Out and About with Pink
Many locals lump Kingfisher into the "tourists restaurant" category, in other words.steer clear, especially from Memorial Day through Labor Day. But we were looking for something different and dared to go anyway. What we found was a fun, casual spot with a whole lot of excitement going on... food, entertainment, views and hospitality!
First of all, what is that giant, smoking platter in the middle of that table over there and can we get one please?
The talk of Hilton Head, it's the Seafood Volcano, Kingfisher's signature build-your-own appetizer. Yes, we had heard of this mighty, delicious appetizer, but what's all the hoopla about? Well here's the scoop. It's huge, it's filled with your choice of succulent seafood, and it's smokin'! That's right, there's dry ice underneath the cocktail sauce in the middle that produces a "fog" that draws you in. Or maybe it's the Alaskan king crab legs, dozen peel and eats, and oysters on the half shell that drew us in. Either way, we dug right in and started comparing who had the best crab-cracking skills of excavating large, luscious pieces of crab out of the legs. The Seafood Volcano is so delicious and served so uniquely that it will keep you coming back time and time again. Plus, it's healthy to boot!
OK, we loved the Seafood Volcano, but seriously, why should locals add Kingfisher to their dining out repertoire?
Actually, there is a top 10 list, but here are our picks:
1. They have one of the best happy hours in town. It runs from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. daily - yes, we mean seven days a week - and features $2 draft, $2.75 wine, and $3.75 well drinks. Plus, 45-cent shrimp, 75-cent oysters and $11.95 Snow crab legs by the pound.
2. Kingfisher offers an all-you-can-eat pasta and salad dinner for $9.95 (only $6.95 for kids 12 and under). Perfect for a night you don't want to cook, but also don't want to spend a fortune eating out! In fact, Kingfisher has 15 meals under$15, including dishes such as Parmesan Encrusted Tilapia, Fish-n-Chips and the 8oz Sirloin Steak.
3. They have live entertainment every night except Saturday. From Joseph the Magician on Sunday and Monday to Island classics such as the band Target on Wednesday, David Wingo on Thursday, and Earl Williams on Friday. This may be the only restaurant left that as you are dining, you and your date can share a dance on the dance floor. Now that's awesome, but don't tell your date before you get there. Let that one be a surprise! If you dare go on Tuesday, Shelter Cove's fireworks night, go early, get a window table and enjoy the show along with a nice, cold glass of wine.
Speaking of the view let us tell you more.
Kingfisher is located on the north end of Shelter Cove Harbour nestled along the Broad Creek. The views are beautiful with small boats, kayakers, and native birds passing by. They offer both in and out door seating and have a large, upstairs banquet room that seats 100 comfortably.
Did someone say chocolate?
You betcha! We did by ending our enjoyable evening with the arrival of a piece of Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie and a piece of Bailey's Chocolate Chip Cheesecake. A stunning way to top off our dining experience, we learned that local Lisa Bernstein, owner of Babycakes Desserts, was responsible for the heavenly sweets that sent us on our way.
So, all-in-all?
It's not just dining and not just going out. It's an enjoyable combination of both. What could be better? Great prices, delicious fresh food (My favorite of the evening was the Tilapia Crab au Gratin), beautiful view, very friendly staff and you get to dance with your guy or girlfriends kind of like you're on a cruise. It's an extra fun way to dinner! By the way, here's an insider secret: They really like locals too!