Our latest TALK magazine cocktailin’ adventure…

We are blessed here in our beautiful little city to have a thriving dining (and drinkin’) scene. Our choices have exploded up and down Main Street and well beyond in recent years…but sometimes we just want to settle into a cozy old stand-by. This month we did just that by heading out Wade Hampton to The Open Hearth. Family owned and operated since 1959 by the Melehes family, this place is still hoppin’! 

Way back when…

Jim and Paula Starr Melehes own and operate this icon these days, but Jimmy’s dad, Mike, was the brain behind its beginning. Mike and wife, Tula, owned Michael’s on Main Street back in the 40’s and 50’s, but Mike had this great idea to close his downtown doors and move all the way out to Taylors to treat the “out-of-towners” to some fine dining. The Open Hearth has been a part of family celebrations (and every-day dinners) ever since.

The Ciroc Lemon Drop Martini…

We deem this the ideal way to start your evening! Awaken your tastebuds and perk up that palate for what is sure to be a delightful meal. This cocktail is a feast for the eyes with its crisp, clean liquid, a sugared rim, and lemon curl flourish. Your senses will be raring to go after you wake them up with this cocktail!

The Toasted Almond Martini… 

We mentioned how to start your evening, and we’d be remiss if we didn’t offer our vote for a perfect ending. The house specialty is a mouth-watering combination of Kahlua, cream, amaretto, nutmeg and of course, toasted almonds. This gem of a dessert drink won’t leave you disappointed or feeling heavy. It’s the sweet finish to a guaranteed perfect evening .

The regulars…

There are “regulars” who chat it up at the bar each night, and others who arrive for dinner like clockwork…each one of them greeted by a smiling staff and a warm handshake from Jim himself. But there’s another kind of “regular” too…the classics on the menu. Started as an upscale steakhouse, The Open Hearth has not strayed far from its roots. The steaks still play a starring role along with the baked potatoes (with the condiment merry-go-round). But we happen to know some folks who won’t miss the chance to have some of the best fried chicken this side of Kentucky! And our favorite part…the onion rings (just a couple) with every entrée. And our other favorite part…ordering a full plate of o-rings to share with the family!

Make a plan now to venture out Wade Hampton for a visit to this Greenville mainstay. Jim and Paula Starr will give you a warm welcome…and it’s well worth the drive!

The Open Hearth . 2801 Wade Hampton Blvd . Taylors. . (864) 244-2665 . theopenhearthgreenville.com