My 2nd anniversary was 2 weeks ago, so my husband took me to the Inn on Biltmore Estate for a romantic weekend getaway. It was wonderful. Do I start with the dinner the night we arrived? I could. The soup at Cedric's Tavern was amazing. Or I could start with breakfast we had for room service...omelets, pesto potatoes, french toast, mochas, fresh squeezed juice...absolutely amazing. And there was a romantic walk down from the inn to Antler Hill Village...and a couples massage. But there was also food. Lots of yummy food.
Take afternoon tea for example: tea sandwiches (BLT...bacon tomato tapanade on a bagette with swiss and arugula, egg salad on a pretzel roll, turkey with pumpkin spread, cucumber, chicken salad) and a mini quiche (red pepper, spinach, and swiss) followed by sweets (chocolate scones, blueberry lemon poundcake, truffles, hazelnut tarts, and....) It was amazing! And that wasn't including the tea selection. I can't even remember all of the varieties.
And then there was a lunch at the Bistro. How much better can you get than chicken carbonara and maple syrup pots de creme? Well you could go to the Dining Room.
The Dining Room is a 4 Star Restaurant at a 4 Star Hotel. You plan on spending at least 3 hours for dinner. First you are offered wine. And then a tasting bite from the chef (winter root vegetable bisque). You order appetizers (Fried Quail-it had a fancier name, and Estate Raised turnips). Who knew that turnips could become gourmet? It was cut into these little squares, and serve on sauce swirled onto the plate surrounded by peas and carrots. You find that the main course is beyond your expectations (Seared Ahi Tuna (rare) and Bison Steak (medium rare)) and absolutely amazing. And then, just when you think you can't take anymore, they bring out desert. Souffle is extremely hard to find, and yet the Chai Souffle with vanilla bean cream was heavenly. My husband's sorbets were good too...but nothing can compare to the fluffy, eggy, wonderfully moist, superb souffle!
It was a wonderful weekend. You should try it!
Visit the Biltmore Estate.
