BY TERI RAGAN

Topsail Island, NC - Choosing a restaurant is like finding a needle in a haystack.  With so many places, it can seem overwhelming.  The Topsail Island community is truly lucky to have a large selection of eateries to choose from for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  From casual to upscale dining, from Italian to Thai, from deli to bakery, the choices are plentiful.   For a look at some of our diverse culinary offerings, this issue spotlights the Beach Shop & Grill in Topsail Beach, the Thai Grille in Surf City, and the King’s Table in Hampstead.

The Beach Shop and Grill 

Located in Topsail Beach, The Beach Shop and Grill has been offering up great casual family dining to locals and visitors alike.   Under the ownership of Cheryl and Jeff Price since March of 2002, the restaurant’s history dates back to Warren’s Soda Shop, originally established in 1959.

Relax on the front porch and enjoy the town of Topsail.  The Beach Shop is truly a special place for not only its atmosphere, but it also serves a menu boasting a diverse selection.  Their unique fare includes customer favorites such as grilled flounder, fried seafood platters, and blackened grouper.   Be sure to try the Seafood Sammi—shrimp and scallops sautéed in white wine with garlic, spinach, and grape tomatoes with a lobster infused basil cream sauce served over cavatappi pasta. 

The menu is highlighted by Rachel’s Orzo. This dish was created by Chef Jeff Voelck for the Price’s daughter Rachel and is an employee favorite.  It is chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic, and spinach sautéed in white wine, lemon, and chicken stock tossed with orzo pasta. This dish is a healthy alternative with only two grams of fat with an incredible amount of flavor. 

Prior to owning the Beach Shop, Jeff and Cheryl both had backgrounds in the Food Service Industry.  Cheryl earned her Culinary Arts and Pastry Arts degrees from Johnson and Wales University and served as a chef at several five-star resort properties before coming home to North Carolina.  Jeff managed large, high-volume restaurants.  Their skills and experience are shown in their belief in superior food and service at the Beach Shop and Grill.

The Beach Shop and Grill is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Please call for seasonal hours of operation at 328-6501. The restaurant is located at 701 S. Anderson Boulevard, Topsail Beach, North Carolina.

 

 

 

 

 

The King’s Table

Experience the only casual fine dining available in Hampstead at The King’s Table.  Located at the Castle Bay Golf Course, diners enjoy secluded, beautiful views of the Scottish Links course in a relaxed, warm environment.

Photos by www.catsimagination.com

Under the direction of Executive Chef David Longo, a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, the restaurant serves entrées such as Salmon in Puff Pastry with a Sweet Pepper Coulis.  Chef Longo has studied overseas and has twelve years experience in the culinary field. An employee favorite is the Bagpiper Shrimp.  The shrimp is tempura fried, tossed in a spicy aioli sauce, and presented on a bed of tender greens. 

Choose from a large selection of menu items including another favorite, the Calamari Salad.  This is an exceptional choice, combining fried calamari, romaine, red peppers, scallions, and cilantro which is then tossed in a sweet chili vinaigrette.  Two other exciting choices include the Garlic Chicken and the Scallops with Sesame Sauce.  They are not to be missed!  Be sure to sample their pasta, seafood, and steak selections.  A full service bar is available with a selection of wine to accompany your meal. 

The King’s Table was established by Castle Bay Golf Course owner and designer Randy Blanton in April of 2006.  The restaurant is located at 107 Links Court, off Hoover Road in Hampstead.  For contact information, please call 910-270-1097 or go to www.castlebaycc.com.

 

 

 

Thai Grille

When looking for a dining experience that has a casual and refreshing atmosphere, be sure to visit one of Surf City’s newest restaurants, The Thai Grille.  The contemporary setting is a perfect place for exciting, authentic cuisine.

 

By using the freshest ingredients, this Thai-American restaurant features a menu that places emphasis on house specials and classic Thai dishes.  Owned by Ray Gardner and Alicia Culpeper, nightly specials include such offerings as Pan Seared Grouper Filet with Crabmeat Cream Sauce.  It is the unique combination of flavors that make this eatery special.

Be sure to try their appetizers, including their classic satay served with a peanut sauce.  Enjoy customer and staff favorites such as Beef & Basil, Crab & Shrimp Stir Fry, and Teriyaki Chicken with Sticky Rice.  Many dishes are served over jasmine rice or with sides such as sesame and garlic green beans.  The classic dish of Pad Thai, which is wok-fried rice noodles with egg, peanuts, radish and green onions, and the variations of curry are all excellent choices.  Be sure to save room for desert.  The desert menu is highlighted by fried bananas and sticky rice with mangos.  They are a terrific finish to an excellent meal.

Whether you dine in or take out, The Thai Grille has a variety of food to please every palate.  Along with a diverse beer and wine selection, the restaurant has all ABC permits.  A separate bar area is available.

The Thai Grille is located in the Surf City Gateway Plaza on NC Hwy 50/210.  The lunch menu features a shortened menu including sandwiches.  The restaurant is open for lunch from 11 am -2 pm and dinner 5-10 pm Monday through Saturday.  The eatery is closed on Sunday.  Please call 910-329-4424 for more information or check online at www.ThaiGrille.com.