Jul 26, 2010

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 - EntrĂ©e 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!



Mustard Seed (Mt. Pleasant) on Urbanspoon

40 comments:

  1. nice work..but promise me im on next foodie review like we talked about;)

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  2. i tried this mustard seed recipe for potatoes. they are sooo good!!

    http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Mustard-and-Coriander-Roasted-Potatoes-241635

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  3. this place looks ridic though. i know you have raved about it before. i have chinese bakeries here and you have mustard seed. it's a draw.

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  4. LOVED that your birthday dinner was my first time there! I had the pecan crusted chicken and it was absolutely amazing!! I can't wait to go back again!!

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  5. Oh my gosh, get me on the next plan out there. That food all looks amazing!! And your accent is so cute! :)

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  6. I LOVELOVELOVE the vlog review! Adorable!

    Everything looks incredible--especially that crab cake napoleon! Mustard Seed, please open a location in Boise?

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  7. hahaha you are too cute! Love it. I want to try those black bean cakes so bad. Sal's restaurants are pretty amazing and I must say- Mustard Seed may be my fav of his as well. Hope you're enjoying the remainder of your trip. AND I hope you make it Wednesday!!!!

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  8. ♥ the video! You're a natural! Guess I'll need to fill my gas tank and drive from PA to The Mustard Seed! YUM!:)

    Talia:)

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  9. Those all look amazing! I need to go there more often!

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  10. You've talked about this restaurant so much that i"m just _itching_ to go! If I'm every in the area that will be a must-stop for me!

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  11. im drooling over those black bean cakes! this place is seriously divine!!

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  12. Everything looks amazing! I can see what you mean about interesting combinations of ingredients. I love it when unexpected flavours are paired together. If only this restaurant was closer to me!!

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  13. how awesome is your vlog!! love it... but now I'm frustrated there is no mustard seed near me... since you know the chef, possibly mention that they should open one in Charlotte?? Puh-leeze? :)

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  14. Everything looks so good--I'm glad you've found your "spot!"

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  15. Im getting in my car and driving over and going to the mustard seed with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    yum! it looks delish, everytime I have seen your eats from there on here, I drool!

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  16. You have definitely convinced me!! I would get that mahi :)

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  17. Oh my goodness that food looks so good! Especially the fried green tomatoes and crab cakes. Major yum!

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  18. I WANT THAT RISOTTO !!

    it all looks delicious, actually... I'll have to remember if I find myself near one... :)

    great video! I tried to make a vlog once, but I looked like a Big Nerd!! :)

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  19. As if I didn't want to go there enough already!! Why are you taunting me with delicious food so far away!? That's just evil lol

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  20. Oh YUM...I want to go! It sounds amazing every time you talk about it!!!

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  21. Oh wow! These eats are making me hungry! They look delicious!

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  22. I'm sold! The mustard seed it is!! Those plates look amazing! I want YOUR fooooooodddd!

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  23. that food is almost too gorgeous to eat! keyword is *almost* - looks DELISH!

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  24. You know I've never had a fried green tomato. Loved the movie, though :)

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  25. This does look like an awesome restaurant!

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  26. So decadent looking!!

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  27. I wish I lived there :) You sold me so bad... hahaha now I'm sad.

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  28. Everything looks amazing!!! Wow!

    If I am ever in your area I'm going to have to go visit!

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  29. Have they hired you? Because this just totally convinced me to make the three hour drive to Charleston and go there.

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  30. I'd have to get on a plane to go there but I definitely would based on your review/pictures/descriptions!!

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  31. those pictures look so delicious I wish we were going there tonight! See you at Mosaic!

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  32. I've heard of the Mustard Seed, but have never been to one. Did you really order all that food? It looks like you had quite a feast.

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  33. Lars would pee his pants with excitement if we made a food review video. thanks for the idea.

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  34. Sounds like a great restaurant - the black bean cakes look awesome!!

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  35. Sorry for the very late reply. I haven't been on much. I bought the YSL mascara for about $52AUD. Lovely eats by the way, it's making me hungry!

    Ivy

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  36. Mustard Seed is one of my favorites as well and you've given me a couple of new things to order next time I'm there!

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