The Highlands Reserve — Restaurant in Chimney Rock

Point of View - The Highlands Kitchen review

“What’s in a name?”

My view of this delightful reconstruct of a former restaurant by the name “Point of View” is that it is a “must dine often” offering in Lake Lure’s growing culinary scene.

First, I must admit, I thought to give it 4 stars only, because what most would believe - from it’s former name -this restaurant affords views of Lake Lure … is misleading. I decided that would be unfair as the owner and staff of Highlands Kitchen are not responsible for the actual “lack of a view” of Lake Lure the restaurant offers.

If you enter the patio area from the dining room and turn to your right…walk about 5 adult steps, you will be able to stand or sit at the one table on the deck that affords you a view of the lake and surrounding mountains. Mind you, you need to look up, not straight across, because, if you don’t, you will be viewing a secondary road and makeshift parking lot. Parking options are very limited. Unfortunately, there is no boardwalk access from the lake.

Now, on to the reason for my five star rating and hopefully engaging review in which I hope to detail why this gem of restaurant in Lake Lure is succeeding in attracting residents as well as vacationers to its completely and charmingly renovated home… it’s the delicious food and personal service.

I enjoyed the lemon pepper trout special, though, I did think twice before ordering it. You see, I love trout. I do not like the lemon pepper seasoning one finds in supermarkets, but I was feeling adventurous.

And this trout dish brought me into spring with its freshness, comforting my palate with a velvet like texture. The risotto that accompanied the fish nearly outshone the brilliant trout. Bravo, chef!

Prior to that, I treated myself to a traditional Southern appetizer, fried green tomatoes with goat cheese and pork belly. My order was sans the pork belly topping, at my own request, but I imagine it further compliments the wondrous flavors and texture of this version of a classic. Another win.

The salad which also proceeded my entree, may possibly be the best, most unique, bite for bite engaging salad I’ve ever eaten. Rose V’s salad.

The artfully created menu also entices you to order some unique cocktails or enjoy a beverage from the wine and beer lists. I chose a rhubarb cocktail in keeping with the season. It was delicious. My praise for the mixologist.

Oops! Did I miss the desserts? Not a chance. If you care anything about delicious desserts, don’t miss the sweet endings here. I endulged in a fresh lemon cake that was so moist and flavorful I devoured every bite. The key lime pie must be mentioned. A staple in their selections and beyond compare.

Highland Kitchen’s professional, caring staff offers its diners both unique personalities and a skilled care.

So, my view of the former “Point of View” is this owner and staff could relocate to a place which actually has a view or continue in their current location where the limited view of Lake Lure doesn’t matter because the owner and staff are why it is succeeding.

My advice- don’t go to the former “Point of View” now Highlands Kitchen for the view but don’t miss this amazing...

One of the best meals I’ve ever had in my life! Excellent quality of food and service. The only improvement I’d recommend is to include one side with the entree and provide bread. The atmosphere and view were great too! FLASH FORWARD a couple years later: Helene was terrible and it devastated the Highland Kitchen at Chimney Rock. I am sorry for that and understand that it’s tough to stay in business. With that being said, I’d be remiss as a local resident not to express my feelings about tonight’s dining experience. Tonight was my first time in the Wyndham Resort location underneath a gas station. I was disappointed. I want to say that the location could/should be greatly improved with just a few modifications. To be a top-rated restaurant, the dining room needs to be given a little TLC. Here is a list of improvements that I’d recommend: Put a dimmer on the bright lights for better ambiance. The room was so bright that it made everyone at my table feel on display. Play music in the main dining room. The front room had a TV (which I do not like in a formal/expensive restaurant) but there was no music playing in the main dining room. The place was noisy with only loud voices. I understand that not much can be done about the acoustics of the room but eliminating a couple of tables would help. Maybe adding some fresh flowers, or a candle would make the experience more enjoyable. A great enhancement would be to add artwork or photographs to the plain wall-papered walls. Our server was good and the food was good, but for plates that cost $17-$50, there needs to be a bit more effort! I’ll be back. I hope these suggestions help! I want the Highland Reserve to succeed…. A few days later: Thanks for your comments. With further thought, I apologize for not reaching out to the owners directly. The food was actually really good. I enjoyed the French Onion Soup and fried calamari. I was too harsh in my comments considering the devastation of the hurricane. I revised my review to 4 stars, which is more accurate than 3! Thank you for remaining open during all the...

Just finished dinner at Highlands Kitchen & Bar and wanted to provide an objective review.

Service: Service was fair for us, but we noticed the two other tables around us were very unhappy. One table was given the wrong order and the other’s food item never showed up. Usually, when that happens, you comp a drink or dessert as an “oops, my bad” gesture, but neither was offered.

Food: I got the 18 oz ribeye with chimmichuri and mashed potatoes. It was a solid steak. Not the best, but solid. My wife, who is celiac and needs gluten free, got the tuna tacos. They only gave her two tacos and a side of tasteless rice (FYI: for tacos, the standard dinner serving is three and two for lunch). The tacos had very little tuna and lots of cabbage. I understand food prices have increased, but I can say with confidence their items are overpriced, even with supply shortage considerations. My wife ended up buying a frozen burrito at the nearby Ingles.

They also have a gluten free menu, but it turned out half the menu actually wasn’t gluten free. We appreciated that our server double checked and that they even had a gluten free menu to begin with, but what’s the point if you don’t adhere to it? Three of the six appetizers on gluten free menu had soy sauce in them when our sever checked.

Drinks: A cocktail ranges from $14-16, which is what you’d expect to find in the fanciest downtown Asheville, Charlotte, or Raleigh restaurants, but Lake Lure? Again, a bit overpriced given the margins on liquor and quality of cocktails.

Overall, I like that there is an alternative in Lake Lure for people that want a more formal dining experience instead of the very casual Lake House Bar & Grill, but it seems they’re treating folks like a captive audience and gouging a bit. If they can figure out their gluten free menu, up the portion sizes by 20%, and price cocktails in the $12 range we’d give it...