Main Course
Story and photos byBecky Billingsley
Who's cooking
Baking is her passion, says Cindy Nesbitt, the married mother of two teenagers. The Andrews resident has long had a brisk little home side business baking wedding cakes and other special occasion cakes.
When a downtrodden economy downsized Cindy Nesbitt out of her florist job, she decided it was an opportunity to launch a new career she’d always wanted to try, and now she is the owner of A Slice of Heaven, the cutest little piece of diner nostalgia in the Grand Strand and perhaps in the entire state of South Carolina.
Nesbitt's sister's father-in-law, Billy Pierce, bought a building on Main Street, and he said he would remodel one of the shops for her restaurant. Nesbitt had an idea of what she wanted, and after several months of intensive tear-it-all-out-and-start-all-over remodeling, her vision became glorious reality. Vestiges of the former business there – a game room and grill – were removed, and by Thanksgiving 2009 a Slice of Heaven opened.
Place setting
The space is dramatically gorgeous without being so cute that men would be embarrassed to be seen there. The décor is black and red with stainless steel, brick and wrought iron touches. The overall effect is a little country, a little vintage, a lot cozy and welcoming. The boxcar-shape space contains tables to the right and a long counter with red and white barstools to the left.
Everyone who enters can't help but see right away that the restaurant is scrupulously, meticulously clean. Every surface in the place shines like spring cleaning was yesterday.
The gleaming counter is populated with cookie jars, bread baskets and cake domes, which is where much of the culinary attraction of the restaurant lies. Nesbitt has the help of Sharon Keller, an Andrews resident who attended the culinary arts program at Horry-Georgetown Technical College.
In the rear of the restaurant there's a room where area clubs like to meet and eat, and it's also a great place for birthday parties. Nesbitt hosts children's parties where the kids make their own cupcakes, and she is launching a tea party birthday option.
What's to eat
Every weekday Nesbitt arrives at A Slice of Heaven by 6:30 a.m. or so to start baking. Bread dough prepared the night before is slid into the oven, the soup of the day is cooked and salads are prepared for the lunch rush.
Breakfast sandwiches, omelets and French toast are available in the morning along with fresh, hot and strong coffee.
Customers have definite recipe favorites. The Loaded Potato Soup is a hit when weather turns brisk, and over the holidays Pumpkin Praline Cake flies out the door.
Their signature sandwich has overwhelmingly emerged – it’s their Cranberry Chicken Salad on a freshly baked croissant.
Five other sandwich choices include Roast Beef, Roasted Turkey, Bacon Pimento Cheese, Club and Reuben.
They also specialize in dips that can also be purchased in bulk to take home, including Red Pepper Seafood Spread with crackers, Sun-dried Tomato and Garlic Dip served with sliced vegetables, Cheese and Fruit Dip served with crackers, and Caramel Cream Cheese Dip served with Cinnamon Pita Chips.
Freshly baked croissants, breads, muffins and cupcakes are available every day, and the choice of pies and cakes changes daily.
Pie choices could include Apple, Chocolate, Pecan, Key Lime & Lemon, Coconut or seasonal berry pies. There are layer cakes, pound cakes and cheesecakes, and those layer cakes can have up to 15 layers. Nesbitt’s catered cake business is brisker than ever.
You can have a cuppa Joe with a full or half-slice of cake. Ice cream is also popular here, including Banana Splits, sundaes, Brownie a la Mode, Caramel Apple Quesadilla with vanilla ice cream, single- and double-scoop cones and milk shakes.
If you want one of Nesbitt's cheesecakes or cakes for your holiday table, you need to place your order early.
This is a destination restaurant you will definitely want to put on your must-visit list, and then you'll likely want to return often.
Grandparents, visiting this incredibly wonderful nostalgic restaurant would make an excellent memory for you and your grandchildren.
Slice of Heaven
Where: 31 E. Main St., Andrews
Phone: 264-2253
Website: They have a facebook page.
Noise Level: Quiet until the place fills up, and then there's a happy hubbub.
Vegetarian Options: Omelets, muffins, croissants, side salad, potato salad, pasta salad, fresh fruit, dips, pies, cakes cheesecakes, cookies, ice cream and fruit smoothies.
Smoking: Not allowed.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; Saturdays are reserved for private parties and catering.
Prices: Breakfast choices average $5; lunch prices average $7; a slice of cake or pie is $3-$3.50, and you can have a half-slice of cake for $1.75.
Check for Two: $6-$10 for breakfast; $15-$20 for lunch.
Side Dishes
Two-year Anniversary
Prince Creek Diner at 11907 S.C. 707 in Murrells Inlet is celebrating its two-year anniversary with a November filled with dining discounts.
A few deals include free coffee, tea or soda with a $3 purchase; or a 10% check discount.
Shag Gathering
Shaggers are going to Land's End Restaurant at 444 Marina Dr. in Georgetown on Thursday nights for a new dancing evening designed to keep the smooth moves flowing. The fun and camaraderie begins at 7 p.m.
Lunchtime Bargain
Palmetto Kitchen at 3330 Highmarket St. in Georgetown puts out a lunchtime buffet with delicious fried chicken, fried fish, popcorn shrimp, salads, field peas, rice and many more tasty Southern specialties. The price: $7.