The Review of All Reviews: The Mustard Seed

Any reader of my blog or friend of mine knows how much I love the Mustard Seed. Anytime someone asks me for a restaurant recommendation, I ask them, "Have you been to the Mustard Seed?" It's always my response for several reasons:

• The ever-changing and creative daily specials - there is always something new on the menu that makes me think to myself, "Wow. What an interesting combination of ingredients." 
• The wonderful use of local, in-season ingredients - You can always go back for your favorite meal, but the side options change throughout the year. Why use vegetables that have been shipped across the world when you can take advantage of local farmers' goods? 
• The friendly service and welcoming atmosphere - whether it's from the hostess greeting you as you arrive, your server during the meal, or a manager coming over to check on you. You are guaranteed to be approached by someone who honestly cares about your experience.
• The value - Entrée prices range from $11-$18 (average is $12). This is very reasonable for dinner and you get your money's worth. Meals are plentiful and leftovers are common.
• And the #1 reason: Consistency. I've always been impressed with everything I've eaten. I've ordered or sampled the majority of the menu and everything is of good quality.

The Mustard Seed has three locations: Mt. Pleasant, Summerville, and James Island. It is part of the Dine with Sal restaurant group. The group also owns Boulevard Diner, Longpoint Grill, Sette, Uno Mas, and Village Bakery. The Dine with Sal group prides itself on using the freshest, local ingredients in all of its restaurants - each having its own distinct cuisine. The roots of this group go back to 1994 when restauranteur Sal Parco opened his first Mustard Seed location in Mt. Pleasant with only 7 tables! Sal's love of food, hard work, and dedication have earned him success in all of his restaurants. 

The Mt. Pleasant Mustard Seed is my favorite location. The staff is attentive and knowledgeable, and the Executive Chef, Jonathan DuPriest, is excellent with presentation. Entrees are always cooked to perfection and he creates fantastic daily specials. After seeing several reviews on my blog, Jonathan and Sal gave me the opportunity to spend some time in the kitchen to see how they prepare their scintillating meals. Enjoy seeing some of the menu's finest:


SESAME CRUSTED CHICKEN, RASPBERRY SOY, FRESH VEGETABLES, GARLIC MASHED POTATOES

PECAN CRUSTED CHICKEN, HONEY MUSTARD SAUCE, FRESH VEGETABLES, GARLIC MASHED POTATOES

HERB-CRUSTED PORK LOIN, SUN-DRIED TOMATO PESTO CREAM SAUCE, GRILLED ASPARAGUS, GARLIC MASHED POTATOES

BLACK BEAN CAKES, GREEN TOMATO SALSA, FRESH VEGETABLES, CILANTRO SOUR CREAM

SURF-N-TURF SALAD: PEPPER-DUSTED BISTRO FILET, BABY ARUGULA-JUMBO LUMP CRAB SALAD WITH KALAMATA OLIVES, RED ONION, FETA, WATERMELON AND A LEMON-TRUFFLE VINAIGRETTE

FRIED GREEN TOMATO & CRAB CAKE NAPOLEON, GREEN TOMATO, ROASTED CORN CHUTNEY (APPETIZER)

WALNUT-CRUSTED MAHI, SWEET POTATO-APPLE WOOD BACON "LOW COUNTRY STIR-FRY", SUMMER SPICED POACHED BOSC PEAR, CAYENNE-SPIKED MAPLE GLAZE 

MARYLAND STYLE CRAB CAKES, GARLIC MASHED POTATOES, FRESH VEGETABLES

WASABI CRUSTED YELLOWFIN TUNA WITH "SOYAKI"-INFUSED JASMINE RICE, ASIAN MARINATED MELON SLAW, SPICY PINEAPPLE SAUCE

SHRIMP & SCALLOP RISOTTO WITH TOMATO AND BASIL

As you can see, the Mustard Seed offers some incredible dishes! A few weeks after taking the photos above, I came back with my best friend Nicole Johnson and our friend Joe Girard. Here is a little video review we made! Big huge thanks to Nicole for staying up until 2 a.m. editing this for me!



Have I convinced you to go to the Mustard Seed yet? Get in your car, truck, moped, or limo and GO GO GO!