Saturday night we tried Jordan’s Restaurant in University Square, near Furman University. Here’s the review…
Atmosphere:
The location was a surprise. Situated on the edge of Berea in University Square, this space once housed a Sub Station II, then a Pizza Inn, both of which I hung out in while at Furman. Most recently, it had been a Philly Connection sandwich shop. It was hard to imagine the previous tenents while looking at the beautiful artwork and faux-finish wall paint. The only hints of former fast-food-dom were the small size of the restaurant, one painted-over tile wall, placement of the restrooms, and the multiple windows looking out over the Square’s courtyard.
Menu:
The menu is quite extensive, with prices in range for a restaurant featuring fine food. That means not cheap. However, the portions are huge, so it is quite a value for the quality of food.
Food:
Glynda ordered a 12 oz sirloin with garlic mashed potatoes and vegetable medly, Laura had grilled salmon with rice pilaf and vegetable medly, and I had pork tenderloin medallions wrapped in bacon with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus in Hollandaise sauce. This was accompanied by a bottle of chardonnay. Presentation was very nice, but not overly done. I didn’t get the impression someone had to overly touch my food to get it to look that way. The flavors were outstanding! My pork came with an apricot/peach sauce that complimented the meat perfectly. I tried a taste of Glynda’s steak, and it was cooked to perfection. Even the vegetable medly, which is often a throw-away dish at some places, had not only squash and zuccini, but also portabello mushrooms.
As mentioned previously, the portions were huge. However, we had to try the desserts. I ordered the standard tirimisu, Laura got chocolate cake, and Glynda ordered homemade coconut and almond ice cream. Again, the portions were more than one person should eat. The tirimisu and chocolate cake were par excellence, but the true star was the ice cream. A heaping mound topped with whipped cream was served in a half of a coconut, which was sitting on top of a bowl of ice cubes. The visual effect was matched by the wonderful flavors of the ice cream. Being the kind,caring brother I am, I abandoned my tirimisu to help Glynda with the ice cream, since I could take my dessert home for later and the ice cream wouldn’t keep.
It’s great to have a restaurant of the quality of Jordan’s so close to Furman. I think we have a keeper. Try this one soon so we can keep fine cuisine alive near Furman.
UPDATE:
Sadly, Jordan’s was not able to make it in this location. The restaurant is closed. The last couple of times that we had visited, the quality of food and service had really dropped off. I hate it, because it had been great, and Furman needed some good restaurants in that area.