Core 450 is nestled right outside of Greenville on the picturesque Cherokee Valley Golf Course. We recently indulged in a remarkable 5-course chef’s experienceincomparable Chef Gene Magliaro. Core 450 describes themselves as “an innovative, full-service restaurant and gathering place in the beautiful Tigerville area of Travelers Rest, South Carolina. Overlooking the ninth and 18th greens at Cherokee Valley Course and Club, its design evokes memories of a classic mountain retreat. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. Our expansive outdoor patio is the perfect place to dine or sip a drink while taking in the mountain air and Carolina sunshine.”
The Vibes
We sat right at the bar, giving us full view of the spacious open kitchen and wood fire oven. The patio was picturesque with rolling hills of the Cherokee Valley Golf Course. The vibarant green grass kissed the bright blue sky on this Friday evening! If the view is too good to leave, there is outside dining and bar areas.The serive was phenomanal! Every one you met had a smile on their face. There was live music for about 45 mins with a gentle mix by two gentlemen.
Our Chef experience sat us right about the counter of the spacious open kitchen. eated at the counter, we were privileged to witness the culinary magic unfold before our eyes in the open kitchen. Every meticulous detail, the captivating conversations, and the enchanting stories behind each dish transformed our evening into a true 5-star extravaganza.
We loved hearing the inspiration behind chef Gene’s dishes within the chef experience. He has a specific reason for each compliment to a dish. He expressed how he utalizes the on-site garden to help guide his menu selection. He intoduced me to Maitake mushrooms and a very unqiue twist on mac and cheese. It is always a treat to see creativity at work.
The Chef’s Experience
Between courses, we ordered a few cocktails. The “Smoking Section” of the cocktail menu puts on a SHOW! Such a stunning presentation. They each arrived on a wooden Patron plank settled in a smokey glass. The Candance Old Fashion was a blend of Bourbon, cherry syrup and house made orange bitters. Then, the Apothecary was crafted with Bourbon, Scotch and rosemary simple syrup served in a rosemary smoke rinsed glass! I enjoyed the Porch Swing and Watermelon Crawl. Drink quick, the water melon crawl can melt fast.
Let’s get into this menu. Here’s a tantalizing glimpse of the FIVE courses that left us speechless:
Watermelon & Tuna Tartare with Crispy Chicken Skins. Dressed in a symphony of flavors including cranberry gastrique, Birdseye chilies ( leeks, and sriracha, this inventive creation takes your taste buds on a wild ride.
Followed by, Brown Butter Seared Scallops with Bone Marrow Pho Broth. A perfect marriage of perfectly seared scallops, marinated chili crunch, refreshing cucumbers, and delicate sugar peas, all bathed in a rich and soul-warming bone marrow pho broth.
For Fun: Buffalo Ranch Dorito-Encrusted Mac and Cheese. When he said it was a “snack” to hold us over until the next course, I was thinking small. This dish put me over the edge. It was AMAZING. Something I may never order sold my heart. It’s a captivating twist on a classic favorite. My fork was like a magnet to the bold and crunchy Dorito crust embracing velvety mac and cheese, enhanced by tangy sour cream, savory bacon, and vibrant chives.
It continues..
Then came the A-5 Wagyu with Mistake Marsala, Truffle Butter, and Poached Lobster Claw. Pure bliss! The Waygu was sooo buttery! The layers of sophisticated flavors was immaculate.This dish was a work of art that I am thankful for because WHO TOLD HIM TO DO THIS!? I love that chef experiences allow chef’s to express their creativity with off menu items.
Followed by, Bananas Foster Cheesecake and Chocolate Lovers Cake were so rich yet balanced each other out well! I may or may not have had room for these slices but room was MADE. My fork was dabbing back and forth. The richness of the chocolate cake was calmed with the smooth banna foster cheesecake. A perfect match!
Make sure to add this extraordinary experience to your must-do list! The Chef’s experience at Core 450 welcomes reservations for parties of up to four, ensuring an intimate and unforgettable culinary journey. New menu every time! True complements to the chef for these amazing dishes.
Book it TODAY
To secure your reservation for the chef experience, don’t hesitate to contact via email at [email protected] or give them a call at 864-977-8444. He also informed us that Core 450 hosts Wine DInners and Bourbon Dinners. You can lock in to their website and socials for updates!
