FORK & CORK: Scrub Oaks Grill

When one thinks of the magnificence of a tall majestic Oak Tree, all that is good, right or proud, comes to mind.
Food for thought: Scrub Oaks Restaurant is this and so much more.
 
Owners Tim and Gwen Holtsclaw are the essence of the Oak. Ramsey Street was in dire need of such a restaurant as theirs. A steak house with an array of exceptional menu choices that abound and delight the culinary senses. This is truly a culinary hot spot.
 
The food, like the mighty Oak - magnificent.
My meal was started with their 'Drunken Mushrooms' appetizer. I loved the culinary interaction this dish provided.

A beautiful browned butter, perfectly done with a sweet and slight nutty flavor, infused with cream sherry and a few other trade secrets.

I was told of one secret ingredient, the french herb,tarragon. It has a sweet, slightly licorice flavor and it lingers on your palate like a whisper, if used properly.

The Drunken Mushrooms were served with hearty Artisan Bread toast points for dipping. The flavor was intensely rich, served in a brothy soup bowl with whole sauteed mushrooms floating in goodness.
 
Next was their recommendation of one of their top sellers. It is here, that Tim found the reason to open Scrub Oaks.

He couldn't get a good steak in his own neighborhood. Let me tell you, he's got a winner in the 16 oz Bone In Rib Eye.

Seared, slightly charred so as to have an intense flavor, yet the pink hue of perfectly grilled medium rare. It was like cutting into a perfectly marbled prime rib. My knife slipped easily into the grain and within one bite I could tell the quality of the cut. Superbly done. Bone in, leaves more flavor. This by far was one of the best steaks I have had in some time.

And yes - I did take one or two bites of steak, that I dipped it in my drunken mushrooms. Reserving some broth especially for this purpose.

Served with baked potato, butter, sour cream and chives, I was in my glory of 'meat and potatoes'.

Along side of this sizable plate were perfectly seasoned, sauteed summer squash, zucchini, carrots and peppers. Al dente. Not a bit too crisp. The entire presentation was a culinary expose and a true treat.

One of the other more popular menu choices are their Sea Scallops. New Jersey style. Their former chef was from up north, he paired giant sea scallops that were battered and deep fried with believe it or not, chicken salad. Since I was from Boston, but had never heard of this, Gwen thought I should give it a try. Let me tell you - anyone from up North will want this dish.

I so enjoyed the scallops and have never had any here in the South that match the ones from up North, but these do.

The mound of chicken salad was plentiful, it was fantastic by itself and can be had in a sandwich even, but the scallops won my heart. Least I forget, their homemade tarter sauce was more than fantastic. Richly infused with capers, dill and lemon along with the perfect consistency of creaminess.
 
Another choice menu item that is favored is their Lobster Penne. A beautiful bed of penne pasta and sun dried tomatoes. Adored with fresh asparagus and fresh lobster chunks. Then tossed in a creamy cajun alfredo sauce. The richness of the lobster pulls it all together and that is the flavor that lingers on your palate. Lobster-licious.
 
Their menu is vast with ample portions for the hearty appetite and perhaps try some old-fashioned comfort food like their BBQ Chicken or their Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf with Sausage Center. This dish is served with a Port wine demi-glaze and along side you may choose, smashed garlic potatoes, mac and cheese or perhaps risotto. Maybe baked potato, french fries or rice are more to your liking, but the choices are plentiful.
 
Indulge in their dessert menu while dining. Hands down my choice was the home made NY Cheesecake smothered with warm apple chunks that had simmered in a cinnamon glaze, infused with a sweet hint of nutmeg.

Apple Pie doesn't stand a chance to this infusion; it brought me back to the comfort and joy of my youth. Sinfully delicious.
 
I loved everything about Scrub Oaks, it is mighty and it most certainly - is a culinary hot spot. The staff was outstanding and dressed smartly. The decor suits them perfectly. Class meets a Culinary Pub with an instant home like quality with warm rich tones, wine racks and sports memorabilia.

They cater to special parties with a Red Room off to the side, just for that purpose. Relax, enjoy, take in the ambiance of great food, great hosts and don't stay away too long. Once you're there, your're part of the Scrub Oaks family.
Cheers!