Five Points

What has a history of being a troubled location – bouncing from Lucky 32 to Big Shotz Tavern to Buena Vista Grille (which went under despite their killer seafood risotto) – Five Points now seems to be right on the money. They are taking meticulous steps to do thoughtfully-prepared and well-executed dishes. The restaurant is named after the famed intersection in Buena Vista, where Stratford and Country Club Roads meet Miller and First Streets, across from Thru-Way Shopping Center, where I spent many an afternoon as a teenager (RIP Borders!)

On Saturdays and Sundays, visit Five Points for their outstanding brunch. A basket of warm, sugary Beignets is presented with Berry Butter. I wanted to eat as many as I could fit in my mouth. Beignets are like donut holes, but less cakey. They are insanely tasty. The Five Point Scramble is a steal for the amount of food you get: A hash of Scrambled Eggs, Duck Fat Potatoes, Bacon, Oyster and Shiitake Mushrooms, Green Onions and Shredded Cheese, alongside Three-Cheese Grits and Fresh Fruit. The Duck Fat Potatoes left me a bit underwhelmed, as I was looking for a richer flavor, but overall the dish is extremely satisfying. Being a cheese grits fan, I enjoyed this preparation, and would surmise the three varieties to be goat, white cheddar and parmesan. The fruit was tossed with a lovely, light mint dressing to cleanse the palate.

The server asked for egg preparation preference for the Eggs Benedict, which is rare. Soft Poached Eggs were chosen, versus Hard Poached. The English Muffin was nicely toasted, not charred, with Canadian Bacon and Hollandaise. Prime Rib and Eggs reminds me of my Spring Break in Vegas – one of the few things I remember from Vegas - I believe the special was $4.99 for steak, eggs, toast and hash browns, and it was actually delicious. Five Point’s variation is a bit more expensive, and includes an 8-ounce Slow Roasted Prime Rib, with Eggs any style and Grits. Hearty.

For lunch, the Grilled Chicken Salad is simple, but as good as they get. It’s a classic “lady” salad: Craisins, Goat Cheese, Dates and Tomatoes are spritzed with a Tangy Champagne Vinaigrette. Delightful.

I will be back to try the Carolina Hash and the White Chocolate Bread Pudding. I’m rooting for this place, as I think many are.