On a recent family trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, a rainy morning met us when we headed outside. My best friend decided we needed to find a fun establishment for breakfast, so Google found her a place called Croissants and off we went.
Just a few minutes from the beach, the cheerful bistro offered comfy chairs, tables with character and lots of personal touches. A softly lit alcove off to the side was for dinner seating while the rest of the room was painted in bright colors. Local art adorned the walls. When we walked in, two cases full of delicious pastries and homemade gelato greeted us, making us instantly hungry.
My friend and I settled into a curved booth and our server, Mary, happily told all about the place we found, where coastal cuisine meets French dining. The result is delicious. We happily settled in with the menu and orange juice.
We began breakfast with a warmed sticky bun, huge and pillowy-soft with oodles of cinnamon and cream cheese frosting dripping down the sides, served elegantly on a wooden plate. I enjoyed a large cappuccino (with more cinnamon), and my friend had a cup of coffee. While waiting for our food, we noticed everyone in the room enjoying themselves. The three servers greeted most people by name, and families enjoyed their tasty breakfasts.
We decided on omelets, mine with ham, French herbs and Brie, while my friend chose the farm-fresh omelet with pancetta, cheddar, peppers, spinach, onions, tomatoes and mushrooms. And of course, we both got a huge side of grits. There’s nothing like grits in the South, and this place was no exception—they were amazing with a little butter and pepper. Other breakfast offers included waffles, PA Dutch-style pancakes and an amazing array of breakfast sandwiches. Everything was served with elegance, on thick white crockery. Even the jam and pats of butter were served in fine French mini bowls. The omelets were a dream, thick and tasty and full of fresh herbs for flavor and creamy cheese blending wonderfully with proteins. And the grits—oh my did I mention the grits?
While we ate, we saw that the bistro also does lunch and dinner, features take-home dishes and even has a little bar and stools in the corner for catered in-house parties and more. The colorful artwork on the walls and the lighthearted atmosphere lent credence to a cheerful space—this all while it was storming outside. The rooms started to fill with hungry patrons. There is a sweet patio outside, but we would have to wait for a sunny day.
Everything is created in-house with the freshest local ingredients. Lunch and dinner includes seafood, fresh salads, sandwiches, casseroles, quiche, soups (specialty she-crab and French onion), mac n cheese, specialty tacos, local meats and produce and sinful desserts. Croissants also features specialty wedding and event cakes, cupcakes, cookies, macaroons and catering menus for special events. There are more than 100 dishes on this menu, and they all sounded delicious.
The owner and creator of Croissants, Heidi Vukov, is originally from Pennsylvania and moved to South Carolina in 1992 to follow her love of the ocean and country living; Myrtle Beach has both. Her love of European baking and cooking that comes from growing up and cooking in her grandmother’s kitchen in Germany led her to open Croissants on the South Carolina coast in 1995.
Heidi even took her love of food one step further and sought a way to bring more people to Myrtle Beach, a fun family destination but not as popular as other coastal cities. Along with a select few, the Coastal Uncorked Food, Wine, Beer & Spirits Festival was co-founded with Heidi’s vision.
Heidi has also written a book, Bonjour Y’all, which highlights many of the specialities of French and Coastal dishes. My friend and I each purchased a copy and can’t wait to create some of these dishes, including those creamy grits, pork tenderloin and crabs cakes, not to mention that incredibly delightful cinnamon bun.
Croissants has definitely become a destination restaurant, and Heidi told us she is expanding into another location soon in the Myrtle Beach area.
If you are in Myrtle Beach, please visit Heidi and her amazing team at Croissants for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Here you’ll find quality comfort food in a sweet setting.
Find Croissants at 3751 Robert M. Grissom Parkway in Myrtle Beach, SC; phone: (843) 448-2253.
- Photos: Christine Tarlecki
