A Diamond in the Rough

if you haven't figured out already, i am not really a fan of the food in myrtle beach. BUT i dined at my favorite restaurant there last night called Collector's Cafe. the restaurant includes an art gallery featuring artwork from local and regional artists. the surprising decor takes you away from the "redneck riviera" and makes you feel more like you are in an urban oasis. we were seated promptly at our reservation time. the wine list is extensive...we had a wonderful bottle of pinot noir that was priced at $44. there are a lot of wines in the $40-60 range and they also have a good selection of wines $100+. we started with the artichoke ravioli appetizer ($13.95). it was truly a surprise. i thought it would be good but it was outstanding. the ravioli was handmade, filled with an artichoke puree, and topped with lump crab meat and a saffron cream sauce. for my entree, i ordered two more apps. i started with the cuban black bean cakes ($11.95), which were served with fresh guacamole and sour cream. very good bean cakes but not nearly as memorable as the ravioli. i also had the yellowfin tuna, grilled rare, and served over oriental couscous salad ($11.95). this was another wonderful dish...the tuna was sliced and the flavors were organically asian. we also ordered the filet entree ($29.95). although i didn't eat the filet, my accomplice said it was one of the better he remembers. it was served with a caramelized mushroom brandy cream sauce which was addictive...i could have literally has a bowl of the sauce with bread and have been content! it was served with a side of sun dried tomato mashed potatoes, which were better than average. overall, this is the best restaurant in Horry county (no not whorry, o-ree...what a horrible county).