in the SF Bay Area at this price point with "interesting" but comforting food (Range in SF pops in to mind for those who will or have been chowing in SF). I'll have to chat with some management at work tomorrow to let me come back in two weeks, if not next Monday.

Parking was a breeze. Let me tell you, paying for valet, or hunting around for ten minutes in SF is a pain. I went with the full five course menu.

First I opted for the "Summer Cucumber Sandwich with Roasted Peppers, Walnut Bread & Herb Cream Cheese." Very nice. I was sorely tempted by the charcuterie plate but a virtual coin flip at the end led me to the sandwich. Soft, moist bread, flavorful peppers left me hungry for more.

Second was the "Pan Seared Scallops with Thyme Gnocchi & Banyuls Vinegar". This was a winner, and from what I overheard from the kitchen, the scallops was a popular dish tonight. The exterior of the scallops were nicely browned and slightly crispy, with a nice juicy interior. It wasn't oversauced, as often happens, and the scallops shined. The thyme gnocchi was a pleasant surprise and I would order the thyme gnocchi by itself in a heartbeat without the accompanying scallops.

Third was the "Crispy Fried Carolina Quails over Andouille Sausage & red pepper Jambalaya". Here again I was conflicted between the quail and the fresh grouper dish on the menu. Eventually the quail won out because it would (and it did) pair with the pinot noir I was having. Hot, crispy exterior and flavorful, juicy interior and just seasoned the right amount. The andouille sausage and jambalaya were great. A winning dish with a twist of Southern cooking; this dish would do well in any big city (LA, SF, Chicago) restaurant. yum.

Fourth was the cheese plate, and the fig jam and candied walnuts paired wonderfully with the creamy and powerful cheeses. The acidity of the figs with the cheeses, a great match.

Last was the "Mini Carrot Cake with Joe’s Twix Bar". This paired (yet again) wonderfully with a tokaji dessert wine. I would have been perfectly happy with the carrot cake by itself, but the twix bar gave it a third dimension.

33 Liberty rocks, and deserves all the accolades it receives. Fellow visitors, avoid the typical hotel food steak/salmon/chicken plates. Avoid the chains like the Outback. Avoid fast food. 33 Liberty is the real deal

[Cary]

I'm back in Greenville for the week and will try to visit 33 Liberty again. It seems they did away with their "set menu" pricing, so now everything is a la carte.

[food_is_love]

Being new to the area, I was told by someone that I should try this place out. I finally managed to pick a night and go, and like so many others I did enjoy my meal there. I am still trying out other places in the area, but I must say this place comes in as my second favorite spot here in Greenvile as of right now, and my first choice (which I highly recommend) is the newer restaurant downtown, American Grocery. Those of you who haven't been there yet should definitely go have a meal there!

[jazzman1]

33 Liberty is one great place. My wife and I were treated royally on our birthday. I wish more people realized what a great place this is. There are few places in G'vlle that you feel like a "real" chef has prepared your meal. You will here!

[danna]

I can't tell you how happy I am you enjoyed yourself.

If you know anything about Sacramento, please help me out on the CA board. I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay.

[Cary]

What would some of your casual under $30 recs near the Hilton for dinner? I was thinking of going across the street to the Peppermill for a drink and something quick. Not in the mood for steak though.

Sorry haven't spent much time in Sacramento.

[danna]

Pho Noodleville in the strip Mall just on the left after you turn onto Orchard Park Drive. It's a bit of an adventure, but it's close and usually pretty good. If you look at the website on my profile page and click on "restaurant reviews" you can read some details and warnings. Service can be bad at times.

I haven't been to the Peppermill since the 80's. Back then it was very.....well...80's. Canned crabmeat for an appetizer...that sort of thing.

The other way down Haywood road is a sushi place (also strip mall - just on the other side of 385) that used to be very good, but the name changed and the sushiya moved. I have not been since that happened, but you could give that a try...maybe they still have the same fish source.

Not really close, but for casual food, you could jump on 385, go away from town 'til you hit Woodruff road(only 2-3 miles), turn right, and then look for Whole Foods on your left. They have the best pizza in town (sad, I know) and a little bar where you can eat it and drink wine and try to pretend you're not having dinner at the grocery store. Doc Chey is an americanized pan-asian small regional chain next door to WF, I like that reasonably well.

[PickyChicky]

Just a quick FYI on what is now Sushi Hana - they do seem to still have the same fish supplier. The new sushiya, Dai San is terrific. He's happy to be creative and we don't even get menus now when we go. He just makes us what he thinks we'll like. No more Mrs. Koji to scare me! Some of the previous staff is still there, but they seem to run through wait staff. Seems like new folks almost every time we go. Not sure what that means, though.

In any case, the fish is still fine quality.

[danna]

Thanks...we'll try it! I was afraid of Mrs. Koji, too ;-)

[Lan4Dawg]

damn now I have to find an excuse to go to Greenville and visit John. I point any one who is willing to listen towards 33 Liberty but, unfortunately, do not make the trek that direction as often as I should.