Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro — Restaurant in Maryville

It's not just when a meal goes right should you give 5 stars ... But when it goes sideways, it's how they handle themselves that dictates a 5 star restaurant to me, and Appalachian Bistro handled our snafus like champions last night.

It was our 19th Anniversary celebration, and we're staying on site. We drive 2 hours south from our off-grid farm to be here, be pampered, and take a break - but mostly we're excited to toast to us and taste this acclaimed chef's farm to table creations, so we walked in with high hopes.

The vibe is a mix of mountain and tropic decor, and Connor welcomed us with a high level of professionalism from the start. Our waiter Seth brought us 2 tasters of champagne to toast, and the wine list lived up to its reputation: we ordered a 2019 Amarone, our favorite wine. So far so good.

We looked at the menu online before coming, and eyed the fried green tomatoes, a chicken and gnocchi dish, and the trout with crawfish and shrimp. So that's what we ordered, without looking at our paper menus all that much. That's where things went sideways...

The starter was the best FGT we've ever had - the green toms were crispy, not soggy and drowning in oil like they usually are in TN, but like a dense toast packed with phyto-flavor. A slightly spicy sauce was layered underneath, and just the right amount of crab on top. Ooooh I don't think I'll be able to eat this dish anywhere else again, and how soon can we come back?

When the entrees came, hubby's gnocchi was actually starter dish, not a main, and the runner who dropped it called it dumplings, with pork? and mushrooms. He hates - and I mean loathes - mushrooms, and instantly we realized something was wrong. Seth heard us questioning and came over - confirmed the error, saying what we'd ordered was no longer on the menu, and while this was acrually the same ricotta gnocchi, it wasn't what we wanted. He accepted fault, and seeing my husband's face, took both plates away and said he'd bring a menu. My trout looked amazing, but I didn't argue - this level of dining comes with higher expectations, and one that includes both people having a positive experience, and sharing my trout wasn't a solution. After reviewing the menu, I stuck with trout, and hubs was leaning towards the filet, but Seth and I talked him into duck for several reasons, but selfishly so I could share (I don't eat beef). They dropped the first entrees at 7:05. Front desk Connor made sure to come over and appease our frustrations during the wait for the 2nd entrees, and at 7:25 they brought us a tiny scoop of a delicious palate-cleansing sorbet with a single raspberry, which we thought was a nice tough. At 7:35, our plates reappeared.

We are health-conscious folks and like to normally to be done with dinner by 6:30 or 7, this treats both of our systems better. But our res was at 6, so to me this wasn't so bad, but as we creapt closer to 8, my husband was fearing he wouldn't be able to eat much more.

Sadly, the duck arrived bloody on the inside once cut (a rush job no doubt) so much to our chagrin, we sent it back again.

But again, the staff rose to the occasion. Connor swiftly removed it and swiftly brought it back (6-8min). And it was delicious. They comped it for us, and offered a free dessert. By then it was after 8, and we declined - plus we felt we'd had our mid-course treat. So they comped the FGT, which we felt was unnecessary, but we appreciated, and brought us 2 delightful little chocolate truffles with the bill.

We left happy, well fed, with a bag of leftovers and half a bottle of wine to do the meal over tomorrow night at home back up north. And I woke today proud of everyone, how they handled the hiccups, and sailed high with supreme customer service. In a world that's lost most of that level of professionalism, it was beyond refreshing to experience on a special night for us.

Thanks to everyone who stepped up to make this anniversary a memorable one. We'll be talking up this place to...

When going out for fine dining, I often have a feeling of uneasiness because I know it will be a little pricey, but what if it isn't filling? Or what if the food isn't to my liking? I want to tell you about Dancing Bear Bistro and tell you how wonderful and perfect this place is.

First of all, this isn't a restaurant. This is a bucket list destination. It's so much more than food. It's a beautiful mountain lodge with a huge roaring fireplace, cozy nooks for intimate conversation, beautiful landscaping with fire pits and outdoor seating to enjoy the mountain air while sipping on a delicious cocktail or some gormet coffee. The dark, windy lane that leads you to the restaurant builds excitement that you have discovered something exclusive and magical, filling you with anticipation of what you are about to experience. It appeals to all the senses, giving customers a relaxed, upscale atmosphere that fills your soul with awe that you are lucky enough to be in this place.

Next, the service is unmatched. I don't mean that they cater to your every need (which they excel at)... 20 other upscale restaurants in the area do that. But Dancing Bear does something I've never experienced before. Here, your server tells the story of the chef's creations in great detail and leads you down a path of desire to sample what has been so carefully selected for you to experience. Aileen was our server and she got to know our group, learning our likes, then developed a custom experience of cocktails, wine pairings, and taught us the subtle details to look for in every entree, garnish, and sauce so that we each could get the most perfect taste sensations possible out of each dish. Aileen was so intelligent and witty, matching our energy and becoming part of our group, whose effort alone was worth the cost of the meal. We never felt like the goal was to upsale us and extract money from our pockets... we were educated on how fine dining should be enjoyed, like a good friend would introduce you to their passion so you can enjoy it with them. It is so hard to put into words how this business was so good at what they did, that it didn't feel like a business at all.

I am so impressed with the location, people, and food here that it makes me want to bring all of my closest friends to share in its splendor. We shared our entrees with each other, indulging in the buttery, perfectly cooked filet mignon paired with a savory Bordeaux, the juicy Springer Mountain chicken, with the crispy crust that is a little sweet and spicy, paired with a delicious Italian garganega white wine that gave subtle apricot, elderflower, and lavender notes. I had no idea what any of that was before I dined here. Our server even took the time to write down the names of the wines we sampled so we can enjoy them at home, again showing a level of care for customers like you would do for close friends or family.

When we left, I felt like more than my stomach was full. My my mind was filled with food knowledge and a wonderful romantic memory with my wife, and my soul was full of love for this place and its people. Our meal was $150 but worth so much more. I almost didn't put the cost in the review because it became unimportant, something you wanted to give to the establishment so this amazing place can continue to provide others with a dining experience that transcends anything you have felt before. Make Dancing Bear Bistro part of your life memories. You won't be...

I recently took a trip up to Tennessee for a wedding. I had heard around the WWW that this place was one of the best/most romantic restaurants in the entire South. So I had to check it out. The entirety of the area is winding roads with beautiful views as you snake your way towards the Smoky Mountains. The town of Townsend is the last real town before you enter the National Park.

I drove into the resort and walked into this absolutely beautiful building. It's dimly lit inside; seemingly lit only by candlelight and windows. I was really stunned. It's gorgeous. So we get our super friendly server and get to ordering.

Before we got anything we ordered, out came the complimentary corn bead, served with a delicate, creamy butter, and drizzled with some honey. Super good. Best, softest corn bread I've had in a long time.

Apps. We got two boards, because we're extra. The Appalachian Lunchable (Benne Seed Bacon, Deviled Eggs, House Pimento Cheese, Sea Salt Crackers, Smoked Salmon Rillette, Biscuits & Jam, Benton's Country Ham, Pickled Vegetables). And the Artisan Cheese Board (Ashe County Marble Blue, Green Hill Brie, Red Dragon, Thomasville Tomme, Sea Salt Crackers, Spiced Nuts, Fig & Almond Cake, Grapes, Seasonal Jam).

There were SO many things to eat here. Variety on boards like these are always appreciate. So many combinations to try. I was a fan. I can't go over everything, but I can say that the best items were the smoked salmon and the brie; target those. And the things that could use replacing were the deviled eggs, yawn, and that it, actually. Everything else had its place in the little meal.

For my main, I had the North Carolina Rainbow Trout and Grits (Cornmeal Dusted Trout, Creamy Grits, Conecuh Sausage, Gulf Shrimp & Crawfish, Preserved Tomatoes). WOW. I was a fan. That cornmeal dusting was so, so good. The tender fish was sitting on top of a sloppy mess of all those meats and the grits all jumbled together. I really loved this dish. This should be your top priority.

I also got my hands on a scallop dish that I don't remember what it was exactly and they don't have it on their menu anymore. Probably for the best. It was not five stars. It wasn't three stars, either, but it just needed some help. Poor searing, lackluster sauce, and a textureless pairing with some roasted parsnips. I don't like dissing restaurants. All the dishes just can't be winners, it's ok.

Now, dessert. I can't find the menu item exactly, but it was a parsnip themed carrot cake with a cream in the middle and a crunchy twist of something on top that made this delectable. So soft, so slightly sweet, and their honey made a return to make this a dynamite dessert.

Overall, if you're in the area of the Great Smoky Mountains with your significant other. I think you'll be doing yourself a huge favor by...