‘Massive’ Pasta at Sermet’s; ‘Briny Little Beauties’ at Blind Tiger

Looking for a neighborhood restaurant on James Island? Critic Hanna Raskin may have found one for you at Sermet’s Southernterranean. In her recent review, Raskin visits the mash-up eatery (Southern plus Mediterranean) and finds lots of bold flavors, which turns out good and bad.

Unfortunately, when multiple bright ideas are applied to the very same plate, the result is a bit of a murky mess. There are likely effective flavor couplings among the various flurries of smoked pork, cream, herbs and fruit that crown nearly every meat, pasta and fish, but it’s frequently hard to tease them out. Rather than matchmaking, it’s as though the kitchen has resorted to organizing massive group dates.

The critic is confused by the massive plates and overwhelming combination of ingredients on the menu, but finds good in the simpler dishes, as she write “The pork tenderloin and sweet potato fries, dusted with cumin and accompanied by relatively kicky ketchup, would make a lovely meal in Sermet’s South’s friendly dining room.”

Writer Suzanne Cohen checks out the new Blind Tiger Pub for City Paper. She writes, “The most obvious update to the Tiger is the menu. Instead of the typical bar fare of the previous establishment, patrons can enjoy oysters, cheese curds, a butcher's board, a plethora of salads, and six different types of sandwiches. The selection may be small but it is fierce.” She enjoys the “briny little beauties” topped with butter, garlic, and parmesan. She also recommends the smoked wings, salmon salad, pub burger — and most of all, the truffle duck club, which she calls “the best of Blind Tiger's sandwiches.”

• The Melting Pot of Sermet's Southernterranean Food Can Get Pretty Crowded [P&C]
• Blind Tiger's Upgraded Look and Menu Work [CP]