Finding an intimate, elegant and delicious evening meal for that special occasion might be difficult in some beach areas. However if you're visiting Emerald Isle, North Carolina, you won't have that problem once you manage to find your way to Kathryn's Bistro & Martini Bar. Kathryn's is located on the left on Highway 58, approximately 3.6 miles from the intersection of Highways 24 and 58.
If I had to pick one common characteristic of restaurants where the food is consisently excellent, it would be hands on involvment by the owners. Ken Ayre, who runs both Kathryn's and Portofino's, was definitely making certain that all his guests were enjoying their food the most recent night that we visited Kathryn's.
Of course considering how great the food is at his restaurant, I suspect it is a very rewarding job. I could hear many people raving about the wonderful food.
This was our second trip to Kathryn's, and the food was just as perfectly prepared as it was the first visit.
We had picked Kathryn's for our slightly delayed thirty third anniversary celebration. It turned out to be a great choice. We started with a nice Oregon Pinot Grigio.
I enjoyed one of the fantastic Stuffed Tempura Soft Shell Crab appetizers and finished with a nice spinach salad topped some perfectly fried oysters. It was a great combination. You should be warned that the Soft Shell Crab appetizer actually qualifies as a meal due to its huge size. Either split it with someone or be prepared to stuffed yourself if you attempt a full entree with it.
Glenda, my wife, had Basil Pesto Encrusted Grouper with Lemon Butter Beurre Blanc topped with lump Crab meat. It was accompanied by Jasmine Rice and perfectly cooked vegetables of the day.
I asked Glenda to rank her grouper with all the wonderful grouper we've tasted over the last three years since we started seriously visiting NC's Crystal Coast. She said it ranked right at the top of meals that she's had. Based on the taste that I got at the end of the meal as cleanup eater, I would have to agree that it was wonderfully prepared and the flavor of rice really complemented the grouper nicely.
I was ready to call if quits, but Glenda wanted to try a dessert so we ordered Vanilla Creme Brulee. It was delicious but deadly. I managed two heroic bites, but since I had already conquered Moby Soft Shell Crab, there was little room for dessert, no matter how delicious.
I can highly recommend Kathryn's Bistro and Martini Bar. It a wonderful spot for a that special meal. Our complete meal for two with wine and dessert was only $70 which was a great value.
Every detail from the very personable and stylish hostess, Erin, to the professional waiters, and interesting menu to the fantastic food proves that our host Ken knows how to run a great restaurant.
If you don't visit Kathryn's Bistro and Martini Bar while you're in Emerald Isle, you're missing a great treat.
Their phone number is 252 354-6200, and they're open at 5 pm daily. You can find their website at this link. It does require Flash and has copies of the menu, but the specials always seem to be fantastic so you're not going to know what you're really missing until you visit.
