It is on a rare occasion that I go out to eat, even before the quarantine. It is not because I don’t enjoy eating out, it just that I rarely find a place with great food, service and a nice atmosphere all in one location, until now. I had an opportunity to visit a quaint little restaurant situated in Great Smoky Mountains nestled in the woods off Highway 321.
There is much to be said about the moment you enter a dining establishment. It sets the tone for the experience and treatment you are about to receive. I can say that upon walking in to meet my party I was greeted as an old friend as I gave the name of my party to the hostess, Barbie Kyzar. Honestly upon first meeting her I thought she may be one of the management team. She did not point or gesture to where I needed to go but rather escorted me as if I were someone important. I thought to myself we are setting the bar high, but the staff was ready to take it to the next level.
The servers were more than hired staff, they were an extension of a host and hostess. Our main server for the evening was Alley whom was knowledgeable of the menu and ingredients for each dish I inquired about. It came as little surprise to find out she was attending school to become a nurse for she had the art of being attentive to your needs before you asked.
At this point I am wondering if the experience can continue on this level for the rest of the experience. Time to order. Of course I must try the filet, after all their about us page says “The Greenbrier Restaurant is an incredible steakhouse...”. I normally never receive the temperature I ask for when it comes to most restaurants, but this was cooked to perfection. (I always like my steaks medium) It was not just cooked well it was one of the most flavorful meals I have ever enjoyed.
The meal started with “skillet bread” A small skillet of fried cornbread with butter that I could have been satisfied if it were the entree. The salad was unlike any “house” salad I’ve ever eaten and I can not tell you what all was in the mix. However the dressing was buttermilk poppy seed which was a first for me and now my new favorite. Then came the main course. My filet with asparagus and herb mashed potatoes. Which I did not leave any to waste.
From the moment I opened the door to the moment I was having to say goodnight the experience was truly a palatable pleasure! I know I will return soon to visit my new friends and have an incredible meal. So if you’re headed to the Smoky Mountains call in your reservation, I think you will not be disappointed. Oh, and you never know who you may run into while you’re there, as I ran into Phil and Kay Williams.
THE GREENBRIER | 370 Newman Road | Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Phone: 865-412-1576
