The Gideon Ridge Restaurant was in the inn of the same name in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.  The inn has about 10 rooms which have priority in getting restaurant reservations.  The menu changes with the season and a couple courses changed over the 2 nights we were there.  It took 2 (1939-1941) years to construct the personal home that later became the Inn in 1982.  The Milner family purchased the place and restored the building which also created 10 guest rooms and the restaurant.  Originally the restaurant just served the guests but later it opened to the community.  A really pretty spot with lots of fireplaces and a full bar, both of which are great for the cooler weather.  Great views are from all the windows that surround the dining room but the sun goes down early in winter so we snapped photos in the daytime.  The slate floor and stone walls made me think it was probably a porch area at some time.  A nice living room area was where the bar was if you wanted to wait in there or have drinks before or after dinner.  Music was in the background and the lighting was well lowered.  Service was friendly but not worldly.  If you want a break from whatever, this is a place I would recommend.  The menu is a la carte so it makes it easy to spend a couple nights and vary the menu, which we did.  Our server pushed us to order from all 3 sections of the menu, saying the chef scales the portions.  Three was too much, especially if you wanted dessert. Continue reading →