Restaurant Reviews
The following comments regarding local restaurants are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily the views of the Pinnacle Falls Gazette, nor its editor. If you have different opinions regarding the restaurants highlighted on this page, feel free to submit those for publication as well. Submit contributions to [email protected]. Submissions may be edited and are published at the discretion of the Pinnacle Falls Gazette editor.
Huntin' Camp BBQ & Grill
Hwy 25, Traveler's Rest, SC Review Rating: * * * Contributing Reviewers: Greg Meuwissen, Linda Brett Grady & Kathleen NanceDate Visited: July 2014 General Comments: The restaurant has the appearance of a rather large hunting camp, with a huge porch with rocking chairs, a rustic interior, and tons of taxidermy. A buffet is available. The restaurant was not overly busy and the service was quite prompt, attentive, and friendly. Our drinks were refilled before we even knew we were getting low. Interestingly, Huntin' Camp does not serve alcoholic beverages of any kind, although the waitress said they are trying to obtain a liquor license. Items Ordered: the Rib Plate, which comes with either a half or full rack of ribs, french fries, and coleslaw for either $17 or $21, respectively; and the Brisket, which was $10.75 and comes with french fries and coleslaw. Meal Comments: The meal started out with complimentary hushpuppies, which were quite good and not the overly huge and deep-fried dough balls you can get at some places. The french fries were hot and nicely cooked. Grady found his brisket to be tasty but a little dry. The ribs were well cooked to the point of falling off the bone, although they didn't have a particularly smoky flavor. There were served dry style, but when asked, the waitress provided us with squeeze bottles of a spicy vinegar BBQ sauce and a mustard-style sauce. They also had a regular, non-spicy vinegar BBQ sauce. Recommendation: The group opinion was that the ribs were okay, but we all greatly prefer the fare at Hubba-Hubba, the Flat Rock Wood Room, or 12 Bones to the ribs at Huntin' Camp. Some slight to moderate indigestion later in the evening did not enhance the experience of some diners. Hob Nob at the Cradle
Cradle of Forestry, US 276 Review Rating: * * * * * Contributing Reviewer: Grady Nance Date Visited: July 30, 2014 General Comments: Located in the Cradle of Forestry on US 276, the Hobnob at the Cradle is run by the Hobnob restaurant in Brevard which has excellent food with New Orleans/Cajun specialties. Tell the gateman that you are going to the restaurant to have the Cradle of Forestry fee waived. Summer hours are 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. After Labor Day, call the Cradle of Forestry (828-877-3130) for the restaurant hours open. The Cradle of Forestry itself is open every day, April 12- November 8, from 9am–5pm. Fish & Chips - The portions, described as half portions, were very large, really full size lunches.The fish were not English-style fried fish, but Cajun corn-breaded catfish (at least it tasted like catfish). There was no tartar sauce but the chef prepared remoulade sauce for us that was better than tartar sauce. The chips were thick American fries, that tasted good. I have eaten previously at Hobnob at the Cradle and greatly enjoyed the fried catfish po-boy. The bread is Gambino’s style French bread. Recommendation: Hobnob at the Cradle is an excellent option. Third Avenue Bistro
The Inn on Church Street Downtown Hendersonville Review Rating: * * * Contributing Reviewers: Greg Meuwissen, Linda Brett Grady & Kathleen Nance Date Visited: July 2014 General Comments: The Inn is a National Historic building first constructed as a hotel between 1919-1921. It still serves as a hotel with 21 individually decorated rooms and retains its historic character. The restaurant is open Thursday-Sunday for lunch and dinner, and also offers a Sunday brunch. The menu offerings are ambitious, with upscale, often local ingredients served with careful attention to presentation and plating. There’s a lot of good food in the Hendersonville area but for this particular style of cuisine you would usually have to go to Asheville, Charlotte, or Atlanta. The service was cordial and very attentive throughout the meal. The beer and wine list is not extensive but there were several good selections on the list. The restaurant also has a full bar. The prices are not unreasonable considering the unusual ingredients and attention to detail. Appetizers run from $12-$22; soups and salads from $6-$10; main courses from $26-$32; desserts are $8. Appetizers Ordered: 1) A Cheese Plate not normally on the menu. It contained three different locally sourced cheeses served with a roasted garlic gastric and thin sourdough toasts. It was quickly devoured and went well with craft beer and red win. 2) Sweetbreads served with haricot verts, gribiche, quail egg, brown butter, and carrot puree. The dish was good, but the reviewer, Greg, reports that he has had other versions that were better. 3) The Sweet Corn and Almond Gazpacho was loved and believed to harmonize well together. Fair warning: the appetizers are large and many could serve as a light main course. Main Meal: The Duck Confit was well flavored and tender, and served with Yukon gold gnocchi, peaches, radish greens, brown butter, and pineapple sage. The Scallops were a hit served with a corn pudding, grilled zucchini, squash, morels, and a ham-flavored foam. Overall Comments: The chef should bring the flavor profiles up a notch or two in all his dishes and tone down the salt in the Confit, specifically. Considering the quality of the ingredients, the flavors should have been exceptional, and the chef did not quite hit the mark. Recommendation: For the price, Third Avenue Bistro is suitable for a romantic evening, special occasion, or when you're in the mood for a little splurge in a nice setting. |
|