The Stubborn Bull at Mill Creek
The Best of Highlands NC Restaurants
I suggest you start "Rockin’ to the Beet," ($12) a dish that bursts forth like a vibrant melody, each note a harmonious blend of nature’s finest. Marinated beets, rich and earthy, provide the rhythm, their deep hues echoing the heart’s deepest beats. Arugula, fresh and peppery, dances atop the dish, a lively counterpoint to the creamy whispers of goat cheese that melt like soft-spoken secrets. Roasted pistachios add a delightful crunch, a percussive punctuation to the symphony of flavors. Blood orange vinaigrette weaves through with a tangy sweetness, its citrus notes a bright crescendo, while a drizzle of local honey ties the ensemble together, its golden warmth a lingering echo of sunlight and summer breezes. This dish is a celebration, a culinary composition that rocks the palate with every vibrant, harmonious bite.
Next, The Lotus Buns ($15) bloom with culinary elegance, their soft, pillowy folds cradling treasures within. Steamed to perfection, these buns open to reveal a heart of crispy Korean BBQ pork belly, each bite a symphony of smoky, savory delight. The pork’s rich depth is balanced by a refreshing cucumber salad, its cool crunch a whisper of gardens kissed by morning dew. Sriracha aioli drapes the filling with a fiery, creamy embrace, a tantalizing dance of heat and silk. Together, these elements create a dish that transcends the ordinary, a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that echo the grace and beauty of the lotus, inviting you to savor every exquisite moment.
Let’s talk pieces de resistance, shall we?
The "Cognac Filet Mignon" ($58) arrives as a masterpiece on a plate, an ode to culinary sophistication. The filet mignon, tender and succulent, is seared to perfection, each bite a testament to its exquisite marbling and rich, buttery flavor. It rests in a pool of Cognac demi reduction, a luxurious elixir that envelops the meat with its velvety embrace, infusing each mouthful with a warm, smoky depth. Surrounding this regal centerpiece are roasted vegetables, their vibrant hues and caramelized edges whispering of the earth's bounty. The sweetness of carrots, the savory notes of Brussels sprouts, and the delicate tenderness of asparagus create a harmonious symphony, a rustic counterpoint to the filet’s opulent grandeur. This dish is a celebration of contrasts and complements, where every element sings in perfect harmony, inviting you to indulge in a sensory journey of unparalleled delight.
Finally, In the heart of a gorgeous sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Paella (served for two, $62) rests like a golden dream, its saffron rice a radiant canvas. Halibut, with its tender, pearly flesh, lies nestled among the treasures of the sea, each piece a promise of delicate flavors. Shrimp, pink and succulent, curl like whispers of the ocean's secret lullabies, while the blue crab, with its regal presence, crowns the dish in a resplendent flourish. The saffron rice, infused with the vibrant hues of pimentos and the rich sweetness of tomatoes, absorbs the essence of the sea, each grain a testament to the harmony of land and water. Aromatic spices weave through the air, their fragrant embrace mingling with the robust scent of onions, creating a symphony of flavors that beckon and entice. The dish tells a story of sunlit shores and salty breezes, of fishermen's bounties and the timeless dance of waves against the sand. It is more than a meal; it is an invitation to savor the poetry of the sea, to immerse oneself in the rich tapestry of flavors and aromas, and to find joy in the simple, profound beauty of a perfectly crafted paella.
To conclude, at The Stubborn Bull, every dish tells a story of passion and perseverance, of Mediterranean sun-baked villages and azure seas. The flavors are bold, the ingredients fresh, and the experience unforgettable. Whether it’s the robust flavors of a perfectly grilled lamb, the delicate touch of freshly caught seafood, or the rich tapestry of spices in a hearty stew, each bite is a celebration of life’s simple pleasures.
As you dine right above Mill Creek, surrounded by the comforting hum of laughter and clinking glasses, you’ll find that The Stubborn Bull is not just a place to eat but a place to linger, to connect, and to create memories. It’s a place where the spirit of the Mediterranean comes alive, bringing warmth and joy to every heart.
So, let the enchanting melodies of The Stubborn Bull’s culinary symphony carry you away. Embrace the magic, savor the flavors, and let your soul dance with the rhythm of the Mediterranean. Here, in this cozy nook of Highlands, NC, the spirit of the stubborn bull endures, inviting all who enter to partake in its timeless feast.
Enjoy the trip!
Links: Website | Reservations | Tel: (828) 200-0813 | About
Nick Saint Clair