Metamorphosis

Drastic changes have made Chance’s Steak and Sea the new place to try in Shallotte. Check it out for Thanksgiving dinner or anytime.

I clearly recall my reaction to reading Kafka’s The Metamorphosis as a high school freshman: “This is cool.”

I’m pretty certain I didn’t pick up on all (or any) of the symbolism of Gregor Samsa’s situation, nor the metaphysical implications of same, but somebody waking up as a giant bug was definitely pretty neat, at least in the mind of 13-year old, whose mind wasn’t expanding nearly as fast as his shoe size.

But metamorphosis was indeed the word that came to my mind as I sat at the bar of the recently opened Chance’s Steak and Sea at the intersection of U.S. Highway 17 and Old Shallotte Road in Shallotte.

The new restaurant used to be a Golden Corral, according to Bill, one of the managers who worked there when it was. Golden Corrals serve a distinct purpose, but I’m pretty sure I could not have had the exceptional (and huge) Ocean Isle Beach Rigatoni with Blackened Shrimp I so thoroughly enjoyed at one of them. Ditto on a very unique and delicious sauce for Shrimp and Grits, shared with me by personable Chef Rich.

My bar gal, Blair, was as friendly and efficient as could be, and her bubbly personality had much to do with my enjoyment of the Wicked Weed Pernicious she drew for me. Eight taps and many bottled offerings are there for the beer nut, and there’s even prosecco on tap.

But talk about metamorphoses. In October 2020 owner Dave Chance decided to take the plunge and revamp his entire operation. To do that under normal circumstances is a daunting task, but to do it in the midst of a pandemic requires significant moxie. And though I’m not above writing a cheap pun about taking a chance, it had to be a considerable undertaking, fraught with questions and unknown answers.

Enjoying the new place, easily visible from U.S. Highway 17, requires a bit of a serpentine turn at the Old Shallotte Road light and the parking lot it shares with a Smithfield’s, but the interior of the restaurant itself is bright, spacious and welcoming.

Sitting at the revamped bar, which used to be the Corral’s salad bar, offers a view of two TVs and a healthy array of bottles and draft handles. You can order food at the bar as well, which comes in handy when you’re traveling solo.

Bill and some of his 35 staff members all observe the pandemic protocols. Responding to my query about how business was faring, Bill allowed that the metamorphosis was a risk, but little by little, business is picking up. Hopefully as the pandemic wanes, that will continue.

If Thanksgiving prep and cleanup are not high on your to-do list, Chance’s Steak and Sea is offering to do your work for you. At just $27 per adult, this could be your Thanksgiving Day-changer.

Check out this menu:

Roasted Carved Turkey & Spiced Ham or Slow Roasted Prime

Choice of up to 3 sides
House or Caesar salad
Cup of Crab and Corn chowder
Creamy Mashed Potatoes/gravy
Homestyle dressing/gravy
Mac and cheese
Southern Style Green bean casserole
Slowed cooked fresh collards
Sweet potato casserole w/toasted marshmallow
Kettle cooked Lima Beans
Cranberry sauce and Bread choice

Choice of Dessert: Pumpkin, Chocolate chess or Key lime pie

Cost: $27 for adults, $14 for kids younger than 12, free for ages 3 and younger.
Reservations available at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm. Walk-ins welcome from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm. Call (910) 754-8100 for reservations.

In the meantime, give Chance’s a chance. Your experience will be far better than Gregor Samsa’s.

Want to go?
Chance’s Steak and Sea
4690 East Coast Land, Shallotte
(910) 754-8100
Chancessteakandsea.com