Plums Restaurant

If you've been looking for a restaurant that has a neighborhood feel, with great food, affordable prices, and a comfortable, yet sophisticated, Lowcountry atmosphere all under one roof, your new favorite place is Plums in Bluffton. A longtime beloved Beaufort standard, Plums has set up shop and brought its magic to Bluffton. Housed in the ever-changing outparcel building in front of Stein-Mart, originally built as an Arby's, Plums is serious about capturing the hearts of the residents south of the Broad.

Lance Price, owner of Plums, has taken great measures to transform both the building and the ambiance into a place that warmly embraces its guests, and kindly welcomes them to sit and stay a while. With a Lowcountry eclectic feel, diners will find intriguing art, creative use of reclaimed antique French doors, and beautiful reclaimed wood, handmade tables, all working together to create a clean, fresh, and comfortable space.
This is a place for friends to gather, whether in the bar or dining room. It's a modern day Cheers-Lowcountry style-with excellent, creative food as the star of the show! Speaking of the food, let me tell you about a few of the things I was able to sample, along with my husband, Dana, and our friends, Richard and Janet MacDonald.

Lance, who has a professional passion for food, decided to serve us small plates of many items, starting with a small bowl of Lowcountry Gumbo. Plums' version of this spicy stew is as hearty as it is flavorful. Order a full bowl, with a scratch biscuit on the side, and you pretty much have yourself a delicious meal.

Next, our server, LaToya, delivered the Rocket Salad to our table. We were told this is Plums' most popular salad, and after a few bites it was clear as to why. A delightful blend of arugala, spiced pecans, apple "fries", cornbread croutons, tomatoes, all tossed in a homemade buttermilk peach vinaigrette, this salad was fresh, contemporary and delicious. Again, one could make a meal out of this one item for $8.50.
Plums' slogan is Creative Lowcountry Cuisine, and the appetizer we were served next is a shining example of exactly what that means. In season now, we had the Sea Island Oysters Rockefeller, which were fresh oysters on the half-shell, topped and cooked with collards, bacon, and pimiento cheese.enough said!

More dishes that embodied the Creative Lowcountry Cuisine slogan were their famous shrimp and coarse-ground Adluh (SC) grits. "We're known for our shrimp and grits," said Lance, as he explained to us how imperative that the food is consistent, no matter which Plums location diners visit. We also had the Carolina crabcakes, which were topped with a smoked-tomato coulis and red pepper remoulade.

One thing that impressed me the most is the value patrons receive. With excellent quality of food and above average portion sizes, there's not a dish on the menu over $21.95. In fact, landlubbers can order an eight-ounce filet of beef, topped with caramelized onions and blue cheese, served with roasted new potatoes and grilled asparagus for $20.95.

We all thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience at Plums in Bluffton. While I loved the food, and felt great there, what I adored most was Lance and his staff. Lance's passion is infectious. It is obvious that he cares so much about every single detail. In addition, his passion is exciting. If you only talk to him for a minute, you will find that he is likeable and he cares about what you are eating. It's easy to root for Plums' success-it's just all positive! I don't know about you, but I tend to get in restaurant ruts, but Plums is now firmly on my radar as a go-to regular!

Lunch: Plums has always been known for lunch with house-made specialties, such as their chicken salad, shrimp salad, and great burgers and sandwiches (which are available at dinner, as well).
Prime Rib Night: Every Thursday from 4:30-9:30 enjoy Prime Rib and all the fixins for only $18.95.

Plums Pasta Night: Every Tuesday you can order up oodles of noodles that are bursting with flavor for only $12.95.

If You Go: Plums is located at 15 Towne Drive in Belfair Towne Village in Bluffton. Their hours are: Monday thru Sunday; Lunch 11a.m.-4p.m. and Dinner 4:30p.m.-9:30p.m. Happy Hour is Monday-Friday 4:30p.m.-6:00p.m. For more information call (843)706-3647, log onto www.plumsrestaurant.com, or like them at facebook.com/PlumsRestaurant.

Bottom Line: If you're looking for a place to get something fresh and creative, with a Southern flair, that pays attention to flavor and freshness, then go try Plums. Light, simple, flavorful, healthy, affordable.you're going to love it! Tell them Pink sent you!!