Pascal's Cafe & Grill — Restaurant in Greenwood

What a wonderful Birthday Dinner I had. Upon the recommendations of some tablemates of ours at a recent fundraiser dinner we attended, Brian made us reservations at Pascal’s Café and Grill in Greenwood, SC. These recommendations were further supported when we ran into friends, and restaurant owner, celebrating their wedding anniversary on the covered patio. You can now add Brian and I to the chorus of those singing the praises of Pascal’s.

I could tell Pascal’s did things right as soon as we walked in. In the foyer they had a selection of magnifying reading glasses for customers who needed them, and the table lines were very soft. Much nicer than the stiff nonabsorbent ones that often result when using a linen service. I asked our server if they did their own linens and she told me they do in fact own them and wash them on site.

Of course, the main attraction was the food, and it was top notch all around. Striking presentations, imaginative compositions, complex flavors, and ample servings. Unintrusive staff and eclectic décor complemented the enjoyment of the evening. We shared each course.

For appetizers we choose: Savory Goat Cheese Crème Brulé with Baggett Toast; and a Potato Cake stuffed with Pepper Jack Cheese, with Crispy Pork Belly, Asian Chili Oil, and Blackened Shrimp.

Both were so good we could not decide which one we liked better. The goat cheese crème brule’ was smooth, thick, and pungent, the baggett toast was well seasoned, buttery, and crisp. The combination was a real winner. The small salad with toasted pecans and vinaigrette dressing were there to offer some acid to lighten the dish. For me I loved the cheese and toast so much I left all the salad for Brian. The potato cake with pork belly and shrimp brought just the right amount of spice to our first course. The velvety smooth potatoes were drizzled with an oil that heated things up a bit. Adding both pork belly and shrimp to the dish added contrasting texture and a bit more body to this appetizer.

Knowing we were going to have dessert we opted not to have a salad, but the night’s menu did offer four solid classic options.

For our entrées we choose: Pascal’s House Made Meatloaf, layered with Mashed Potatoes and topped with Pimento Cheese; and Slow Roasted Duck Confit over Mashed Potatoes.

Both were served with Green Beans, Young Carrot, and Couscous. Both dishes were full of flavor. The meatloaf was tender and moist, sliced into two rounds which sandwiched the creamy mashed potatoes. A rich Demi Glaze finished the dish. The duck confit was fall off the bone tender. The feel of the dish was rich not fatty, as can sometimes be the case with duck confit. Both of our potatoes, green beans, and couscous, were prepared as well as anyone could want.

For our desserts we choose: Lemon Lavender Tiramisu and Tart Tatin a la Mode.

The tiramisu was the more contemporary of the two, the tart the more traditional of the two. Both well executed and very much enjoyed. The tiramisu’s lemon component was tart and creamy. The lavender being present by dried lavender leaves sprinkle among the custard and cake provided a noticeable flavor while avoiding the common pitfalls over overkill when lavender oil is used. The tart was classic rustic apple, pastry, and ice cream. It was served warm, the apples were plentiful, perfectly coated with a restrained amount of spiced sugary glaze.

We both left completely happy with our first dining experience, looking forward to...

We knew going in the service would be slow, as it is a small operation. That being said, it took 40 minutes to get our drink orders. So while we had our waitress there we decided to give her our order fearing we would not see her for awhile. As we waited for our food and no one checking on us, I went to the bar to refill my drink. One of our party, asked that her drink be brought out with her dinner. When our food finally came out, no wine came out with her dinner. When she asked about it they told her there was a line and it would be awhile. And she said but I ordered it an hour ago. She never did get her wine. I had ordered the bison. As I cut into it, I was surprised at how hard it was to cut. The first bite, was tasteless and chewy like leather. It was inedible! I ordered another scotch and the appetizer that I found edible. I noticed the waiter deliver a scotch to another member our dinner party. I kept waiting for mine. As we talked, the other member said, you know I didn't order another scotch. The waitress would disappear for long stretches, and once we started to complain the bartender started to watch our table like we were trouble makers or something. So they handed me the bill with the three scotch's (which I only received 2) They did take the bison off. No one apologized for the bad service. But the real kicker is, I sent them a message about how we were treated, and we won't be back and their response was a thumbs up emoji. So I think this is a members only type...

Gotta say, this was high up on my list for hitting a revered local meal. The food? Excellent. But unfortunately we had poor...even bordering on comically poor service. Like a bottle of white wine served room temp? Then brought to server's attention and its met with a shrug? Then pushed further, the staff member brought out a glass of ice. Sorry but it still renders a warm bottle of white...well warm. Other tables are having salads and bread service while our butter is sitting lonely on the table. So asking for bread its dropped off like a lonely cheeseburger at Sonic. So as this is going from bad to worse, I ask another server for the captain of this ship. The owner who I believe is present, sends out the chef out who explains how deliveries we not up to par and hasn't allowed for proper wine chilling. One word comes to mind that has so many meanings. Ownership. So we switch, get our main courses and a dessert. As we look at the other tables being well cared for, this evening left a taste of what could of been....but was so far off of the mark. Sorry Greenwood, this isn't the...