When I first walked into the Blue Ridge Grill, the smell of burning hickory wood pleasantly assaulting my senses, I immediately thought of my rich,
eccentric uncle's favorite log cabin retreat in the woods---except I don't have a rich uncle (eccentric's not a problem), in the woods or otherwise....
The first thing I noticed here were the black and white drawings of faithful old friends---canines---by the hostess stand that add a homey touch to the entrance. The second thing that couldn't be missed was the giant portrait of a gray rabbit in a suit hanging above the fireplace, the lighting done in such a way that his little, hare face appears to be glowing. Indian blankets hang over wooden beams near the ceiling to add color to the upscale country decor. Glass bottles stand in the windows accented by red cafe curtains. Stuffed fish with picture lights hung over them are scattered about on the walls. Red-jacketed waiters with their names sewn onto their breast pockets are johnny-on-the-spot as soon as you sit down.
We got settled at our small table for two and perused the restaurant's extensive wine list. With over 500 different labels to choose from, we knew we could find something to suit our tastes. Then came the menu.
Welcome to fine dining old Southern style. . .enjoy everything from lemon chicken to hickory grilled whole fish like Georgia trout. Don't make up your mind until you hear the specials though. They're bound to be tempting, too. However, if you're watching your wallet, be forewarned. When you get those crab cakes for $25.95, the entree isn't served with a single side or salad. Those you order separate. However, vegetable sides like the fresh asparagus ($7.95), which we especially liked, can be enjoyed by two or more people together.
After your meal don't forget to order one of the desserts. This was the highlight of our dinner by far. The desserts are made from scratch on the premises every day, and they are out of this world. We had bourbon pecan pie with coffee, and. . .well. . .I'm still thinking about it. Yum!!!
My bottom line? The service here was excellent. The food was good, too. It's traditional, conservative fine dining, and we enjoyed our meal. It's certainly pricey. The pecan pie (and the rabbit portrait) were what made it memorable for me.