<strong>By Wendy Nilsen Pollitzer</strong>

<strong></strong>I got a pleasant phone call last week from Elizabeth Newberry. She asked if I would join the Lunch Bunch. My response, “Well, of course. It would be my pleasure!”

[caption id="attachment_12603" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Shrimp-and-Grits.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-12603" alt="Shrimp and Grits" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Shrimp-and-Grits-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> Shrimp and Grits[/caption]

I started the Lunch Bunch column in February of 2010. Since then, Editor Pamela Brownstein has taken the reins and continued to write about all the fine dining establishments we have here in Beaufort. It was a quick hit and continues to be a favorite column in The Island News. So, I was honored to write this week’s review of one of my favorite spots in Beaufort, Breakwater Restaurant and Bar.

Breakwater owners, Beth Shaw and Gary and Donna Lang, are brilliant restaurant entrepreneurs.

[caption id="attachment_12600" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Tuna-Tar-Tar.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-12600" alt="Tuna Tar Tar" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Tuna-Tar-Tar-300x175.jpg" width="300" height="175" /></a> Tuna Tar Tar[/caption]

They bring a large crowd in nightly and entertain locals and newcomers with conversation and warmth. You’ll always find at least one of them mingling at the bar, making sure everyone is pleased. Their hospitality is politely Southern and internationally welcoming.

Many of you have heard about the Tuesday Recession Menu. Well, it has been replaced with a more persuading carte du jour, the Early Bird Menu, offered on both Mondays and Tuesday from 5pm-7pm. Patrons can choose a first and second course for only $20. That’s right, fine dining we all can afford.

And the courses offered are exceptional. Last Monday, our Early Bird Menu consisted of a choice between clam chowder and a house salad for the first course and lamb meatloaf, pan-seared salmon, tagliatelle pasta and jumbo lump crab cakes for the second course.

Buck, Kim and April opted for the Early Bird Menu and asked for the lamb meatloaf, salmon and jumbo lump crab cakes.  Kim also ordered the tuna tar tar off the appetizer menu, her preferred dish at Breakwater.

When I asked Buck if the lamb was good, he answered with his eyebrows. With his polite and knowing nod and sweat glistening from his brow, I understood he loved his meal. In fact, he devoured it.

[caption id="attachment_12602" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Pan-Seared-Salmon.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-12602" alt="Pan-Seared Salmon" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Pan-Seared-Salmon-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> Pan-Seared Salmon[/caption]

Kim loved her salmon, though she couldn’t finish the large portion. And, April thoroughly enjoyed her crab cakes and corn risotto, a special request to the chef and her favorite side. Elizabeth ordered the pan-seared Black Grouper on Special. Her response when asked how it was? “Yummy,” said the younger Harding sister. I ordered another special, the Breakwater Shrimp and grits, along with my favorite salad, the beet and goat cheese salad with walnuts. Hands down, the best meal in Beaufort! Kim’s daughter, Anna Katherine, and Christina Lee joined the Lunch Bunch this week.  AK, only eleven, has a very sophisticated palate.  She ordered the beef Carpaccio and the calamari and loved both. Christina opted for the Iceberg wedge and the fire grilled filet mignon, for which she complimented the tasty chocolate demi glaze.

I didn’t think we could eat another bite, but our knowledgeable server, Lisa, convinced us to share a few amazing desserts, the white chocolate lime tart, the molten chocolate lava cake and SuZara’s infamous coconut cake.

Breakwater Restaurant and Bar offers an elegant approach to traditional Lowcountry cuisine. The food is consistently fresh, and the art of the dish is always impressive. I’m so happy you’ve added the Early Bird Menu. You can count on me on Mondays and Tuesdays!

Breakwater Restaurant and Bar is located at 203 Carteret Street. For more information, please visit www.breakwater.com. And for reservations, please call (843) 379-0052.