The Sunset Terrace at The Grove Park Inn- Asheville, NC

July, 2008
We arrived at the hotel a bit later than planned, thanks to the ill-navigated trip by the FB. Let us just say that taking a detour through the Cherokee Nation in the Smokies on July 4th weekend isn't a great idea.....So ......FINALLY...... we arrived at our destination and were famished because there is no food on the two-laned Blue Ridge Parkway that winds up and down at 35 MPH in the Smoky Mountain National Park. Can you believe that? That sign that said "Last Gas Station!" should have been some kind of subtle hint.
The Sunset Terrace beckoned because of The View. Amazing, amazing view. Unfortunately, we got the server (let's call him Sal, shall we?) who should have been a performer at Six Flags over New Jersey (I'm sure there is one). He actually came over to our table, said he wanted to light our fire and proceeded to light the candle. Then he gave us the spiel about wine only being good for a toast (or something). We ordered the filet mignon with mashed potatoes and asparagus with hollandaise. The filet was pretty good although not quite the best beef in North Carolina, as was claimed by Sal. I don't think Morton's in Charlotte needs to fret over this one. The sauces, however, were quite good when blended with the giant bowl of potatoes on the table. The asparagus was flaccid and smothered with a too-thick yellowish concoction.
The wine list saved the day. Our Stag's Leap Petit Syrah was the perfect way to savor the ambiance of this beautiful place. Even though Sal did give us the same spiel.....again....about the toast business. We overheard the same thing at the table next to us. Is the Cristal Pistol hiring?
FB