tcreath

My husband's birthday is Friday, and on Saturday we are carrying on the celebration by driving to some of the waterfalls to do a little hiking with the pooch. We plan on spending one night in Asheville before driving back to Charlotte the following day.

I am looking for a nice restaurant recommendation for dinner on Saturday night. I'm hoping for something with a view, romantic, maybe like a lodge in the mountains or something along those lines. It doesn't have to be gourmet, since we don't really consider ourselves foodies. I'm in the middle of my research but thought I would ask here as well, since fodorites are always so helpful.

Thanks!
Tracy

tcreath

Oops, and before anyone asks the budget is open.

Thanks!
Tracy

NeoPatrick

I haven't spent much time in Asheville lately, but it's hard to beat The Grove Park Inn for 'atmosphere' if not for food. The main dining room (as opposed to their much more expensive smaller dining room) has great views. They have a lot of buffets, so I'd check on that if it is an issue.

I know what you're looking for. Wouldn't a great little cabin up on a mountain be great?

tcreath

Patrick, thank you for the suggestion. It looks like a very nice place. I'm just reviewing the menu now.

I was looking for something almost lodge-like, and I envison a huge stone fireplace and big windows with million dollar views. Not so sure that place exists though. We went to a winery over the 4th of July weekend in southern Virginia (Chateau Morissette) and the dining room was beautiful and similar to what I have keep hoping I'll find in the NC mountains. But I appreciate your suggestion because I'm about ready to give up on my searches!

Tracy

cmcfong

Best wishes for the celebration, Tracy. I am a big fan of Savoy on Merrimon. It isn't much in the way of a building, but oh my goodness, the food...and the wine. Fabulous. I would highly recommend it. Another great spot is Gabrielle's in the Richmond Hill Inn. I also like the Flying Frog in the basement of the Haywood Park. If you do select the Grove Park, the Horizons is the best of their offerings.
Have a wonderful visit!

NeoPatrick

cmcfong, with all due respect are your recommendations more for food or atmosphere? The OP stated that it doesn't even have to be gourmet as they are not foodies. I'm not that familiar with your suggestions, but it sounds like they are foodies dreams, but not all about the atmosphere, or even close, to what the OP is looking for.
That's why I didn't recommend Horizons at the Grove Park Inn which is known for the "top notch" food, but the main dining room is the one with a whole lot more of the atmosphere the OP is seeking. NO? Personally, I'd prefer Horizons, but I sure don't think that's what the poster is looking for, which is why I'd suggest the dining room instead.

cmcfong

Perhaps you are right, Patrick. I like Chateau Morisette which she mentioned in her post and was trying to find a reco which fit that food criteria. Savoy has no view, nor atmosphere. However Gabrielle's has them and is a first rate dining experience. I have a strong dislike for the food and service in the Blue Ridge Dining Room at Grove Park despite the nice views and if I were eating at GPI I would go with Horizons. Just my suggestions, Tracy. Enjoy your visit.