Couple touts home cooked desserts, noteworthy steaks

Stacey and Mark Beaver are passionate about food. They cook, cater and have eaten at numerous restaurants around the world. Beaver Creek Boathouse in Pinehurst is the incarnation of their gathered knowledge, and since opening in August 2011, it has been established as a provider of quality steak and seafood in the area.

Although they are not the first to inhabit the iconic boat situated on a barren stretch of Hwy. 249, Stacey and Mark are working to show the community their menu and food could not be more different than their predecessors.

"People have probably judged this place by all it's been before, and the bottom line is, we have good food," Mark said. "I grew up in Kentucky with a family who thoroughly enjoyed eating, and every Friday and Saturday we would try different places to eat. I learned at a young age what good food is."

During high school Mark worked at a seafood restaurant in Kentucky and eventually gained control of organizing the buffet table, garnering experience at spotting quality fish. Stacey contributes her experience in hotel restaurant catering, and eventually the couple began receiving requests from friends to cater parties and events. The boathouse was the obvious next step.

"We were a good pair—he does all the cooking, and I would make desserts," Stacey said. "We always thought [a restaurant] would be fun."

Stacey prepares the boathouse's distinctive and ever-changing dessert menu. She said the selection changes depending on what she decides to make that morning, and she also makes custom orders.

A recently updated menu features daily specials, sandwiches including the "Texican" Cheese Steak ($12), seafood platters and several flame-grilled steaks.

Hosting an event

Unlike many restaurants, Beaver Creek Boathouse does not charge an event fee. Patrons are asked to commit to a guest number and price that depends on the party size and date.

• Patio: Outside, the restaurant can fit up to 80 guests on its covered patio.
• Boat: For smaller gatherings, customers can secure the entire boat and bar, which can hold up to 20 guests comfortably.
• Back room: The back of the restaurant can be sectioned off by a sliding door and fit up to 40 guests.

Owner Recommendations

• Creamy Crab and Shrimp Dip—Lump crab and jumbo shrimp sauteed with seasonings and simmered in homemade cream sauce, served with eight slices of French garlic toast. ($14)
• Ribeye Steak—Hand cut Angus beef with lots of marbling for a flavorful, juicy steak rubbed with signature rub. ($16, 12 ounces; $21, 16 ounces; $31, 24 ounces; $52, 36 ounces)
• Seafood Platter—Customer's choice of one, two, three, four or five different fish from catfish to Alaskan cod with two sides and two hushpuppies. ($11, one choice; $16, two combo; $21, three combo; $27, four combo; $33, five combo)
• Strawberry Rhubarb Pie—One of Stacey Beaver's homemade desserts, the pie includes a sweet and tangy blend of strawberries and rhubarb. The dessert menu changes daily depending on what Stacey is preparing. ($19, entire pie; $4.50, per slice)

Beaver Creek Boathouse, 34616 Hwy. 249, Pinehurst, 281-259-4166, www.beavercreekboathouse.com

• Tue.–Thu. 11:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.,
• Fri.–Sat. 4 p.m.–9:30 p.m.,
• Sun. Noon–8:30 p.m., closed Monday