Circa 81 Restaurant, Morehead City, NC Our Family Review

Circa 81, Morehead City, NC Shrimp and Grits
by CarolinaMama 

Circa 81 Restaurant Morehead City, North Carolina, Tapas, Seafood and More, "Gather, Eat and Enjoy."  Tapas: a small plate or appetizer.  The Shrimp and Grits were divine! I cannot resist taste testing these throughout the Southeast and these were top of the list! Lump and juicy Shrimp with a wonderful cream base with a rich flavor from spices and mushrooms!

On our recent trip to Emerald Isle, we were invited to a lovely Sunday Brunch at Circa 81.  The menu was delightful. The fabulous things is that there were so many wonderful options and with Tapas, you are sure to try many things... :)  Circa 81 is a wonderful culinary delight on the Crystal Coast.  We were so happy we went. 

We enjoyed an amazing Seafood Chowder.  We loved how smooth and tasty it was with the shrimp and crabmeat. This warmed us right up after a fun time on the Ferry over to Cape Lookout. The perfect decadent meal when we were ravished from our water excursions and sightseeing. 

This Lump Crabmeat Shrimp and Parmesan Dip was seriously enough for me to vote a 5 Star for Circa 81! Rich, tasty and a nice kick. Seafood delicacy. 

I love that my son loves the Shrimp and Grits as much as I do. He thought they were some of the best he has tasted, too. That's saying a lot.  Southern. 

Let the photo and description speak for the absolute perfection of this entree: 

Circa 81 Benedict - Poached eggs, over handmade lump crab cakes, served on a fried grit cake, & topped with homemade hollandaise sauce, served with home fries.

Circa 81 Eggs Benedict by CarolinaMama 

We have a Pancake Lover in our family. He also has a craving for Bacon, always. So this meal was perfection for him. 

One of the other unique dishes we discovered was the Crabmeat Mac and Cheese! This just took Mac and Cheese to a whole other level of seafood delight!  You just have to try it! Of course, order a side salad to balance out ALL of the Splurging you will do!  

One of our boys LOVED the Double French Toast with Amazing Turkey Sausage. Of course, I was happy my teenage son liked this as much as Mom's. Okay, maybe a little better. :) 

Another fabulous Brunch Item were items like the Eggs Benedict ~ Poached eggs, over thinly sliced prosciutto ham, served on an English muffin & topped with homemade hollandaise sauce, served with home fries        

Here are some other items on the Menu that made it difficult for us to made decisions and that also made us know we will have to return to Circa 81 when we are on the Crystal Coast of NC. 

Circa Pork Chop  ~ Thick cut, bone-in pork chop, rubbed in a sweet and smoky house blend, served with Covington sweet potato and wilted baby spinach                                                                                              

Lobster Parmesan-Encrusted Mahi Mahi ~ served with julienne vegetables and garlic mash                                                             

Herbed-Gorgonzola Encrusted NY Strip ~ served with fingerling potatoes, asparagus, port wine and balsamic reduction       

Beef Short Ribs ~ braised for 48 hours, served with celery root, exotic mushroom, broccoli, heirloom carrots, farro, pumpernickel     

Pappardelle Pasta ~ Local Greentail Shrimp, julienned vegetables, wilted spinach, sautéed mushroom, almond, roasted red pepper and basil cream sauce, smoke Gouda          

As you can see, there is something amazing for every palette.  We hope you go to Circa 81 and have a wonderful time. Check out the Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium and Capelook Out Lighthouse while you are there. The Ocean is stunning as well! Bon Voyage!          

Warmly, Carolina Mama

FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Circa 81. All opinions are my own.