A Taste of the High Country
Homestyle Recipes Mixed with Flavorful Flair Make this Local Culinary Scene One-of-a-Kind
From barbecue to pan-fried trout, there are a wide variety of signature flavors and dishes in this mountain region. Of course, the most famous dish in the Tar Heel state has to be Carolina barbecue, which is slow-roasted, hickory-smoked pork dressed with a vinegar-based sauce. Here in the western part of the state, chefs roast only the shoulder of the hog, and their sauce includes ketchup, Worcestershire and brown sugar. North Carolina is the nation’s top producer of pork, so barbecue restaurants are in no short supply in the High Country.
As avid anglers already know, the cold mountain streams flowing across the High Country are full of delicious trout (brook, brown and rainbow) ready to be caught, pan-fried and enjoyed. Find Carolina trout on many menus throughout the High Country in a variety of chef’s preparations—grilled, smoked, broiled or pan-fried served with a creative array of sauces and sides.
With a culinary school at Lenoir Community College, several chef competitions, fundraisers and educational opportunities, there are multiple ways for young aspiring chefs to hone their skills, learn the craft and eventually make their mark at High Country restaurants.
There are a wide variety of restaurants in the region and a growing number of gourmet eateries with trained chefs, unique menus and a focus on local and organic ingredients from High Country farms. Gamekeeper restaurant, for example, offers an eclectic variety of exquisite game meats such as duck, pheasant or ostrich from local farms, and their appetizers include such delicacies as escarole salad with applewood smoked bacon and organic shaved egg as well as an artisanal cheese plate served with dried fruit, quince paste and house made crackers. This gourmet experience is the perfect blend of upscale elegance and simple mountain charm.
For a classic taste of High Country, don’t miss a visit to Dan’l Boone Inn and Restaurant, named the best in Homestyle Southern Comfort food and honored by both Southern Living Magazine and Our State Magazine for their country cuisine. Come in for a full family style breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays to enjoy southern favorites such as fresh stewed apples, country ham and redeye gravy. Plus, the glazed cinnamon biscuits are just heaven. When dinnertime rolls around, you’ll want a full helping of their crispy southern fried chicken just like grandma used to make, their fluffy buttermilk biscuits topped with black cherry preserves and their country style steak served juicy and full of flavor. Eat just to your heart’s content, but save some room for the best course. All the desserts are homemade, and choosing just one won’t be quite as easy as pie.
Whether you’re interested in the classic homestyle recipes that have been passed down through generations or you’re looking to try a new spin on an old favorite, you’ll get the best of both worlds here in the High Country. So come get a taste of what we’re all about.