Where is The Ocean Room located?
The Ocean Room is on the second floor of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, the Five-Star hotel located on Kiawah Island in South Carolina; the hotel’s address is 1 Sanctuary Beach Drive. Upon entering the resort area, you’ll receive a pass and a map explaining how to get back to The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Parkway, and you’ll turn right onto Sanctuary Beach Drive after winding for a few miles through the island’s lush vegetation. As you make your way to the hotel, you’ll understand why it’s called The Sanctuary — the surroundings reflect the name in every sense of the word. Not only is this Kiawah Island hotel naturally beautiful, but it’s luxurious and exciting at the same time. With five golf courses on the island, it’s hard to be bored when you stay here.
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The Ocean Room is nestled quietly inside The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, on the east wing of the hotel. Kiawah Island Golf Resort is located 35 miles south of Charleston, S.C.
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The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island is equipped with 30 tables spread out comfortably throughout the restaurant's upper and lower tier. Six of these 30 tables are listed as our "best in the house" for any guests celebrating special occasions, with great views of the restaurant and ocean. These tables have been give numbers and are as followed: 13, 20, 26, 30, 34 and 39.
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The Ocean Room answered a question:
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The Ocean Room tables are set to evoke a feeling of a classic upscale steakhouse that uses only premier silver and linens. Each table has a burnt sienna colored liner that gleams while peaking out of the off-white tablecloth. Each place around the table is set with a 14-inch round charger that is glazed in metallic blue and brown hues. No silverware is placed on the table except for a steak knife, which rests on its own stand that is displayed directly in front of the guests, temping them to try our signature steaks. A square, white porcelain bread plate is placed to the left, along with a butter knife and a tuxedo-folded napkin is placed on top of the charger. The table is finished with a silver wine coaster, a single rose in a rounded vase, and a candleholder with a shade to keep the light low.
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The Ocean Room bar creates innovative and unique libations, featuring the freshest seasonal fruits and vegetables from local South Carolina farms and The Sanctuary's own herb garden. Ranging from sweet and spicy to savory and herbaceous, the specialty cocktails are muddled and shaken to release the natural flavors of the ingredients. One of the most popular cocktails is the Sassy Sara, which consists of muddled jalapeño, vanilla vodka, pineapple rum, and fresh lemonade.
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The Ocean Room answered a question:
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The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island is a spectacular location for group dining. This intimate restaurant offers large party seating throughout the dining room with complementing private dining space available for rent.
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The Ocean Room answered a question:
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To request a reservation at The Ocean Room as a guest of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island we encourage guests to contact our Leisure Services department at directly, where our ladies will be more than happy to assist you. Leisure Service Coordinators are here to assist current guests staying within the hotel and resort, future upcoming arriving guests within the hotel and resort and local residents.
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The Ocean Room answered a question:
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Chef Andrew Venable is passionate about sourcing fresh and local ingredients for The Ocean Room. He has formed strategic relationships with the regions’ best farmers — two or three times a week, chef Venable speaks with his sources about what’s new and what’s freshest. On Saturday mornings he can be found strolling the Charleston farmers markets looking for the best of the bunch to bring back to The Ocean Room. He is continually inspired by what he sees and what is fresh, often changing the menu (sometimes daily) to reflect the best bounty of the season.
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The Ocean Room answered a question:
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After earning Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Philadelphia’s University of the Arts, Venable discovered that food was his real passion — a passion in which his artistic flair and imagination could flourish. Fresh out of college, he worked in some of Philadelphia’s top rated kitchens and, at the young age of 24, his drive and passion was rewarded when he was named chef de cuisine at Guru, a Pan Asian bistro in the bustling South Street area of Philadelphia. His work there gained notice and he was quickly wooed away by a notable regional chef to join an award-winning team in the suburbs of Philadelphia. While working in Chester County, Venable visited local farms and ranches where he developed and cultivated strong relationships. Through these relationships he gained a passion and knowledge for farm fresh and locally grown and sourced products.
Seeking to expand his horizons, the cutting-edge culinary world of Charleston caught Venable’s eye and in the summer of 2008 he moved south to join The Ocean Room team at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Once again he worked his way up the ranks and he soon became sous chef just as The Ocean Room became Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s prime steakhouse experience. He was a driving force of The Ocean Room’s team in developing strong relationships with local farmers and purveyors — a hallmark of The Ocean Room that has helped make it so popular.
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The Ocean Room answered a question:
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Typically, an average price range at The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island falls around $20 to $49 per entrée. The Ocean Room also offers a few prix fixe menus such as Dining at Dusk, our seasonal three-course meal priced at $49 per person served at the first hour the restaurant is open. Also, chef Andrew Venable creates a five-course prix fixe Degustation Menu which changes seasonally as well, priced at $75 per person and $120 with bountiful wine pairings.
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The Ocean Room answered a question:
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The Ocean Room bar offers over 150 different spirits, including rare bourbons, scotches, and cognacs. Individually hand-picked by the master distiller in 1986, the Old Rip Van Winkle 23-year is considered Kentucky’s finest bourbon. We also have the Glenlivet Cellar Collections 1964 and 1972 Speyside whisky; only 800 bottles of each were released to the public. Hennessey’s Ellipse, the prized cognac of The Ocean Room, is concocted by blending the most exceptional "eaux de vie," created by seven generations of master blenders.
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The Ocean Room answered a question:
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Wine offerings by the glass change along with the dinner menu at The Ocean Room, which can be a daily occurrence according to what is available, in season, and local. Garth, the sommelier, is constantly creating an unusual range of both traditional and unknown varietals from anywhere in the world, from Argentina to Slovenia. Most recently in the pairings for our summertime corn degustation, he paired a Cabernet Franc from Chinon in the Loire Valley of France with the Tuna ala Plancha and for dessert, a Rare Wine Company Madeira from the Historic Series with a corn and plum tart. Through the wine list, Garth determinedly offers both the staff and the guest an evolving knowledge and experience.
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The Ocean Room answered a question:
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Garth W. Herr, the sommelier at The Ocean Room, holds a degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management from the Culinary Institute of Charleston. In 2006, he became a certified specialist of wine with the Society of Wine Educators and in 2007, a certified sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers. He has extensive experience in Forbes Five-Star resorts including The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia from 2000 to 2003 and The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island from 2003 to the present. Since Garth has been with The Sanctuary, he has earned the Top Sommelier of Charleston in 2010 and several Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence. Garth has a true passion of wine and spirits that is truly unique and enlightening.
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The Ocean Room answered a question:
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Executive pastry chef of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island and at The Ocean Room, Lawrence Brubaker was raised in Michigan. Chef Brubaker began his culinary career at the age of fourteen, taking an after-school job washing dishes at a local restaurant. After working his way through various front and back of the house positions, he found his passion in the back of the house. Chef Brubaker received his formal training through the ACF apprenticeship program in Michigan. He then expanded his knowledge through ACF sponsored competitions in Ice Carving, Hot and Cold Food, and Professional Pastry. In 1996 he garnered Olympic Gold in Berlin, Germany in the Professional Pastry category. A veteran of several Four- and Five-Star hotel brigades, he joins us most recently from The Old Edwards Inn and Spa of Highlands, North Carolina where he held dual roles as executive pastry and executive sous chef.
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The Ocean Room answered a question:
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Chef Andrew Venable of The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island is known for visiting guests’ tables during their experience. At many times, the chef pays a special visit while bringing a course to the table to explain the structure and flavor to note while enjoying. The chef always makes it a point to visit a table who is visiting on a special occasion.
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The Ocean Room answered a question:
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The music that is in the background at The Ocean Room is best referred to as a classic acoustic selection of jazz. The volume is kept at a level that remains warm and inviting to the guest as well as detracts from any noise in the surrounding environment. When listening carefully, the music is centered on a single instrument, usually a saxophone, while the continuing dusting of the cymbals otherwise known as a hi-hat keeps pace in the backdrop.
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The Ocean Room answered a question:
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The Ocean Room uses the finest brands of glassware to serve beverages, mainly Riedel and Schott Zwiesel. The most recent decision our sommelier made was to serve our white wines offered by the glass in The One brand glass. The unique shape of the glass complements the white wine, which enhances the nose and aromas particular to most of the varietals that are chosen on the list. We also have different types of the Extreme Series by Riedel, including its Bordeaux and Oregon styles.
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The Ocean Room answered a question:
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While waiting for a table at The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, we encourage our guests to visit our Sushi Lounge. East meets South as traditional sushi dishes are served along with "sushi southern style," featuring locally and regionally sourced heirloom grains, produce and seafood. In addition to sushi, our menu includes a variety of contemporary Asian small plates and cocktails including both hot and cold sake offerings. The lounge is open and available Tuesday through Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., no reservations required.
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The Ocean Room answered a question:
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The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island has spacious table seating throughout the restaurant and lounge. The Sushi Lounge of The Ocean Room is equipped with 10 tables while the main dining room hosts 30 tables. Six of these 30 tables are listed as our "best in the house" for any guests celebrating special occasions, with great views of the restaurant and ocean. Both of our private dining rooms offer space for up to 16 guests comfortably.
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The Ocean Room answered a question:
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The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island provides an unparalleled dining experience. Our staff is well trained in high-quality service, sure to please event the most discriminating epicurean.
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The Ocean Room answered a question:
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Typically, an average price range at The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island falls around $20 to $49 per entrée. The Ocean Room also offers a few prix fixe menus such as Dining at Dusk, our seasonal three-course meal priced at $49 per person served at the first hour the restaurant is open. Also, chef Andrew Venable creates a five-course prix fixe Degustation Menu which changes seasonally as well, priced at $75 per person and $120 with bountiful wine pairings.
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The Ocean Room answered a question:
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The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island is equipped with two beautiful private dining rooms available for a more personal setting for small groups. The Wine Room provides an intimate ambiance with smoky dark wood, wine display and marble counter space throughout the room. The Private Dining Room is the perfect "board room-style" space for small business groups who are interested in a working dinner or formal setting with a great view! Both private dining spaces offer seating for up to 16 guests comfortably.
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The Ocean Room answered a question:
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Reservations at The Ocean Room are highly suggested. We do welcome last minute reservations, but encourage any guests to make them in advance.
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The Ocean Room answered a question:
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The Ocean Room asks any guests making future reservations that if they need to cancel, to do so within 24 hours of their reserved date and time. In order to fully plan and prepare for larger party reservations, our restaurant requires signature of agreement concerning the cancellation policy for parties of six or more. Should any guests cancel their reservation with less than 24-hours notice, or in the event the party should not show up for their confirmed reservation the charge of $25 per person will be applied to a credit card provided.
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The Ocean Room answered a question:
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The Ocean Room is our finest restaurant on Kiawah Island. Dress attire is more formal, however, it is not restricting. Gentlemen are welcome to wear jackets, but it is not required.
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The Ocean Room answered a question:
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The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island serves dinner between Tuesday and Saturday. Dinner service is available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday the restaurant is available from 5:30 to 10 p.m. The Ocean Room provides a special hour, Dining at Dusk, to those guests who would like to dine during the first hour of operation. A delicious three-course prix fixe menu is available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. and then on Friday and Saturday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
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The Ocean Room answered a question:
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The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island provides guest parking to the right of the hotel along with a highly trained valet service for any guests who wish to receive this service. Valet parking is complimentary for guests visiting the hotel for dinner. Overnight guests of the hotel using our valet services are charged $20 per night.
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The Ocean Room answered a question:
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If you’re traveling from Charleston, South Carolina: Head south on Meeting Street toward Broad Street. Take the 1st right onto Broad Street. Continue onto Lockwood Boulevard. Turn left to merge onto US- 17. Turn left onto Wesley Drive and then continue onto Folly Road. Take a slight right onto Maybank Hwy. After 7.2 miles, turn left onto Bohicket Road and continue for 10 miles.
If you’re traveling from Savanna, Georgia: Take US- 17 N and continue to follow until intersection with Main Road. Turn right onto Main Road/State Road S and continue for 17 miles.
At the traffic circle, take the 3rd exit onto Kiawah Island Parkway. From the main gate of the island travel two miles on the Kiawah Island Parkway. Turn right onto Sanctuary Drive.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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You will find several special and rare liquors in The Ocean Room’s collection. Served both in the adjacent lounge and in the restaurant, special liquors can mark a fitting beginning or end to your meal at the Four-Star steakhouse. Special occasion treats include the renowned Louis XIII cognac by Remy Martin, available for $275 a glass; the Hennessy Ellipse cognac (a blend of cognacs from various every years) is served for $850 a glass. Other notable liquors include a 1964 Glenlivet for $275 a pop as well as the 1972 Glenlivet for $225. Feel free to speak up — the knowledgeable bartenders can help guide you toward a specific pour.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Lawrence Brubaker is the executive pastry chef at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort where The Ocean Room is located — he directs desserts creations for the entire resort, including the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star steakhouse. While Brubaker has been in the hospitality industry since he was a young adult, he received his formal training through an apprenticeship at the American Culinary Foundation and has worked with a slew of top chefs in fine restaurants across the country. His last position was at the Old Edwards Inn in Highlands, North Carolina, a Four-Star hotel where he was both the sous and pastry chef. And while Brubaker oversees all of the resort’s desserts, pastry chef Ashley Kennedy specifically works on The Ocean Rooms’ dessert menu. As with the rest of the food at the restaurant, the dessert menu changes with the seasons — expect fresh options such as strawberry white chocolate mousse with strawberry jam in the summertime.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Chef de cuisine Andrew Venable has a singular focus for the food at The Ocean Room — using the freshest ingredients in the freshest ways. While you’ll always find steakhouse staples on the menu, many of the other dishes change as often as every day depending on what’s available from local farms. Venable talks to farmers two to three times a week and visits the Charleston farmer’s market to discuss what’s fresh and new with the farmers. He strolls through markets to get inspired by what’s available and is dedicated to bringing in locally sourced foods. Guests can try the tasting menu on a Tuesday night and on a Thursday night and see a completely different menu based on the fresh ingredients available that week. Venable also likes to show off the kitchen staff’s skills with molecular gastronomy — amuse bouches have a fun, hi-tech approach and have included items such as fruit caviars and house-cured salmon.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Andrew Venable took over The Ocean Room in early 2012 as chef de cuisine, but his influence at the Four-Star steakhouse has been felt here for years. He joined the kitchen staff in 2008 and worked his way up to sous chef. Along the way, he formed strategic relationships with the region’s top farmers and purveyors, enabling the restaurant to secure the freshest, best quality foods. Before joining The Ocean Room, Venable worked in some of Philadelphia’s finest restaurants. Here, he was introduced to local farms and ranches and expanded his knowledge and ignited his passion for farm-fresh, locally grown ingredients. Venable is a graduate of The University of Arts in Philadelphia.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Top-notch service is far from being an afterthought at The Ocean Room, and if you made a reservation (which we recommend) you can expect everyone from the chef to the hostess to know your name when you arrive. Chef de cuisine Andrew Venable makes a point to greet those who are celebrating a special occasion or have certain dietary restrictions. For guests who are interested in how the cuisine at this Four-Star steakhouse is sourced and prepared, Venable will discuss the intricacies with you — he often takes the opportunity to explain to guests the unique techniques his kitchen employs. And if you have food allergies, Venable will discuss an array of options with you before he heads back to the kitchen to make sure your meal is prepared to his exacting specifications.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The music playing at The Ocean Room fits the upscale Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star steakhouse to a tee — the tunes are mostly instrumental contemporary jazz. The volume is kept to a low-to-medium level and is not at all disruptive to your dinnertime conversation. Part of the romance and grandness of The Ocean Room is the quiet, intimate-feeling dining room and the soft music adds to the lovely ambience. Tucked away on the second floor of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, the restaurant is a refined getaway from all of the activities the Five-Star resort has to offer.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Small, thoughtful details are what give The Ocean Room a pleasingly sophisticated feel, from the small footstools and fresh bouquets to the elegant throw pillows and fine glassware. The Four-Star steakhouse located inside The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island uses both glasses from Riedel and from Andrea Robinson. Riedel glasses are used to serve specific varietals of wine (a pinot noir from Willamette Valley and a Merlot from Columbia Valley might be served in different Riedel stemware). The Ocean Room also uses The One by Andrea Robinson. This piece of stemware was designed to bring out the best qualities of white and the best qualities of red, no matter the varietal. These two brands allow the restaurant to tailor the glass to what you’re drinking, whether it’s a light chardonnay or a deep cabernet sauvignon.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Ocean Room, located on the second floor of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, has an adjacent lounge area where you can sit and wait for a table or grab a post-dinner nightcap. Dubbed the Sushi Lounge, this area also boasts views of the ocean and the décor mimics the dark, sophisticated feel of the main dining room. Here, you can find a menu with lighter bites and signature cocktails including a variety of sakes. If you’re up for a snack before dinner, order from the sushi menu — we like the “low country” maki roll made with fresh spicy crab, fried green tomato and country ham.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Prices at The Ocean Room are on par with other fine dining restaurants, but they aren’t exorbitant. Entrees start at $22 (for the tomato risotto) and go up to $55 (for the signature surf and turf). Sides are served family-style for the table and start at $9 for sautéed seasonal vegetables, and go up to $13 for truffled pomme frites. Appetizers range from $13 for beef carpaccio from MiBeck Farms to $19 for foie gras torchon.
For those who want a deal and a delicious meal, reserve a table within the first hour the Four-Star restaurant is open to take advantage of the “Dining at Dusk” menu. The three-course early-bird menu is priced at $49 per person (wine pairings are additional).
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The two private dining rooms at The Ocean Room are elegant extensions of the Four-Star steakhouse locating inside The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. While both rooms are enclosed, the walls are glass so you can still soak in the sophisticated ambience of the main dining room. The tables are long and the rooms are intimate. In fact, the vibe is that of a friend’s formal dining room at home (but with great ocean views and Four-Star cuisine and service). The décor and furnishing are on par with the rest of the restaurant and feature deep wood accents, dark, earthy colors and special accents like marble countertops.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Ocean Room’s main dining room is a 30-table room that overlooks the ocean on the second floor of the Five-Star Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. The tables range in size and seat from four to 16 people. While able to accommodate plenty of diners, the Four-Star steakhouse has an intimate feel, evident in the top-notch service. Adjacent to the main dining room, you’ll find the Sushi Lounge — this area has an additional 10 tables and you can order lighter fare here. The Ocean Room also has two private rooms that can accommodate up to 14 people looking for a more secluded dining experience.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Reservations for a table at The Ocean Room are highly recommended, particularly during the resort’s high season between May and September. This Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star steakhouse is a dinner-only restaurant and open Tuesday through Saturday, and although the restaurant will take last-minute reservations it’s best to call and reserve a spot as soon as possible. Located on the second floor of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, The Ocean Room has sweeping views of the Atlantic — we recommend making a reservation before the sun sets so you can take full advantage of the gorgeous views at the Five-Star resort.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Ocean Room is a sophisticated steakhouse located inside the Five-Star Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort and a reservation here is a valuable commodity — the restaurant is open for dinner from Tuesday through Saturday and tables are can book up quickly. If you wish to cancel your reservation, the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star restaurant asks that you give at least 24 hours advance notice. If you have planned a group dinner with six or more guests, you will need to give The Ocean Room 24-hour notice of a cancellation or you will be charged $25 per person in your party.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Kiawah Island is known for its refined but relaxed vacation vibe and The Ocean Room, a Four-Star steakhouse inside The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, fits right in. Although jackets are preferred attire for men, they are not required. All of the restaurants at resort are kid-friendly, so strict dress codes are not enforced. However, The Ocean Room is a restaurant many guests choose to dress up for, especially couples out for a romantic evening. We suggest attire ranging from smart casual to cocktail — expect The Ocean Room’s stylish charm (with its incredible views and sophisticated seasonal menu) to match your elegant appearance.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Tucked inside The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, The Ocean Room is a dinner-only restaurant open Tuesday through Saturday. The Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star steakhouse is open for dinner from 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, and on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5:30 to 10 p.m. The Ocean Room features a unique "Dining at Dusk" menu, available the first hour the restaurant is open. Think of the three-course meal as a gourmet early bird special — you’ll get top-flight seasonal selections for first and main courses plus dessert for $49. The adjacent lounge at The Ocean Room has the same hours as the restaurant and makes for an ideal pre- or post-dinner spot.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Ocean Room is located on the second floor of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, a Five-Star hotel located just off the coast of South Carolina. You have two parking options when you arrive for dinner at the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star steakhouse. Looking for the easiest course of action? Drive to the entrance of the hotel and simply opt for valet parking. And unlike many luxury resorts, self-parking is not a hassle here. In fact, the self-parking lot is just steps away from The Sanctuary’s entrance making both parking options very viable.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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To get to The Ocean Room, which is tucked inside The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, head to the island resort about 35 miles south of Charleston, S.C. Once you’re on the island, you’ll pass through a security gate. Here, you’ll receive a map and directions to the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel. From the security gate, take Kiawah Island Parkway two miles through the island’s gorgeous greens and gardens and turn right onto Sanctuary Beach Drive. Ahead, you’ll see the luxury hotel. The Ocean Room is located in the east wing of the hotel on the second floor — upon entering the hotel, take the grand staircase leading up to the Four-Star steakhouse.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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To get to The Ocean Room, which is tucked inside The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, head to the island resort about 35 miles south of Charleston, S.C. Once you’re on the island, you’ll pass through a security gate. Here, you’ll receive a map and directions to the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel. From the security gate, take Kiawah Island Parkway two miles through the island’s gorgeous greens and gardens and turn right onto Sanctuary Beach Drive. Ahead, you’ll see the luxury hotel. The Ocean Room is located in the east wing of the hotel on the second floor — upon entering the hotel, take the grand staircase leading up to the Four-Star steakhouse.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Ocean Room’s main dining room is a 30-table room that overlooks the ocean on the second floor of the Five-Star Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. The tables range in size and seat from four to 16 people. While able to accommodate plenty of diners, the Four-Star steakhouse has an intimate feel, evident in the top-notch service. Adjacent to the main dining room, you’ll find the Sushi Lounge — this area has an additional 10 tables and you can order lighter fare here. The Ocean Room also has two private rooms that can accommodate up to 14 people looking for a more secluded dining experience.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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If you’re just looking for a cozy bar without all the sit-down formalities, check out The Ocean Room Lounge. The bar sits off to one side of the restaurant and it’s where you’ll usually find your hostess. You can order from the full restaurant menu in the bar, or opt for the popular sushi featuring Forbidden Rice. Mimicking the dining room in décor and feel, the lounge offers two-person seating for an intimate experience in a smaller, more secluded area. The bar itself is small, with only a few stools. Even so, you shouldn’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with the friendly bartenders in The Ocean Room’s bar, who will be more than happy to mix up a drink or get a meal ordered for you.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The interior design of The Ocean Room is sophisticated and upscale with touches that echo the rest of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island’s Antebellum South décor. The color scheme features dark polished wood accents, ironwork and lots of deep greens and reds. The entire space is made to look like someone’s formal dining room, but on a larger scale. On the sides of the restaurant, some tables have cozy bench seating set back from the main dining area, topped with throw pillows for your comfort.
Small details, such as footstools and small tables add a level of familiarity to The Ocean Room, as if someone lovingly picked out each item for their own home. Bouquets spruce up the space the with plenty of green elements, and a huge marble table with striking silver legs sits in the center of the restaurant as a sort of centerpiece to all the other tables. There’s also an impressive, sunken cove ceiling with a crystal chandelier that completes the dramatic room. And of course, we can’t leave out The Ocean Room’s windows, with the namesake views of the Atlantic, as the Four-Star restaurant’s most memorable design feature.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The menu at The Ocean Room always offers seasonal dishes; the chefs at the Four-Star restaurant aim to incorporate fresh, local and seasonal ingredients as much as possible into every dish on the menu. The steakhouse also features a chef’s tasting menu, which usually features one in-season, locally produced ingredient such as corn, tomatoes or blackberries. You’ll also have a wine pairing option with the tasting menu in order to bring out the maximum flavors in each dish. At times, The Ocean Room also boasts fresh cuts of beef from nearby Mibek Farms, which raises one cow specifically for the restaurant. These types of local ties help the menu at The Ocean Room change with the seasons, while keeping it fresh, too.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Ocean Room, located on the second floor of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, has an adjacent lounge area where you can sit and wait for a table or grab a post-dinner nightcap. Dubbed the Sushi Lounge, this area also boasts views of the ocean and the décor mimics the dark, sophisticated feel of the main dining room. Here, you can find a menu with lighter bites and signature cocktails including a variety of sakes. If you’re up for a snack before dinner, order from the sushi menu — we like the “low country” maki roll made with fresh spicy crab, fried green tomato and country ham.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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You will find several special and rare liquors in The Ocean Room’s collection. Served both in the adjacent lounge and in the restaurant, special liquors can mark a fitting beginning or end to your meal at the Four-Star steakhouse. Special occasion treats include the renowned Louis XIII cognac by Remy Martin, available for $275 a glass; the Hennessy Ellipse cognac (a blend of cognacs from various every years) is served for $850 a glass. Other notable liquors include a 1964 Glenlivet for $275 a pop as well as the 1972 Glenlivet for $225. Feel free to speak up — the knowledgeable bartenders can help guide you toward a specific pour.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Ocean Room offers several specialty and seasonal cocktails that feature locally grown fruit and vegetables. The Chupacabra blends tequila, hot and sweet peppers, vanilla vodka and jalapeños to get your blood boiling. If you're looking for something a bit sweeter, try the Madame Butterfly with St. Germain, champagne and grapefruit juice. The Geechie Sling combines Effen cucumber vodka and local melon, while the Pineapple Tang mixes dark rum, coconut crème and orange tang rimmed with nutmeg. Lastly, the Sassy Sara is a combination of vanilla vodka, pineapple rum, lemonade and muddled jalapeños. New concoctions are made frequently, so ask your server for a rundown of the specialty cocktails when you dine at The Ocean Room.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Lawrence Brubaker is the executive pastry chef at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort where The Ocean Room is located — he directs desserts creations for the entire resort, including the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star steakhouse. While Brubaker has been in the hospitality industry since he was a young adult, he received his formal training through an apprenticeship at the American Culinary Foundation and has worked with a slew of top chefs in fine restaurants across the country. His last position was at the Old Edwards Inn in Highlands, North Carolina, a Four-Star hotel where he was both the sous and pastry chef. And while Brubaker oversees all of the resort’s desserts, pastry chef Ashley Kennedy specifically works on The Ocean Rooms’ dessert menu. As with the rest of the food at the restaurant, the dessert menu changes with the seasons — expect fresh options such as strawberry white chocolate mousse with strawberry jam in the summertime.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Ocean Room offers nearly 20 wines by the glass for you to enjoy with your meal, or at the its more casual bar. This includes four sparkling wines, such as Toso Brut from Argentina and two aperitifs like the Fino Sherry from Jerez, Spain. For whites and reds, you can choose from nine whites such as a Chardonnay by Albert Bichot from Pouilly-Fuisse or one of eight reds including a Merlot from the O'Brien State in Napa Valley. Garth Herr, the sommelier for The Ocean Room, aims to reflect the regional cuisine and fresh ingredients utilized by the chefs with all the wines the Four-Star restaurant offers; The Ocean Room focuses on the flavor, and its wine selection reflects that commitment.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Garth Herr, the sommelier of The Ocean Room, has created a wine list that focuses on small productions from around the world. This focus complements chef Thurston's goal of using fresh, local ingredients, as the small winemakers put a great amount of care and precision into each bottle. Herr aims to have wines that pair well with both the seasonal dishes at The Ocean Room and all its high-end beef options, so youâÂÂll find plenty of hearty reds and floral whites. You'll also find a few rare wines on The Ocean Room's menu, such as verticals of Dunn and Shafer Hillside in Napa, Domaine de la Romanée Conti in Burgundy and a few select Bordeaux.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Top-notch service is far from being an afterthought at The Ocean Room, and if you made a reservation (which we recommend) you can expect everyone from the chef to the hostess to know your name when you arrive. Chef de cuisine Andrew Venable makes a point to greet those who are celebrating a special occasion or have certain dietary restrictions. For guests who are interested in how the cuisine at this Four-Star steakhouse is sourced and prepared, Venable will discuss the intricacies with you — he often takes the opportunity to explain to guests the unique techniques his kitchen employs. And if you have food allergies, Venable will discuss an array of options with you before he heads back to the kitchen to make sure your meal is prepared to his exacting specifications.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The service at The Ocean Room is excellent, thanks to an abundance of waitstaff that all help in serving you. Besides your personal server, additional staff will fill your water, bring specific dishes to the table and check in with you throughout your meal. The food comes out expeditiously, though the entire meal evolves at a pleasant pace, allowing you to enjoy your food and conversation at the Four-Star restaurant without feeling rushed. Be advised that your server will be eager to share recommendations and answer questions in the beginning; if you’re slow to order, just tell your server to give you a few extra minutes before you delve into the Four-Star experience.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Chef de cuisine Andrew Venable has a singular focus for the food at The Ocean Room — using the freshest ingredients in the freshest ways. While you’ll always find steakhouse staples on the menu, many of the other dishes change as often as every day depending on what’s available from local farms. Venable talks to farmers two to three times a week and visits the Charleston farmer’s market to discuss what’s fresh and new with the farmers. He strolls through markets to get inspired by what’s available and is dedicated to bringing in locally sourced foods. Guests can try the tasting menu on a Tuesday night and on a Thursday night and see a completely different menu based on the fresh ingredients available that week. Venable also likes to show off the kitchen staff’s skills with molecular gastronomy — amuse bouches have a fun, hi-tech approach and have included items such as fruit caviars and house-cured salmon.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The music playing at The Ocean Room fits the upscale Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star steakhouse to a tee — the tunes are mostly instrumental contemporary jazz. The volume is kept to a low-to-medium level and is not at all disruptive to your dinnertime conversation. Part of the romance and grandness of The Ocean Room is the quiet, intimate-feeling dining room and the soft music adds to the lovely ambience. Tucked away on the second floor of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, the restaurant is a refined getaway from all of the activities the Five-Star resort has to offer.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Small, thoughtful details are what give The Ocean Room a pleasingly sophisticated feel, from the small footstools and fresh bouquets to the elegant throw pillows and fine glassware. The Four-Star steakhouse located inside The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island uses both glasses from Riedel and from Andrea Robinson. Riedel glasses are used to serve specific varietals of wine (a pinot noir from Willamette Valley and a Merlot from Columbia Valley might be served in different Riedel stemware). The Ocean Room also uses The One by Andrea Robinson. This piece of stemware was designed to bring out the best qualities of white and the best qualities of red, no matter the varietal. These two brands allow the restaurant to tailor the glass to what you’re drinking, whether it’s a light chardonnay or a deep cabernet sauvignon.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Ocean Room, located on the second floor of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, has an adjacent lounge area where you can sit and wait for a table or grab a post-dinner nightcap. Dubbed the Sushi Lounge, this area also boasts views of the ocean and the décor mimics the dark, sophisticated feel of the main dining room. Here, you can find a menu with lighter bites and signature cocktails including a variety of sakes. If you’re up for a snack before dinner, order from the sushi menu — we like the “low country” maki roll made with fresh spicy crab, fried green tomato and country ham.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The table settings at The Ocean Room are understated and elegant. Thick, quality tablecloths provide an off-white canvas for a single rose in a small, colored vase, a tiny lamp and decorative pewter plates that all greet you when you sit down. Underneath the top tablecloth, a deep rust-colored satin cloth peeks out to complement the antique dining chairs. Those chairs flaunt a champagne design with a looping swirl carved out of the wood frame’s back. A water glass, wine glass and full set of silverware complete the table setting, for a simple yet sophisticated start to your dinner at The Ocean Room.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The best table at The Ocean Room is arguably the center table along the back windows; here, you get a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean. The back row of tables are separated slightly from the rest of the restaurant, as you'll have to walk down a few steps to get to them. This separation makes for a more intimate and romantic setting, something many diners seek out at The Ocean Room.
For groups larger than four, we recommend the back middle table on the raised section of the main dining area because of its excellent view of the ocean and hotel grounds. For more privacy and seclusion with a larger group, the Four-Star restaurant's two private dining rooms provide seating for 12 or 14 guests around one large table in an enclosed glass room. These will be your best bet for a comfortable dinner on special occasions. Once you know how many will be in your party, you'll know exactly which table to tell the restaurant you want booked when you make a reservation at The Ocean Room.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Prices at The Ocean Room are on par with other fine dining restaurants, but they aren’t exorbitant. Entrees start at $22 (for the tomato risotto) and go up to $55 (for the signature surf and turf). Sides are served family-style for the table and start at $9 for sautéed seasonal vegetables, and go up to $13 for truffled pomme frites. Appetizers range from $13 for beef carpaccio from MiBeck Farms to $19 for foie gras torchon.
For those who want a deal and a delicious meal, reserve a table within the first hour the Four-Star restaurant is open to take advantage of the “Dining at Dusk” menu. The three-course early-bird menu is priced at $49 per person (wine pairings are additional).
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The two private dining rooms at The Ocean Room are elegant extensions of the Four-Star steakhouse locating inside The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. While both rooms are enclosed, the walls are glass so you can still soak in the sophisticated ambience of the main dining room. The tables are long and the rooms are intimate. In fact, the vibe is that of a friend’s formal dining room at home (but with great ocean views and Four-Star cuisine and service). The décor and furnishing are on par with the rest of the restaurant and feature deep wood accents, dark, earthy colors and special accents like marble countertops.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Ocean Room’s main dining room is a 30-table room that overlooks the ocean on the second floor of the Five-Star Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. The tables range in size and seat from four to 16 people. While able to accommodate plenty of diners, the Four-Star steakhouse has an intimate feel, evident in the top-notch service. Adjacent to the main dining room, you’ll find the Sushi Lounge — this area has an additional 10 tables and you can order lighter fare here. The Ocean Room also has two private rooms that can accommodate up to 14 people looking for a more secluded dining experience.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Reservations for a table at The Ocean Room are highly recommended, particularly during the resort’s high season between May and September. This Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star steakhouse is a dinner-only restaurant and open Tuesday through Saturday, and although the restaurant will take last-minute reservations it’s best to call and reserve a spot as soon as possible. Located on the second floor of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, The Ocean Room has sweeping views of the Atlantic — we recommend making a reservation before the sun sets so you can take full advantage of the gorgeous views at the Five-Star resort.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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You can get reservations at The Ocean Room in a number of ways. Ideally, if you’re staying at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, you should book your dinner and hotel reservations together to ensure that you can eat at your preferred time and date. In addition, two weeks before your overnight stay at the hotel, a staff member will call you to confirm your stay and assist you in making any reservations or appointments; this is also a good time to book a table at the Four-Star restaurant. You can also book online using OpenTable, by calling the restaurant directly, or by asking the concierge for assistance if you’re staying at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Ocean Room can be a great place for group dining with plenty of large tables, two private dining areas and seating areas that sink back slightly away from the rest of the dining room. The restaurant has a very cozy, intimate feel courtesy of small touches that make the room feel like someone’s personal formal dining room, which creates a welcoming atmosphere that is perfectly suited for group dining. The service is also excellent and expedient, so groups do not have to worry about slow service. The sides are served family style, perfect for groups to order a few for the table to mix, match and share with each other. For more privacy, you can opt for one of two private dining rooms that seat 12 to 14 people and are completely enclosed.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Ocean Room is a sophisticated steakhouse located inside the Five-Star Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort and a reservation here is a valuable commodity — the restaurant is open for dinner from Tuesday through Saturday and tables are can book up quickly. If you wish to cancel your reservation, the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star restaurant asks that you give at least 24 hours advance notice. If you have planned a group dinner with six or more guests, you will need to give The Ocean Room 24-hour notice of a cancellation or you will be charged $25 per person in your party.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Ocean Room is located on the second floor of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, a Five-Star hotel located just off the coast of South Carolina. You have two parking options when you arrive for dinner at the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star steakhouse. Looking for the easiest course of action? Drive to the entrance of the hotel and simply opt for valet parking. And unlike many luxury resorts, self-parking is not a hassle here. In fact, the self-parking lot is just steps away from The Sanctuary’s entrance making both parking options very viable.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Kiawah Island is known for its refined but relaxed vacation vibe and The Ocean Room, a Four-Star steakhouse inside The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, fits right in. Although jackets are preferred attire for men, they are not required. All of the restaurants at resort are kid-friendly, so strict dress codes are not enforced. However, The Ocean Room is a restaurant many guests choose to dress up for, especially couples out for a romantic evening. We suggest attire ranging from smart casual to cocktail — expect The Ocean Room’s stylish charm (with its incredible views and sophisticated seasonal menu) to match your elegant appearance.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Tucked inside The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, The Ocean Room is a dinner-only restaurant open Tuesday through Saturday. The Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star steakhouse is open for dinner from 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, and on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5:30 to 10 p.m. The Ocean Room features a unique "Dining at Dusk" menu, available the first hour the restaurant is open. Think of the three-course meal as a gourmet early bird special — you’ll get top-flight seasonal selections for first and main courses plus dessert for $49. The adjacent lounge at The Ocean Room has the same hours as the restaurant and makes for an ideal pre- or post-dinner spot.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Ocean Room offers nearly 20 wines by the glass for you to enjoy with your meal, or at the its more casual bar. This includes four sparkling wines, such as Toso Brut from Argentina and two aperitifs like the Fino Sherry from Jerez, Spain. For whites and reds, you can choose from nine whites such as a Chardonnay by Albert Bichot from Pouilly-Fuisse or one of eight reds including a Merlot from the O'Brien State in Napa Valley. Garth Herr, the sommelier for The Ocean Room, aims to reflect the regional cuisine and fresh ingredients utilized by the chefs with all the wines the Four-Star restaurant offers; The Ocean Room focuses on the flavor, and its wine selection reflects that commitment.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Ocean Room offers a number of special and rare bottles of wine for you to enjoy on those special occasions, or if you’re just in the mood to splurge on a good bottle of vino. The goal of Garth Herr, the sommelier at The Ocean Room, is to scour the world for small vineyards that put great care into their wines. With this in mind, it’s no wonder that so many of the wines you’ll find on The Ocean Room’s wine list are special. Noteworthy verticals include Dunn and Shafer Hillside Select from Napa Valley and the Domaine de la Romanée Conti from Burgundy. In addition, Herr also has select Bordeaux choices, and he’ll be happy to come to your table and discuss your tastes, preferences, or answer any questions you may have about any of the wines the Four-Star restaurant offers.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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To get to The Ocean Room, which is tucked inside The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, head to the island resort about 35 miles south of Charleston, S.C. Once you’re on the island, you’ll pass through a security gate. Here, you’ll receive a map and directions to the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel. From the security gate, take Kiawah Island Parkway two miles through the island’s gorgeous greens and gardens and turn right onto Sanctuary Beach Drive. Ahead, you’ll see the luxury hotel. The Ocean Room is located in the east wing of the hotel on the second floor — upon entering the hotel, take the grand staircase leading up to the Four-Star steakhouse.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Ocean Room is on the second floor of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, the Five-Star hotel located on Kiawah Island in South Carolina; the hotel’s address is 1 Sanctuary Beach Drive. Upon entering the resort area, you’ll receive a pass and a map explaining how to get back to The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Parkway, and you’ll turn right onto Sanctuary Beach Drive after winding for a few miles through the island’s lush vegetation. As you make your way to the hotel, you’ll understand why it’s called The Sanctuary — the surroundings reflect the name in every sense of the word. Not only is this Kiawah Island hotel naturally beautiful, but it’s luxurious and exciting at the same time. With five golf courses on the island, it’s hard to be bored when you stay here.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Ocean Room offers several wonderful desserts made with fresh, local ingredients with a nod to feel-good classics. The banana pudding parfait is without a doubt a staple at this restaurant; served in a mason jar and accompanied with a slice of thin graham cracker in a sweet cinnamon cream, this dessert will satisfy even the most demanding sweet tooth. If you’re a chocoholic, try the Single Origin Chocolate Bete Noir, a combination of vanilla ice cream, bourbon caramel sauce and cocoa crumble. For fruity options, the Meyer Lemon Steam Cake topped with strawberries, chocolate sauce and basil ice cream, or the Tangerine Sorbet garnished with strawberries and chocolate tuile stand out. The Ocean Room also often has seasonal dessert options, so be sure to ask your server about current specials, too.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Ocean Room offers several specialty and seasonal cocktails that feature locally grown fruit and vegetables. The Chupacabra blends tequila, hot and sweet peppers, vanilla vodka and jalapeños to get your blood boiling. If you're looking for something a bit sweeter, try the Madame Butterfly with St. Germain, champagne and grapefruit juice. The Geechie Sling combines Effen cucumber vodka and local melon, while the Pineapple Tang mixes dark rum, coconut crème and orange tang rimmed with nutmeg. Lastly, the Sassy Sara is a combination of vanilla vodka, pineapple rum, lemonade and muddled jalapeños. New concoctions are made frequently, so ask your server for a rundown of the specialty cocktails when you dine at The Ocean Room.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The menu at The Ocean Room always offers seasonal dishes; the chefs at the Four-Star restaurant aim to incorporate fresh, local and seasonal ingredients as much as possible into every dish on the menu. The steakhouse also features a chef’s tasting menu, which usually features one in-season, locally produced ingredient such as corn, tomatoes or blackberries. You’ll also have a wine pairing option with the tasting menu in order to bring out the maximum flavors in each dish. At times, The Ocean Room also boasts fresh cuts of beef from nearby Mibek Farms, which raises one cow specifically for the restaurant. These types of local ties help the menu at The Ocean Room change with the seasons, while keeping it fresh, too.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Garth Herr, the sommelier of The Ocean Room, has created a wine list that focuses on small productions from around the world. This focus complements chef Thurston's goal of using fresh, local ingredients, as the small winemakers put a great amount of care and precision into each bottle. Herr aims to have wines that pair well with both the seasonal dishes at The Ocean Room and all its high-end beef options, so youâÂÂll find plenty of hearty reds and floral whites. You'll also find a few rare wines on The Ocean Room's menu, such as verticals of Dunn and Shafer Hillside in Napa, Domaine de la Romanée Conti in Burgundy and a few select Bordeaux.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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If you’re just looking for a cozy bar without all the sit-down formalities, check out The Ocean Room Lounge. The bar sits off to one side of the restaurant and it’s where you’ll usually find your hostess. You can order from the full restaurant menu in the bar, or opt for the popular sushi featuring Forbidden Rice. Mimicking the dining room in décor and feel, the lounge offers two-person seating for an intimate experience in a smaller, more secluded area. The bar itself is small, with only a few stools. Even so, you shouldn’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with the friendly bartenders in The Ocean Room’s bar, who will be more than happy to mix up a drink or get a meal ordered for you.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Ocean Room has an exceptional bread and butter service for you to enjoy, offering three types of bread: Crusty sourdough; herb and garlic; and soft and sweet brioche, with two pieces of each type for you to enjoy. The herb and garlic bread is arguably the best of the three; soft, flavorful and wonderful with just a touch of butter, this bread option is good enough to want to eat just on its own. The bread comes in a covered breadbasket, with a sea salt butter and olive oil from California served side-by-side in an attractive two-sided dish. We’ll tell you not to fill up on bread at The Ocean Room, as it’s easy to do, but then again, we couldn’t fault you for it.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The menu at The Ocean Room lives up to its label as a “prime steakhouse” by offering an array of cuts, including filet mignon, bone-in ribeye and New York Strip, all cooked to your specifications. In addition, the menu offers specialty cuts of meat based on availability, such as the 130-degree tenderloin. A nearby farm, Mibek, even raises cows one at a time just for The Ocean Room.
The menu at The Ocean Room also reflects the chef’s dedication to using fresh, local and seasonal ingredients as much as possible. To highlight this philosophy, a seasonal chef’s tasting menu available within the first hour the restaurant opens each night focuses on one featured ingredient at the peak of freshness. Past menus have included corn, tomatoes and blackberries that are fresher than you’ve ever tasted.
And of course, sitting adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean means the menu includes some high quality seafood items. Best of all, each entrée can be complemented with a variety of family-style sides, such as bacon tots, pomme frites or seasonal vegetables. Rather than covering anything up with a lot of seasonings or sauces, The Ocean Room lets the natural flavors speak for themselves.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Ocean Room offers wine pairings with its chef’s tasting menu, which you can only order during the first hour the Four-Star restaurant is open each night. This tasting menu features seasonal ingredients at their peak freshness in a three-courses meal with optional wine pairings. If you’re more into dessert wines, you’re in luck: Each dessert flaunts its own optional wine pairing, perfectly chosen by the restaurant’s sommelier. The restaurant doesn’t have specific wine pairings picked out for every dish on the menu, though you shouldn’t hesitate to ask your server or the sommelier for wine pairing suggestions with your meal; the staff at The Ocean Room is there to help you make the most out of your meal, and wine pairings are just one part of it.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Ocean Room is a prime steakhouse, so many of the best dishes won’t exactly suit vegetarians; meat eaters, on the other hand, have plenty to be happy about. We feel the five best things to order are:
1. The chef’s tasting menu. This menu is only available within the first hour of the restaurant opening each night, so make sure to book your reservations within the timeslot if you want to take advantage of the three-course option. The tasting menu focuses on seasonal ingredients and offers an optional wine pairing with each course.
2. Bone-In Ribeye. The Ocean Room also offers a huge, 40-ounce bone-in ribeye that’s brought to your table and carved right on the spot to retain its juices. Of course we don’t expect you to eat this all in one sitting — even though you’ll want to — so we suggest you share a bite or two with the table.
3. Filet Mignon. Sure, filet mignon is a safe bet at just about every steakhouse, but The Ocean Room filet mignon is tender, juicy and perfectly complements the intimate surroundings. Pair it with a couple of family-style sides and you’ve got yourself a fabulous steak dinner.
4. Any seasonal cut of beef. This steakhouse offers seasonal cuts of beef, including the 130-degree tenderloin and a dry-aged Mibek raised nearby especially for The Ocean Room. These prime cuts are always fresh, flavorful and a give you plenty of reason to come back to the Four-Star restaurant.
5. Salmon. We know it’s a steakhouse, but the salmon at The Ocean Room is an excellent option if you eschew red meat. Though the Four-Star restaurant is named for the views out its windows and not for where its food grows — it doesn’t hurt to have a few terrific seafood options on the menu.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The service at The Ocean Room is excellent, thanks to an abundance of waitstaff that all help in serving you. Besides your personal server, additional staff will fill your water, bring specific dishes to the table and check in with you throughout your meal. The food comes out expeditiously, though the entire meal evolves at a pleasant pace, allowing you to enjoy your food and conversation at the Four-Star restaurant without feeling rushed. Be advised that your server will be eager to share recommendations and answer questions in the beginning; if you’re slow to order, just tell your server to give you a few extra minutes before you delve into the Four-Star experience.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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One thing you won’t have to worry about at The Ocean Room: Being comfortable. Each table is adequately spaced from its neighbors; your table will feel intimate thanks to the décor. For example, a large marble table that sits in the middle of the restaurant and decorative ironwork railing divides the large dining space from the row of tables that hug the back windows looking out on the Atlantic Ocean.
Against the side walls at the Four-Star restaurant, tables utilize a long bench seat and pillows in silk fabric and soft colors, which allow the area to sink away for even more privacy. Overall, The Ocean Room doesn’t come across as a restaurant that’s trying to cram in as many people as possible or rush people through their meals. Instead, The Ocean Room creates a comfortable atmosphere that invites you to linger a while, thanks to the comfortably spaced tables.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The table settings at The Ocean Room are understated and elegant. Thick, quality tablecloths provide an off-white canvas for a single rose in a small, colored vase, a tiny lamp and decorative pewter plates that all greet you when you sit down. Underneath the top tablecloth, a deep rust-colored satin cloth peeks out to complement the antique dining chairs. Those chairs flaunt a champagne design with a looping swirl carved out of the wood frame’s back. A water glass, wine glass and full set of silverware complete the table setting, for a simple yet sophisticated start to your dinner at The Ocean Room.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The best table at The Ocean Room is arguably the center table along the back windows; here, you get a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean. The back row of tables are separated slightly from the rest of the restaurant, as you'll have to walk down a few steps to get to them. This separation makes for a more intimate and romantic setting, something many diners seek out at The Ocean Room.
For groups larger than four, we recommend the back middle table on the raised section of the main dining area because of its excellent view of the ocean and hotel grounds. For more privacy and seclusion with a larger group, the Four-Star restaurant's two private dining rooms provide seating for 12 or 14 guests around one large table in an enclosed glass room. These will be your best bet for a comfortable dinner on special occasions. Once you know how many will be in your party, you'll know exactly which table to tell the restaurant you want booked when you make a reservation at The Ocean Room.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The interior design of The Ocean Room is sophisticated and upscale with touches that echo the rest of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island’s Antebellum South décor. The color scheme features dark polished wood accents, ironwork and lots of deep greens and reds. The entire space is made to look like someone’s formal dining room, but on a larger scale. On the sides of the restaurant, some tables have cozy bench seating set back from the main dining area, topped with throw pillows for your comfort.
Small details, such as footstools and small tables add a level of familiarity to The Ocean Room, as if someone lovingly picked out each item for their own home. Bouquets spruce up the space the with plenty of green elements, and a huge marble table with striking silver legs sits in the center of the restaurant as a sort of centerpiece to all the other tables. There’s also an impressive, sunken cove ceiling with a crystal chandelier that completes the dramatic room. And of course, we can’t leave out The Ocean Room’s windows, with the namesake views of the Atlantic, as the Four-Star restaurant’s most memorable design feature.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Ocean Room can be a great place for group dining with plenty of large tables, two private dining areas and seating areas that sink back slightly away from the rest of the dining room. The restaurant has a very cozy, intimate feel courtesy of small touches that make the room feel like someone’s personal formal dining room, which creates a welcoming atmosphere that is perfectly suited for group dining. The service is also excellent and expedient, so groups do not have to worry about slow service. The sides are served family style, perfect for groups to order a few for the table to mix, match and share with each other. For more privacy, you can opt for one of two private dining rooms that seat 12 to 14 people and are completely enclosed.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Ocean Room provides a wonderful dining experience, especially if you’re looking for romance and an intimate dinner in a room that feels like a part of someone’s home. The five things we think you should know are:
1.There’s a tasting menu. The Ocean Room has a chef’s tasting menu that offers three courses, and its menu focuses on seasonal ingredients to create the freshest meal possible. There is one catch, however: The menu is only offered if you arrive for the “Early Bird Special.” Basically, if you’re visiting the restaurant during the first hour that it’s open, you’re in for a fresh treat. Otherwise, you’ll miss out on the tasting menu and its additional wine pairing options.
2. This is a dinner-only restaurant. That being said, it’s vitally important that you make reservations to guarantee that you get to experience that fabulous meal. Also of note: The Ocean Room is closed on Sunday and Monday. If you’re on Kiawah Island for the weekend, make sure to dine at The Ocean Room before it’s too late (meaning, on Friday or Saturday).
3. The Ocean Room is a premier steakhouse. You’ll find premium cuts of beef including — our favorite — filet mignon, a 40-ounce bone-in ribeye and a dry-aged Mibek. You know where to go for a great steak dinner.
4. Snag a seat by the window. Just like on an airplane, windows seats are the most coveted in The Ocean Room. We highly recommend that you ask for a table by the window in order to get the best views of the Atlantic Ocean. These window tables make for quite a romantic dining experience.
5. Sides are extra. All side dishes are served family style at The Ocean Room, and entrées don’t include sides. Make sure to order a few to share with the table. The upside is that you get a little bit of everything. We recommend the bacon tots and pomme frites.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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You can get reservations at The Ocean Room in a number of ways. Ideally, if you’re staying at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, you should book your dinner and hotel reservations together to ensure that you can eat at your preferred time and date. In addition, two weeks before your overnight stay at the hotel, a staff member will call you to confirm your stay and assist you in making any reservations or appointments; this is also a good time to book a table at the Four-Star restaurant. You can also book online using OpenTable, by calling the restaurant directly, or by asking the concierge for assistance if you’re staying at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Ocean Room is on the second floor of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, the Five-Star hotel located on Kiawah Island in South Carolina; the hotel’s address is 1 Sanctuary Beach Drive. Upon entering the resort area, you’ll receive a pass and a map explaining how to get back to The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Parkway, and you’ll turn right onto Sanctuary Beach Drive after winding for a few miles through the island’s lush vegetation. As you make your way to the hotel, you’ll understand why it’s called The Sanctuary — the surroundings reflect the name in every sense of the word. Not only is this Kiawah Island hotel naturally beautiful, but it’s luxurious and exciting at the same time. With five golf courses on the island, it’s hard to be bored when you stay here.
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You can get reservations at The Ocean Room in a number of ways. Ideally, if you’re staying at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, you should book your dinner and hotel reservations together to ensure that you can eat at your preferred time and date. In addition, two weeks before your overnight stay at the hotel, a staff member will call you to confirm your stay and assist you in making any reservations or appointments; this is also a good time to book a table at the Four-Star restaurant. You can also book online using OpenTable, by calling the restaurant directly, or by asking the concierge for assistance if you’re staying at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island.
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The Ocean Room provides a wonderful dining experience, especially if you’re looking for romance and an intimate dinner in a room that feels like a part of someone’s home. The five things we think you should know are:
1.There’s a tasting menu. The Ocean Room has a chef’s tasting menu that offers three courses, and its menu focuses on seasonal ingredients to create the freshest meal possible. There is one catch, however: The menu is only offered if you arrive for the “Early Bird Special.” Basically, if you’re visiting the restaurant during the first hour that it’s open, you’re in for a fresh treat. Otherwise, you’ll miss out on the tasting menu and its additional wine pairing options.
2. This is a dinner-only restaurant. That being said, it’s vitally important that you make reservations to guarantee that you get to experience that fabulous meal. Also of note: The Ocean Room is closed on Sunday and Monday. If you’re on Kiawah Island for the weekend, make sure to dine at The Ocean Room before it’s too late (meaning, on Friday or Saturday).
3. The Ocean Room is a premier steakhouse. You’ll find premium cuts of beef including — our favorite — filet mignon, a 40-ounce bone-in ribeye and a dry-aged Mibek. You know where to go for a great steak dinner.
4. Snag a seat by the window. Just like on an airplane, windows seats are the most coveted in The Ocean Room. We highly recommend that you ask for a table by the window in order to get the best views of the Atlantic Ocean. These window tables make for quite a romantic dining experience.
5. Sides are extra. All side dishes are served family style at The Ocean Room, and entrées don’t include sides. Make sure to order a few to share with the table. The upside is that you get a little bit of everything. We recommend the bacon tots and pomme frites. -
The Ocean Room can be a great place for group dining with plenty of large tables, two private dining areas and seating areas that sink back slightly away from the rest of the dining room. The restaurant has a very cozy, intimate feel courtesy of small touches that make the room feel like someone’s personal formal dining room, which creates a welcoming atmosphere that is perfectly suited for group dining. The service is also excellent and expedient, so groups do not have to worry about slow service. The sides are served family style, perfect for groups to order a few for the table to mix, match and share with each other. For more privacy, you can opt for one of two private dining rooms that seat 12 to 14 people and are completely enclosed.
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The Ocean Room is on the second floor of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, the Five-Star hotel located on Kiawah Island in South Carolina; the hotel’s address is 1 Sanctuary Beach Drive. Upon entering the resort area, you’ll receive a pass and a map explaining how to get back to The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Parkway, and you’ll turn right onto Sanctuary Beach Drive after winding for a few miles through the island’s lush vegetation. As you make your way to the hotel, you’ll understand why it’s called The Sanctuary — the surroundings reflect the name in every sense of the word. Not only is this Kiawah Island hotel naturally beautiful, but it’s luxurious and exciting at the same time. With five golf courses on the island, it’s hard to be bored when you stay here.
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To get to The Ocean Room, which is tucked inside The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, head to the island resort about 35 miles south of Charleston, S.C. Once you’re on the island, you’ll pass through a security gate. Here, you’ll receive a map and directions to the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel. From the security gate, take Kiawah Island Parkway two miles through the island’s gorgeous greens and gardens and turn right onto Sanctuary Beach Drive. Ahead, you’ll see the luxury hotel. The Ocean Room is located in the east wing of the hotel on the second floor — upon entering the hotel, take the grand staircase leading up to the Four-Star steakhouse.
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The Ocean Room is located on the second floor of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, a Five-Star hotel located just off the coast of South Carolina. You have two parking options when you arrive for dinner at the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star steakhouse. Looking for the easiest course of action? Drive to the entrance of the hotel and simply opt for valet parking. And unlike many luxury resorts, self-parking is not a hassle here. In fact, the self-parking lot is just steps away from The Sanctuary’s entrance making both parking options very viable.
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The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island serves dinner between Tuesday and Saturday. Dinner service is available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday the restaurant is available from 5:30 to 10 p.m. The Ocean Room provides a special hour, Dining at Dusk, to those guests who would like to dine during the first hour of operation. A delicious three-course prix fixe menu is available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. and then on Friday and Saturday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
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The Ocean Room is our finest restaurant on Kiawah Island. Dress attire is more formal, however, it is not restricting. Gentlemen are welcome to wear jackets, but it is not required.
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The Ocean Room asks any guests making future reservations that if they need to cancel, to do so within 24 hours of their reserved date and time. In order to fully plan and prepare for larger party reservations, our restaurant requires signature of agreement concerning the cancellation policy for parties of six or more. Should any guests cancel their reservation with less than 24-hours notice, or in the event the party should not show up for their confirmed reservation the charge of $25 per person will be applied to a credit card provided.
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You can get reservations at The Ocean Room in a number of ways. Ideally, if you’re staying at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, you should book your dinner and hotel reservations together to ensure that you can eat at your preferred time and date. In addition, two weeks before your overnight stay at the hotel, a staff member will call you to confirm your stay and assist you in making any reservations or appointments; this is also a good time to book a table at the Four-Star restaurant. You can also book online using OpenTable, by calling the restaurant directly, or by asking the concierge for assistance if you’re staying at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island.
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Reservations at The Ocean Room are highly suggested. We do welcome last minute reservations, but encourage any guests to make them in advance.
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The Ocean Room can be a great place for group dining with plenty of large tables, two private dining areas and seating areas that sink back slightly away from the rest of the dining room. The restaurant has a very cozy, intimate feel courtesy of small touches that make the room feel like someone’s personal formal dining room, which creates a welcoming atmosphere that is perfectly suited for group dining. The service is also excellent and expedient, so groups do not have to worry about slow service. The sides are served family style, perfect for groups to order a few for the table to mix, match and share with each other. For more privacy, you can opt for one of two private dining rooms that seat 12 to 14 people and are completely enclosed.
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The two private dining rooms at The Ocean Room are elegant extensions of the Four-Star steakhouse locating inside The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. While both rooms are enclosed, the walls are glass so you can still soak in the sophisticated ambience of the main dining room. The tables are long and the rooms are intimate. In fact, the vibe is that of a friend’s formal dining room at home (but with great ocean views and Four-Star cuisine and service). The décor and furnishing are on par with the rest of the restaurant and feature deep wood accents, dark, earthy colors and special accents like marble countertops.
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Typically, an average price range at The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island falls around $20 to $49 per entrée. The Ocean Room also offers a few prix fixe menus such as Dining at Dusk, our seasonal three-course meal priced at $49 per person served at the first hour the restaurant is open. Also, chef Andrew Venable creates a five-course prix fixe Degustation Menu which changes seasonally as well, priced at $75 per person and $120 with bountiful wine pairings.
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After earning Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Philadelphia’s University of the Arts, Venable discovered that food was his real passion — a passion in which his artistic flair and imagination could flourish. Fresh out of college, he worked in some of Philadelphia’s top rated kitchens and, at the young age of 24, his drive and passion was rewarded when he was named chef de cuisine at Guru, a Pan Asian bistro in the bustling South Street area of Philadelphia. His work there gained notice and he was quickly wooed away by a notable regional chef to join an award-winning team in the suburbs of Philadelphia. While working in Chester County, Venable visited local farms and ranches where he developed and cultivated strong relationships. Through these relationships he gained a passion and knowledge for farm fresh and locally grown and sourced products.
Seeking to expand his horizons, the cutting-edge culinary world of Charleston caught Venable’s eye and in the summer of 2008 he moved south to join The Ocean Room team at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Once again he worked his way up the ranks and he soon became sous chef just as The Ocean Room became Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s prime steakhouse experience. He was a driving force of The Ocean Room’s team in developing strong relationships with local farmers and purveyors — a hallmark of The Ocean Room that has helped make it so popular.
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The Ocean Room is the only Four-Star restaurant on Kiawah Island and diners head here not only for the stellar steakhouse cuisine but also for the quiet, sophisticated ambience. The noise level vacillates between light and medium, but it’s never a pitch so high you can’t easily converse with your dinner companion. Tables are strategically placed so that each feels intimate and separated from other tables — while you won’t be sitting very close to neighboring diners, you may hear a bit of their conversation (if you really try). Overall, you likely won’t need to raise your voice to speak to others at your table, which is part of The Ocean Room’s charm.
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The interior design of The Ocean Room is sophisticated and upscale with touches that echo the rest of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island’s Antebellum South décor. The color scheme features dark polished wood accents, ironwork and lots of deep greens and reds. The entire space is made to look like someone’s formal dining room, but on a larger scale. On the sides of the restaurant, some tables have cozy bench seating set back from the main dining area, topped with throw pillows for your comfort.
Small details, such as footstools and small tables add a level of familiarity to The Ocean Room, as if someone lovingly picked out each item for their own home. Bouquets spruce up the space the with plenty of green elements, and a huge marble table with striking silver legs sits in the center of the restaurant as a sort of centerpiece to all the other tables. There’s also an impressive, sunken cove ceiling with a crystal chandelier that completes the dramatic room. And of course, we can’t leave out The Ocean Room’s windows, with the namesake views of the Atlantic, as the Four-Star restaurant’s most memorable design feature. -
The best table at The Ocean Room is arguably the center table along the back windows; here, you get a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean. The back row of tables are separated slightly from the rest of the restaurant, as you'll have to walk down a few steps to get to them. This separation makes for a more intimate and romantic setting, something many diners seek out at The Ocean Room.
For groups larger than four, we recommend the back middle table on the raised section of the main dining area because of its excellent view of the ocean and hotel grounds. For more privacy and seclusion with a larger group, the Four-Star restaurant's two private dining rooms provide seating for 12 or 14 guests around one large table in an enclosed glass room. These will be your best bet for a comfortable dinner on special occasions. Once you know how many will be in your party, you'll know exactly which table to tell the restaurant you want booked when you make a reservation at The Ocean Room. -
The table settings at The Ocean Room are understated and elegant. Thick, quality tablecloths provide an off-white canvas for a single rose in a small, colored vase, a tiny lamp and decorative pewter plates that all greet you when you sit down. Underneath the top tablecloth, a deep rust-colored satin cloth peeks out to complement the antique dining chairs. Those chairs flaunt a champagne design with a looping swirl carved out of the wood frame’s back. A water glass, wine glass and full set of silverware complete the table setting, for a simple yet sophisticated start to your dinner at The Ocean Room.
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One thing you won’t have to worry about at The Ocean Room: Being comfortable. Each table is adequately spaced from its neighbors; your table will feel intimate thanks to the décor. For example, a large marble table that sits in the middle of the restaurant and decorative ironwork railing divides the large dining space from the row of tables that hug the back windows looking out on the Atlantic Ocean.
Against the side walls at the Four-Star restaurant, tables utilize a long bench seat and pillows in silk fabric and soft colors, which allow the area to sink away for even more privacy. Overall, The Ocean Room doesn’t come across as a restaurant that’s trying to cram in as many people as possible or rush people through their meals. Instead, The Ocean Room creates a comfortable atmosphere that invites you to linger a while, thanks to the comfortably spaced tables. -
The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island provides an unparalleled dining experience. Our staff is well trained in high-quality service, sure to please event the most discriminating epicurean.
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The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island has spacious table seating throughout the restaurant and lounge. The Sushi Lounge of The Ocean Room is equipped with 10 tables while the main dining room hosts 30 tables. Six of these 30 tables are listed as our "best in the house" for any guests celebrating special occasions, with great views of the restaurant and ocean. Both of our private dining rooms offer space for up to 16 guests comfortably.
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The best table at The Ocean Room is arguably the center table along the back windows; here, you get a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean. The back row of tables are separated slightly from the rest of the restaurant, as you'll have to walk down a few steps to get to them. This separation makes for a more intimate and romantic setting, something many diners seek out at The Ocean Room.
For groups larger than four, we recommend the back middle table on the raised section of the main dining area because of its excellent view of the ocean and hotel grounds. For more privacy and seclusion with a larger group, the Four-Star restaurant's two private dining rooms provide seating for 12 or 14 guests around one large table in an enclosed glass room. These will be your best bet for a comfortable dinner on special occasions. Once you know how many will be in your party, you'll know exactly which table to tell the restaurant you want booked when you make a reservation at The Ocean Room. -
While waiting for a table at The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, we encourage our guests to visit our Sushi Lounge. East meets South as traditional sushi dishes are served along with "sushi southern style," featuring locally and regionally sourced heirloom grains, produce and seafood. In addition to sushi, our menu includes a variety of contemporary Asian small plates and cocktails including both hot and cold sake offerings. The lounge is open and available Tuesday through Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., no reservations required.
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Small, thoughtful details are what give The Ocean Room a pleasingly sophisticated feel, from the small footstools and fresh bouquets to the elegant throw pillows and fine glassware. The Four-Star steakhouse located inside The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island uses both glasses from Riedel and from Andrea Robinson. Riedel glasses are used to serve specific varietals of wine (a pinot noir from Willamette Valley and a Merlot from Columbia Valley might be served in different Riedel stemware). The Ocean Room also uses The One by Andrea Robinson. This piece of stemware was designed to bring out the best qualities of white and the best qualities of red, no matter the varietal. These two brands allow the restaurant to tailor the glass to what you’re drinking, whether it’s a light chardonnay or a deep cabernet sauvignon.
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The table settings at The Ocean Room are understated and elegant. Thick, quality tablecloths provide an off-white canvas for a single rose in a small, colored vase, a tiny lamp and decorative pewter plates that all greet you when you sit down. Underneath the top tablecloth, a deep rust-colored satin cloth peeks out to complement the antique dining chairs. Those chairs flaunt a champagne design with a looping swirl carved out of the wood frame’s back. A water glass, wine glass and full set of silverware complete the table setting, for a simple yet sophisticated start to your dinner at The Ocean Room.
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The music that is in the background at The Ocean Room is best referred to as a classic acoustic selection of jazz. The volume is kept at a level that remains warm and inviting to the guest as well as detracts from any noise in the surrounding environment. When listening carefully, the music is centered on a single instrument, usually a saxophone, while the continuing dusting of the cymbals otherwise known as a hi-hat keeps pace in the backdrop.
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The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island provides an unparalleled dining experience. Our staff is well trained in high-quality service, sure to please event the most discriminating epicurean.
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With a name like The Ocean Room, you better believe there are views of the Atlantic in this Four-Star steakhouse. From its location on the second floor of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, the restaurant overlooks the lush landscaping of the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star resort, a slew of sand dunes and the Atlantic Ocean. The six tables against the windows at the back of the main dining room offer the very best views, and you can request one of these when you make a reservation. The dining room also has a raised area where a few more tables are located — here you can see the same beautiful view but from a distance.
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The Ocean Room is a prime steakhouse, so many of the best dishes won’t exactly suit vegetarians; meat eaters, on the other hand, have plenty to be happy about. We feel the five best things to order are:
1. The chef’s tasting menu. This menu is only available within the first hour of the restaurant opening each night, so make sure to book your reservations within the timeslot if you want to take advantage of the three-course option. The tasting menu focuses on seasonal ingredients and offers an optional wine pairing with each course.
2. Bone-In Ribeye. The Ocean Room also offers a huge, 40-ounce bone-in ribeye that’s brought to your table and carved right on the spot to retain its juices. Of course we don’t expect you to eat this all in one sitting — even though you’ll want to — so we suggest you share a bite or two with the table.
3. Filet Mignon. Sure, filet mignon is a safe bet at just about every steakhouse, but The Ocean Room filet mignon is tender, juicy and perfectly complements the intimate surroundings. Pair it with a couple of family-style sides and you’ve got yourself a fabulous steak dinner.
4. Any seasonal cut of beef. This steakhouse offers seasonal cuts of beef, including the 130-degree tenderloin and a dry-aged Mibek raised nearby especially for The Ocean Room. These prime cuts are always fresh, flavorful and a give you plenty of reason to come back to the Four-Star restaurant.
5. Salmon. We know it’s a steakhouse, but the salmon at The Ocean Room is an excellent option if you eschew red meat. Though the Four-Star restaurant is named for the views out its windows and not for where its food grows — it doesn’t hurt to have a few terrific seafood options on the menu. -
The menu at The Ocean Room lives up to its label as a “prime steakhouse” by offering an array of cuts, including filet mignon, bone-in ribeye and New York Strip, all cooked to your specifications. In addition, the menu offers specialty cuts of meat based on availability, such as the 130-degree tenderloin. A nearby farm, Mibek, even raises cows one at a time just for The Ocean Room.
The menu at The Ocean Room also reflects the chef’s dedication to using fresh, local and seasonal ingredients as much as possible. To highlight this philosophy, a seasonal chef’s tasting menu available within the first hour the restaurant opens each night focuses on one featured ingredient at the peak of freshness. Past menus have included corn, tomatoes and blackberries that are fresher than you’ve ever tasted.
And of course, sitting adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean means the menu includes some high quality seafood items. Best of all, each entrée can be complemented with a variety of family-style sides, such as bacon tots, pomme frites or seasonal vegetables. Rather than covering anything up with a lot of seasonings or sauces, The Ocean Room lets the natural flavors speak for themselves. -
The Ocean Room has an exceptional bread and butter service for you to enjoy, offering three types of bread: Crusty sourdough; herb and garlic; and soft and sweet brioche, with two pieces of each type for you to enjoy. The herb and garlic bread is arguably the best of the three; soft, flavorful and wonderful with just a touch of butter, this bread option is good enough to want to eat just on its own. The bread comes in a covered breadbasket, with a sea salt butter and olive oil from California served side-by-side in an attractive two-sided dish. We’ll tell you not to fill up on bread at The Ocean Room, as it’s easy to do, but then again, we couldn’t fault you for it.
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The Ocean Room offers several wonderful desserts made with fresh, local ingredients with a nod to feel-good classics. The banana pudding parfait is without a doubt a staple at this restaurant; served in a mason jar and accompanied with a slice of thin graham cracker in a sweet cinnamon cream, this dessert will satisfy even the most demanding sweet tooth. If you’re a chocoholic, try the Single Origin Chocolate Bete Noir, a combination of vanilla ice cream, bourbon caramel sauce and cocoa crumble. For fruity options, the Meyer Lemon Steam Cake topped with strawberries, chocolate sauce and basil ice cream, or the Tangerine Sorbet garnished with strawberries and chocolate tuile stand out. The Ocean Room also often has seasonal dessert options, so be sure to ask your server about current specials, too.
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The menu at The Ocean Room always offers seasonal dishes; the chefs at the Four-Star restaurant aim to incorporate fresh, local and seasonal ingredients as much as possible into every dish on the menu. The steakhouse also features a chef’s tasting menu, which usually features one in-season, locally produced ingredient such as corn, tomatoes or blackberries. You’ll also have a wine pairing option with the tasting menu in order to bring out the maximum flavors in each dish. At times, The Ocean Room also boasts fresh cuts of beef from nearby Mibek Farms, which raises one cow specifically for the restaurant. These types of local ties help the menu at The Ocean Room change with the seasons, while keeping it fresh, too.
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Chef Andrew Venable of The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island is known for visiting guests’ tables during their experience. At many times, the chef pays a special visit while bringing a course to the table to explain the structure and flavor to note while enjoying. The chef always makes it a point to visit a table who is visiting on a special occasion.
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After earning Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Philadelphia’s University of the Arts, Venable discovered that food was his real passion — a passion in which his artistic flair and imagination could flourish. Fresh out of college, he worked in some of Philadelphia’s top rated kitchens and, at the young age of 24, his drive and passion was rewarded when he was named chef de cuisine at Guru, a Pan Asian bistro in the bustling South Street area of Philadelphia. His work there gained notice and he was quickly wooed away by a notable regional chef to join an award-winning team in the suburbs of Philadelphia. While working in Chester County, Venable visited local farms and ranches where he developed and cultivated strong relationships. Through these relationships he gained a passion and knowledge for farm fresh and locally grown and sourced products.
Seeking to expand his horizons, the cutting-edge culinary world of Charleston caught Venable’s eye and in the summer of 2008 he moved south to join The Ocean Room team at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Once again he worked his way up the ranks and he soon became sous chef just as The Ocean Room became Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s prime steakhouse experience. He was a driving force of The Ocean Room’s team in developing strong relationships with local farmers and purveyors — a hallmark of The Ocean Room that has helped make it so popular.
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Chef de cuisine Andrew Venable has a singular focus for the food at The Ocean Room — using the freshest ingredients in the freshest ways. While you’ll always find steakhouse staples on the menu, many of the other dishes change as often as every day depending on what’s available from local farms. Venable talks to farmers two to three times a week and visits the Charleston farmer’s market to discuss what’s fresh and new with the farmers. He strolls through markets to get inspired by what’s available and is dedicated to bringing in locally sourced foods. Guests can try the tasting menu on a Tuesday night and on a Thursday night and see a completely different menu based on the fresh ingredients available that week. Venable also likes to show off the kitchen staff’s skills with molecular gastronomy — amuse bouches have a fun, hi-tech approach and have included items such as fruit caviars and house-cured salmon.
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Executive pastry chef of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island and at The Ocean Room, Lawrence Brubaker was raised in Michigan. Chef Brubaker began his culinary career at the age of fourteen, taking an after-school job washing dishes at a local restaurant. After working his way through various front and back of the house positions, he found his passion in the back of the house. Chef Brubaker received his formal training through the ACF apprenticeship program in Michigan. He then expanded his knowledge through ACF sponsored competitions in Ice Carving, Hot and Cold Food, and Professional Pastry. In 1996 he garnered Olympic Gold in Berlin, Germany in the Professional Pastry category. A veteran of several Four- and Five-Star hotel brigades, he joins us most recently from The Old Edwards Inn and Spa of Highlands, North Carolina where he held dual roles as executive pastry and executive sous chef.
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If you’re just looking for a cozy bar without all the sit-down formalities, check out The Ocean Room Lounge. The bar sits off to one side of the restaurant and it’s where you’ll usually find your hostess. You can order from the full restaurant menu in the bar, or opt for the popular sushi featuring Forbidden Rice. Mimicking the dining room in décor and feel, the lounge offers two-person seating for an intimate experience in a smaller, more secluded area. The bar itself is small, with only a few stools. Even so, you shouldn’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with the friendly bartenders in The Ocean Room’s bar, who will be more than happy to mix up a drink or get a meal ordered for you.
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The Ocean Room offers wine pairings with its chef’s tasting menu, which you can only order during the first hour the Four-Star restaurant is open each night. This tasting menu features seasonal ingredients at their peak freshness in a three-courses meal with optional wine pairings. If you’re more into dessert wines, you’re in luck: Each dessert flaunts its own optional wine pairing, perfectly chosen by the restaurant’s sommelier. The restaurant doesn’t have specific wine pairings picked out for every dish on the menu, though you shouldn’t hesitate to ask your server or the sommelier for wine pairing suggestions with your meal; the staff at The Ocean Room is there to help you make the most out of your meal, and wine pairings are just one part of it.
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Garth W. Herr, the sommelier at The Ocean Room, holds a degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management from the Culinary Institute of Charleston. In 2006, he became a certified specialist of wine with the Society of Wine Educators and in 2007, a certified sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers. He has extensive experience in Forbes Five-Star resorts including The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia from 2000 to 2003 and The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island from 2003 to the present. Since Garth has been with The Sanctuary, he has earned the Top Sommelier of Charleston in 2010 and several Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence. Garth has a true passion of wine and spirits that is truly unique and enlightening.
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The Ocean Room offers several specialty and seasonal cocktails that feature locally grown fruit and vegetables. The Chupacabra blends tequila, hot and sweet peppers, vanilla vodka and jalapeños to get your blood boiling. If you're looking for something a bit sweeter, try the Madame Butterfly with St. Germain, champagne and grapefruit juice. The Geechie Sling combines Effen cucumber vodka and local melon, while the Pineapple Tang mixes dark rum, coconut crème and orange tang rimmed with nutmeg. Lastly, the Sassy Sara is a combination of vanilla vodka, pineapple rum, lemonade and muddled jalapeños. New concoctions are made frequently, so ask your server for a rundown of the specialty cocktails when you dine at The Ocean Room.
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Wine offerings by the glass change along with the dinner menu at The Ocean Room, which can be a daily occurrence according to what is available, in season, and local. Garth, the sommelier, is constantly creating an unusual range of both traditional and unknown varietals from anywhere in the world, from Argentina to Slovenia. Most recently in the pairings for our summertime corn degustation, he paired a Cabernet Franc from Chinon in the Loire Valley of France with the Tuna ala Plancha and for dessert, a Rare Wine Company Madeira from the Historic Series with a corn and plum tart. Through the wine list, Garth determinedly offers both the staff and the guest an evolving knowledge and experience.
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The Ocean Room offers a number of special and rare bottles of wine for you to enjoy on those special occasions, or if you’re just in the mood to splurge on a good bottle of vino. The goal of Garth Herr, the sommelier at The Ocean Room, is to scour the world for small vineyards that put great care into their wines. With this in mind, it’s no wonder that so many of the wines you’ll find on The Ocean Room’s wine list are special. Noteworthy verticals include Dunn and Shafer Hillside Select from Napa Valley and the Domaine de la Romanée Conti from Burgundy. In addition, Herr also has select Bordeaux choices, and he’ll be happy to come to your table and discuss your tastes, preferences, or answer any questions you may have about any of the wines the Four-Star restaurant offers.
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Garth W. Herr, the sommelier at The Ocean Room, holds a degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management from the Culinary Institute of Charleston. In 2006, he became a certified specialist of wine with the Society of Wine Educators and in 2007, a certified sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers. He has extensive experience in Forbes Five-Star resorts including The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia from 2000 to 2003 and The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island from 2003 to the present. Since Garth has been with The Sanctuary, he has earned the Top Sommelier of Charleston in 2010 and several Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence. Garth has a true passion of wine and spirits that is truly unique and enlightening.
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You will find several special and rare liquors in The Ocean Room’s collection. Served both in the adjacent lounge and in the restaurant, special liquors can mark a fitting beginning or end to your meal at the Four-Star steakhouse. Special occasion treats include the renowned Louis XIII cognac by Remy Martin, available for $275 a glass; the Hennessy Ellipse cognac (a blend of cognacs from various every years) is served for $850 a glass. Other notable liquors include a 1964 Glenlivet for $275 a pop as well as the 1972 Glenlivet for $225. Feel free to speak up — the knowledgeable bartenders can help guide you toward a specific pour.
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The Ocean Room offers several specialty and seasonal cocktails that feature locally grown fruit and vegetables. The Chupacabra blends tequila, hot and sweet peppers, vanilla vodka and jalapeños to get your blood boiling. If you're looking for something a bit sweeter, try the Madame Butterfly with St. Germain, champagne and grapefruit juice. The Geechie Sling combines Effen cucumber vodka and local melon, while the Pineapple Tang mixes dark rum, coconut crème and orange tang rimmed with nutmeg. Lastly, the Sassy Sara is a combination of vanilla vodka, pineapple rum, lemonade and muddled jalapeños. New concoctions are made frequently, so ask your server for a rundown of the specialty cocktails when you dine at The Ocean Room.
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Wine offerings by the glass change along with the dinner menu at The Ocean Room, which can be a daily occurrence according to what is available, in season, and local. Garth, the sommelier, is constantly creating an unusual range of both traditional and unknown varietals from anywhere in the world, from Argentina to Slovenia. Most recently in the pairings for our summertime corn degustation, he paired a Cabernet Franc from Chinon in the Loire Valley of France with the Tuna ala Plancha and for dessert, a Rare Wine Company Madeira from the Historic Series with a corn and plum tart. Through the wine list, Garth determinedly offers both the staff and the guest an evolving knowledge and experience.