In the most unexpected places, you’ll discover the most delightful food the world has to offer.
Within hollows, throughout valleys, and atop mountains, enjoyable food experiences are defined by passionate chefs pushing the culinary envelope and owners fostering an unwavering commitment to community. Whether served through a window of a food truck or tableside at the neighborhood bistro, fine dining isn’t defined by the china it is served upon or the pedigree of the servers who deliver it to the table.
It’s the familial greeting, the cozy atmosphere, the attention to every detail that elevates these dining experiences. Enjoy these five amazing mountain finds for a truly extraordinary experience.
Caffe Rel
459 East Main Street, Franklin, North Carolina
Not your expected fine dining location, but it’s exactly where Caffe Rel intended — next door to the neighborhood gas station.
Named for its creator and chef Richard E. Long, Caffe Rel continues his legacy of French classics, showcasing his mastery of sauces. With classic French training and certification, he thrived in “the mother sauces and the many derivatives,” explained Rebecca Long, wife of the late Richard E. Long.
“It was the natural approach for Richard [to open a French bistro next to a gas station],” she continued. “Whenever the team would compete in New York City or go to the renowned annual food show, he would’ve already mapped out every intriguing hidden gem that was yet to be discovered, no matter the location. The first time he went to Peter Luger’s [Peter Luger Steak House, Brooklyn, New York], they still had armed guards outside.”
Now under the leadership of Chef Tracy Passmore who trained with Chef Richard, the menu delivers affordable, French cuisine without compromising taste. Consider blue crab bisque or Charleston-style shrimp and grits, or one of the house specialties, baked salmon mango crème fraiche.
“In 20 years, Caffe Rel never advertised,” continuesd Long. “It was all word-of-mouth. Like the tagline says, ‘It’s all about the food.’ That, my friend, is how a small-town French café becomes a destination.”
Open daily. For more information, visit cafferel.com.
Bleu Canoe Restaurant and Campground
115 Sweetwater Circle, Clarkesville, Georgia
I had passed this Lake Burton spot of land since my childhood but was never enticed to stop until a restaurant turned the campground into a dinner destination. I discovered a Cajun American restaurant located in a renovated campground with ties to Athens. Once known as a downtown hot-spot in the Classic City, Harry Bissett’s closed years ago, and its owners found their way to the mountains of North Georgia.
Bleu Canoe Campground is a mountain destination, complete with RV rentals and historic fish camp cabin rentals. However, the restaurant (open Wednesday through Sunday) elevates everything; offering indoor seating when the temperatures drop or a cozy outdoor option close to the firepit, it invites guests to gather, enjoy and share a meal with friends and neighbors.
Enjoy grilled oysters or andouille sausage; oysters Rockefeller, shrimp creole and jambalaya make this mountain restaurant a Cajun masterpiece. Locals have already discovered this gem, so come early (they do not take reservations), enjoy the full bar, and on Thursdays, live music on the deck.
For more information, visit bleucanoe.com.
The Copper Door
2 Sullivan Street, Hayesville, North Carolina
Behind the copper door of the unpretentious building — once a service station — on the square in Hayesville, North Carolina, diners feast. New Orleans-inspired Chef Dennis Barber renovated the building and created a supper experience that make the urban establishments jealous.
Featuring fresh meats and seafood paired perfectly by wine steward Nick Demos, dinner is an event, beginning with endless delicate popovers, continuing with the filet mignon, and crowning the meal with bread pudding. Ask for a seat near the fireplace.
During each season, The Copper Door offers wine pairing dinners which deliver guests to a different country with a five-course meal paired perfectly with wines. This December, enjoy a Cajun Christmas.
Doors open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Reservations available at thecopperdoor.com.
Michaelees Italian Life Caffe
6 Town Square, Blairsville, Georgia
Never an easy task, but uncovering authentic Italian cuisine is worth the hunt. Ditch the American-style Italian and step into Michaelees Italian Life Caffe in Blairsville to be transported into an intimate European trattoria where meals are slow; stomachs, satisfied.
Executive Chef Lenny Collins produces a menu of classic Italian fare, plus adds a few surprises covered in chocolate.
“Our authentic, imported Italian products include pastas, wines (both red and white), cheeses such as mozzarella, parmesan Reggiano, gelato and oils and vinegars,” explained Lisa Collins, restauranteur and the chef’s mom. In addition to the ingredients, it’s the “incredible staff” that brings in repeat customers. “We wouldn’t have been able to serve the North Georgia area for nearly 20 years without their fantastic service, dedication, and hard work,” Lisa said.
Popular dishes include chicken piccata and Italian sausage lasagna. “By far, our most popular dishes have been the bourbon filet and grouper dinner combo, as well as the seafood Newburg,” Lisa said. And, the perfect finish, an Illy French press coffee and limoncello cake.
Open for dinner Monday through Saturday; for reservations, visit italianlifecaffe.com.
The Crown
135 Emily Lane, Brasstown, North Carolina
Initial impression: “In Brasstown?”
Word-of-mouth built this restaurant. Celebrating its fifth year serving this small mountain community, The Crown Brasstown, a full gluten-free experience, makes even a gluten-lover a believer in the possibility of intense taste.
It’s the crispy brussels, an overflowing appetizer dish, that begins the flavor explosion; the Carolina mountain trout or the Brasstown Beef ribeye are favorites, and owner Donna Forsyth said, “You won’t find a better pork chop anywhere.” Pistachio pine nut pesto pasta confirmed Executive Chef Derek Mazza’s success at creating satisfying gluten-free pasta.
Fueled by their travel experiences, Donna and Robert Forsyth created a “place that provides a warm welcoming atmosphere with excellent food and drink options. Not too stuffy, but also, not too casual.”
At the core of their mission is “building a community,” explained Donna. “Creating a place where people feel welcome and comfortable has been an integral part in developing our vision. Our core values are excellence, community and integrity. Consistency is important to us, and we work to make your experience at our restaurant an enjoyable one. Plus, the lovely mountain view doesn’t hurt.”
Open Wednesday through Sunday; reservations are recommended at thecrownbrasstown.com.
