Highlands Tavern
A Culinary Journey at Highlands Tavern: Where Every Dish Tells a Story
In the heart of Highlands, North Carolina, where the misty mountains cradle the skies and the whispers of nature serenade the soul, there lies a haven for the epicurean at heart—the Highlands Tavern. This is not just a place to dine; it is a sanctuary where each dish unfolds a story, and every flavor sings a symphony.
The Highlander’s Feast: A Melodic Beginning
Imagine a table set under the twinkling stars, where the air is crisp and the ambiance warm. The Highlander’s Feast begins with the Tavern’s signature 205 Wedge. Picture crisp Baby Gem Lettuce, a vibrant green canvas, adorned with the smoky sweetness of bacon jam that whispers tales of cozy firesides. The bold tang of Maytag Blue Cheese offers a creamy counterpoint, while heirloom tomatoes burst with sun-kissed juiciness. Delicate slivers of shaved red onion add a sharp, melodic note, harmonizing perfectly with the rich, golden shards of cured egg yolk. Each bite of the "205 Wedge" is a poetic dance, a celebration of fresh ingredients elevated to sublime artistry.
Appalachian Harmony: A Symphony in Every Bite
As you move deeper into the feast, allow me to present to you the Yellowfin Tuna Tartar, a dish where oceanic elegance meets culinary artistry. Imagine delicate pieces of Yellowfin Tuna, their ruby hue glistening like jewels from the sea, nestled on a bed of crisp sesame wonton. Creamy avocado and refreshing cucumber intertwine, offering a symphony of textures that delight the palate. A touch of nori adds a whisper of the ocean's embrace, while luxurious caviar crowns this masterpiece with pearls of briny indulgence. The sesame chili sauce weaves through each element, a spicy, nutty melody that lingers like a beautiful, haunting refrain. The "Yellowfin Tuna Tartar" is more than a dish; it’s a poetic ode to the treasures of the deep.
Main Course Serenade: A Culinary Masterpiece
The 4TH Street Burger is a harmonious blend of flavors that transforms a classic into a culinary legend. Imagine biting into a succulent patty, crafted from the finest brisket and short rib, seared to perfection. The confit tomato bursts with sweet intensity, a sun-kissed echo of summer's bounty. A smear of black garlic aioli adds a whisper of smoky mystery, while house pickles offer a tangy, spirited contrast. Melted Gruyère, with its nutty richness, envelops the burger in creamy decadence. Fresh arugula lends a peppery zest, and all of this is cradled by a pillowy brioche bun, golden and buttery. The 4TH Street Burger is not just a meal; it’s a poetic journey through the heart of flavor.
For those who seek the ocean’s touch, the Tuna Tataki is a dish that captures the essence of elegance and the artistry of simplicity. Imagine perfectly seared tuna, its tender flesh kissed by the flame, revealing a pristine, rosy interior. This delicate creation is accompanied by pickled enoki mushrooms, their subtle tang adding a whisper of woodland mystery. The lime ponzu drizzles like liquid sunshine, infusing each bite with a burst of citrus brilliance and a symphony of umami. Crisp cucumber slices, cool and refreshing, dance alongside, offering a harmonious crunch. The Tuna Tataki is a poetic celebration of balance and purity, a culinary sonnet that transports you to the serene shores of culinary bliss.
Sweet Reverie: The Final Note
No symphony is complete without its final, sweet note. The Keylime Pie is a dessert that weaves the warmth of the tropics into every bite. Imagine a velvety filling, kissed with the zesty essence of sun-ripened key limes, cradled in a buttery graham cracker crust that crumbles like golden sand beneath your fork. Atop this citrus dream lies a sprinkling of lime caviar, delicate pearls that burst with tangy brilliance, adding an unexpected twist to this classic delight. Each slice of the Keylime Pie is a poetic journey to a sun-drenched paradise, where every flavor dances in perfect harmony, leaving a lingering taste of sweet, tropical serenity.
A Toast to the Highlands: The Beverage Selection
Order the cucumber martini… I won’t say more.
The Highlands Tavern Experience: More Than a Meal
Dining at the Highlands Tavern is more than just a meal—it’s an experience, a journey through the rich tapestry of flavors that the Highlands region has to offer. Each dish is a love letter to the land, a poetic tribute to the ingredients that make this place so special.
So, come, take a seat at the Highlands Tavern. Let the stories of the mountains unfold on your plate. Let the flavors serenade your senses. Here, every meal is a celebration, every bite a verse in the poetic saga of the Highlands. Be aware: no reservation. First come, first served.
Links: Website | Tel: (828) 526-9002 | About
Nick Saint Clair
