<b>By Pamela Brownstein</b>

A staple in the downtown dining scene, Plums can’t be beat for friendly service, a lively atmosphere and a unique lunch menu that features local seafood and a variety of sandwiches, soups and salads made with quality ingredients.

[caption id="attachment_15210" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/DSC_0047.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-15210" alt="Fried shrimp and oysters appetizer" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/DSC_0047-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> Fried shrimp and oysters appetizer[/caption]

We started with fried oysters and fried shrimp. The oysters were still warm, and had just the right crunch on the outside with that slightly salty flavor bursting on the inside. Elizabeth and I were big fans.

Manager Chip Dinkins brought us a bowl of shrimp and grits, and it was almost too good to share.

He also presented a platter of chicken minis — bite-sized sandwiches made with little biscuits and crispy chicken tenders. Chip recommended spreading the fabulous pecan honey butter on the biscuit and then adding a dab of hot sauce for the perfect bite. He said the restaurant plans on

[caption id="attachment_15211" align="alignright" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/DSC_0051.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-15211" alt="Chicken minis" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/DSC_0051-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> Chicken minis[/caption]

serving these to the Saturday and Sunday weekend crowd.

Since a majority of the Lunch Bunch is trying to watch calories, Plums’ salads were popular entree options. April ordered the Greek salad with grilled chicken, while Elizabeth chose the Half Moon Cobb Salad. Her plate was loaded with vibrant, fresh toppings including diced tomatoes, bacon, egg, red onion, Blue cheese and grilled chicken.

Nikki, who couldn’t decide whether to be healthy or not, compromised with a Caesar salad topped with one of Plums’ cheeseburger patties.

[caption id="attachment_15212" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/DSC_0057.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-15212" alt="Half Moon Cobb salad." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/DSC_0057-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199" /></a> Half Moon Cobb salad.[/caption]

Irene had the Curry Chicken Salad platter along with a cup of the homemade She Crab soup of the day, which she said was excellent.

April’s friend Jeanne selected the Grilled Turkey sandwich made with smoked turkey, jalapeno jack cheese and tomatoes grilled on country white bread.

I ordered my favorite wrap, the Biarritz. It is filled with smoked turkey, bacon, Brie and a strawberry spread, then grilled and served warm and delicious.

Also, don’t miss Free Oyster Fridays, every Friday from 5 to 7 p.m.

[caption id="attachment_15213" align="alignright" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/DSC_00561.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-15213" alt="Biarritz wrap with side salad." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/DSC_00561-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> Biarritz wrap with side salad.[/caption]

Plums is located at 904 Bay St., downtown Beaufort, and is open everyday. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; dinner 5 to 10 p.m. For more information, call 843-525-1946 or visit www.plumsrestaurant.com.