|
Four years
before ground was broken on East Carolina Teacher’s College, J. E.
Winslow, a local horse trader, built the J.E. Winslow Stables on east
Fifth Street in the heart of downtown Greenville. Current and former
residents would recognize the building more easily as the former
location of Globe Hardware, which operated in the building from 1947 to
2004. After several years of dereliction, local investors began an
extensive restoration and redevelopment of the building in late 2008.
After a long and expensive overhaul, the former home of horse stables
and hardware stores now plays host to Winslow’s Tavern, Deli, and
Market. The multi-purpose culinary complex features the only
non-smoking outdoor patio in the area, and is going to great lengths to
offer it’s customers a unique dining experience.
General Manager Katherine Wetherington explained
that the goal of the establishment is to fill in a void in the local
market. “We are what no one else is. We are a gourmet deli that
features simple, fresh, and flavorful food paired with local and
imported craft beers and wines.” In addition to the deli and bar, which
offers an impressive forty six craft beers on tap, Winslow’s also offers
a market-place. The Winslow Market is complete with a local artist
wall, and offers hand picked crafted beers, hand selected wines, and
gourmet snacks. The market’s most interesting feature is a self-serve
wine tasting station, where customers may sample up to eight rotating
wines. Beside Winslow’s Market sits Winslow’s Coffee Shop that offers a
hand crafted specialty coffee’s at a comfortable vintage lunch counter.
“We believe that our customers deserve a beautiful atmosphere to dine
in, without having to pay the prices of the traditional white clothed
tabled establishments.” said Wetherington.
Situated across from Greenville’s City Hall, the
building has been restored to modern standards, while retaining its
rustic charm. Upon entering the restaurant, I found myself in
disbelief. Once upon a time, I and many others shopped for hardware in
this building, and now it is a visually stunning dining establishment.
Bricks recovered from the original structure have been re-treated and
are exposed in their natural color. Hardwood floors shine brightly and
reflect the sunlight peering in from outside. The deep mahogany of the
furniture adds contrast to the bare wood accents and support beams.
Several flat screen televisions hang in the main dining area, and
historical Greenville photographs line the walls throughout the
complex.
Examining the menu, it seems Winslow’s has decided
to keep their selections simple. After studying the menu for a few
moments I selected several of their key items. For a beverage, I was
offered a specialty drink known simply as a Lemon Fan. I requested my
pleasant (and very attractive server) for the soup of the day, a chicken
corn chowder, and the pasta salad trio as my appetizer, and finally, the
Winslow’s Bistro Beef sandwich for my entrée. My beverage, the Lemon
Fan, was very light and reminiscent of homemade lemonade with a bit of
muddled sage. My chowder arrives as I enjoy my beverage. The chowder
was rich, flavorful, and had hints of fresh herbs and peppers without
overpowering my palette. Next, my pasta salad trio arrives. The trio
is a self selected sampling of the deli’s six specialty pastas. Of the
three I selected, the Italian, the Gloria, and the Isabella Tortellini,
the Tortellini was undoubtedly the star. The dish features well cooked
tortellini, crispy green beans, black olives, grilled chicken, and
parmesan cheese tossed in a delicious roasted pepper dressing. Next,
the Winslow’s Bistro Beef sandwich arrives. The sandwich, which was
neither enormous nor petite, was comprised of rare roast beef, swiss
cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a pickle chip served on grilled sourdough
bread, paired with a generous portion of kettle cooked potato chips.
Though the sandwich was delicious, I longed for a simple kosher pickle
spear to compliment it. Though very full, I managed to sample a few
desserts Winslow’s offers. After sampling a few sinful selections, I
settled on the deli’s Crème Brulèe cake served
with fresh fruit. The light texture and subtle flavors of the cake
perfectly complimented my meal.
Winslow’s Tavern is located at 120 West Fifth
Street. Winslow’s is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night
dining Monday-Friday from 7am-1am. Saturdays from 9am-1am. Sundays the
restaurant is open for lunch and dinner from 11am-11pm. More
information about Winslow’s Tavern can be obtained by calling
(252)-364-8921
Location: B | Atmosphere: A+ | Service: A- | Food Quality: A
Price Range: $3.95 - $8.95
Overall Grade: A
Want to see your favorite
restaurant in G-Vegas Magazine? Email your suggestions to
thebigus@yahoo.com. For exclusive reviews and insights, join the
Food Critic Corner Fan Page on Facebook.
|
