Join us as we review our delightful culinary adventure at Hearth Restaurant, nestled amidst the scenic landscapes of Blowing Rock, North Carolina inside the brand new Embers Hotel. From savoring locally inspired libations to indulging in inventive appetizers, flavorful entrees, and decadent desserts, our experience was a satisfying blend of flavors and hospitality. Let us take you on a journey through each aspect of our visit, sharing insights and highlights along the way. A link to our full video experience is at the end of this post!
1. Embracing Warmth and Hospitality:
Step into The Hearth and immerse yourself in a cozy ambiance that exudes warmth and hospitality. From the welcoming smiles of the staff to the inviting decor, every detail is designed to make you feel right at home. Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner for two or a gathering with friends, The Hearth offers the perfect setting for any occasion.
2. Crafted Libations:
Quench your thirst with expertly crafted libations at The Hearth's bar. Sip on signature cocktails inspired by the flavors of North Carolina or choose from an impressive selection of local wines and craft beers. Indulge in creative concoctions like the "Smoky Old Fashioned," featuring bourbon, pecan-smoked maple syrup, Magnolia bitters, and a charred orange peel, or the refreshing "Spirited Lavender Lemonade," made with gin, lavender, lemon, blueberry, and basil.
 |
| Enchanted Flame on the Terrace |
 |
| Left to right: Appalachian Burro, Bleu Smoke, Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon |
 |
| Spirited Lavender Lemonade |
3. Appetizers to Tempt the Palate:
Begin your culinary journey with a tantalizing selection of appetizers that showcase the best of local and seasonal ingredients. Savor the Mediterranean-inspired flavors of the "Warm Coquillos Olives," infused with rosemary, garlic, red chili flakes, sundried tomatoes, and roasted red peppers. For a taste of indulgence, indulge in the "Artisanal Cheese and Charcuterie Board," featuring a variety of artisanal cheeses, savory meats, marcona almonds, mustard, local honey, and grilled baguette. Our favorite was the Burrata with pistachio pesto, lemon and asparagus!
 |
| Menu |
 |
| Wine List (Reds) |
 |
| Cocktail Menu |
 |
| Warm Coquillos Olives |
 |
| Charcuterie Board |
 |
| Burrata |
4. Entrees: A Culinary Symphony:
Indulge in an array of entrees that celebrate the rich culinary heritage of North Carolina. Sink your teeth into the "Coffee-Rubbed Fillet of Beef," tender and juicy, complemented perfectly with creamy Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and roasted heirloom carrots. For a taste of comfort, savor the "High Country Turkey Meatloaf," served with buttermilk mashed potatoes, smoky maple glaze, and crispy tobacco onions.
 |
| Coffee Rubbed Filet of Beef |
 |
| Pappardelle with Braised Short Ribs |
 |
| Turkey Meatloaf (our favorite!) |
5. Sweet Endings:
Save room for dessert and treat yourself to a decadent finale that will satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. Indulge in the "Chocolate-Dipped Sugared Waffle," a playful combination of warm, crispy waffle dipped in rich chocolate, paired with cool vanilla ice cream. For a refreshing twist, delight in the "Lemon Cheesecake," light and tangy with a delicate Chantilly cream and candied lemon garnish.
 |
| Sugared Waffle |
6. Unique Spirited Treats:
Experience a culinary innovation like no other with The Hearth's spirited treats, offering a delightful twist on traditional desserts. Venture outside onto the terrace and indulge in a sweet indulgence infused with spirits, creating a truly unforgettable dining experience. These spirited treats are exclusive to The Hearth and offer a perfect blend of sweet indulgence and sophisticated flavors. Savor the "Sunset & Main," a sweet sensation inspired by the cross streets of Blowing Rock, featuring blood orange sorbet, pink port, candy ginger, lemon zest, lavender, and a touch of gold. Watch in awe as the port is added with a unique applicator, enhancing the dessert's visual appeal and flavor profile. For chocolate lovers, the "Ruby Delight" is a dream come true, boasting chocolate ice cream, a chocolate macaron, ruby port chocolate drizzle, hazelnut, and a hint of rose, all enhanced with a squeeze of ruby port. These spirited treats offer a one-of-a-kind dining experience that is sure to delight the senses and leave a lasting impression.
 |
| Sunset & Main |
 |
| Ruby Delight |
7. Our Experience at The Hearth:
Allow us to share our firsthand experience and insights from our unforgettable culinary journey at The Hearth Restaurant. As enthusiasts of fine cuisine, we found our visit to be thoroughly enjoyable, with several key highlights worth noting. See our entire visit here:
Atmosphere and Service: The ambiance at The Hearth was inviting, with cozy interiors and a beautiful terrace providing a pleasant dining environment. The service was attentive and friendly, contributing to a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience.
Libations and Appetizers: We were impressed by the variety and quality of libations offered at The Hearth's bar. The cocktails were expertly crafted, and the selection of locally inspired drinks added to the overall charm of the establishment. The appetizers were well-prepared and presented, offering a satisfying start to our meal.
Entrees and Desserts: The entrees we sampled were flavorful and well-executed, showcasing the culinary expertise of the kitchen staff. Each dish was thoughtfully prepared, and the quality of ingredients was evident in every bite. While our experience at The Hearth was enjoyable, we believe that expanding the entree menu to offer more variety would enhance the dining experience, as we know individuals with diverse preferences may struggle to find dishes that cater to their taste. Desserts provided a sweet conclusion to our meal, with options that catered to a variety of preferences and we especially love the idea of getting a spirited treat on the terrace after dinner at Hearth or any time we are in Blowing Rock.
While we didn't have brunch, it is served daily at Hearth.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, our experience at The Hearth was positive overall. While there were some standout moments, such as the quality of libations and the attentive service, we also found room for improvement in certain areas. Nonetheless, we would recommend The Hearth to those seeking a pleasant dining experience in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Let us know what you think in the comments below! Book your room at the Embers' website: https://www.hotelembers.com/ or call at: (828) 372-8000. Reserve Hearth at www.opentable.com
Check out our Luxury Cruise & Travel Essentials Amazon Storefront here! We add products daily!
No comments:
Post a Comment