a la Carteret
Anchor Inn Restaurant
by Sandy
Craft
Mike Gariba, the new owner of the Anchor Inn Restaurant, has always loved to cook. He grew up puttering around in his mother’s kitchen, mostly being her assistant, but also trying some of his own ideas.
He worked as the head cook at the Anchor Inn for 14 years, but the restaurant closed last spring. Mike decided that was the opportunity he had been waiting for and took the plunge into restaurant ownership.
He is excited about his new undertaking,
which began officially a week before Labor Day, and is especially pleased that
so many of the old patrons have
already returned.
Some things have changed at the Anchor Inn. The interior is brighter and there is smoking in the bar only. Happily, at breakfast you will see the same friendly wait staff that was there previously, ready to keep your coffee cup full and serve your order with a smile.
And if you’re a regular, it won’t be long before they know exactly how you like your eggs. The full breakfast menu is largely the same, with the popular skillet dishes (the “Ultimate Skillet” is incredible!), several renditions of Eggs Benedict and Mike’s really tasty homemade quiches (I know what they say guys, but you’ll be sorry if you don’t try them).
Mike is quick to give lots of credit for his cooking to others. Not only his mom, but also chefs in the area who he has had the pleasure of working who encouraged him to use his creativity and be comfortable with his down-home style. He is adamant about using fresh, local ingredients, and bases his nightly specials on whatever looks best in the market.
His customers are his guests and he wants them to enjoy a delicious home cooked meal. Why would you serve frozen fish or veggies when you can get the best and freshest right down the street? Beats me.
Although he is no longer serving lunch, Mike is pleased
with his dinner innovations. The
menu has a great variety, from hand-cut steaks and prime rib to Tuna Oscar,
seafood or chicken stir-fry, pasta, and a variety of dinner sandwiches.
I thought the scallop burger sounded great…with fries, of course, or maybe the extra large Caesar salad with shrimp.
What I think is a really smart idea is that almost all entrees can be ordered in half sizes. Fabulous! Then you can order two and not feel badly. Or, if you feel like those pants are just a tad snug, you can have what I like to call “Enforced Portion Control,” which is what all of us in the Clean Plate Club probably need.
If you’ve been good and ordered the smaller entrée, then of course you will be interested in the homemade desserts. There’s always the very popular cheesecake, which Mike also sells whole, for those of you who are not interested in the above mentioned portion control.
He also offers key lime pie, tollhouse pie and Italian cream cake, all made right there. Delicious.
They offer beer, wine by the glass or carafe, and mixed drinks. You might enjoy sitting in the brightly painted bar or even out on the deck on a nice night. If you are 60 or older, be sure and ask for the senior discount.
Anchor Inn can accommodate private groups and Mike will be
happy to help with a menu for the occasion.
He is also thinking of spotlighting his
You can see the wheels turning as he talks about the possibilities.
So go on, take your family or meet a few friends and enjoy an evening at Mike’s place.
Quick Bites
Anchor Inn
Restaurant & Lounge
Address:
Phone: (252) 726-0100
Hours:
Monday-Saturday:
Sunday:
Full hot breakfast starts at $4.50.
Payment: All major credit cards, local checks.
Reservations: Appreciated for larger groups.
Other: There is smoking in the bar only. Personnel and menu are kid friendly. Take out orders welcomed except on Sunday.
9/09/05
Sandy
Craft owned and operated a catering company in Atlanta
for 17 years.
She is one of the few people who actually still cooks, but she finds
following
a recipe goes against her nature. When traveling she likes to visit local
grocery
stores and farm stands, and she thoroughly enjoys good food.
See the previously reviewed restaurants on the Restaurant Archive page
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