Robert Rankin

GOURMET HIGHWAY: Snowbird in Summermycookingmagazine.com /gourmet-highway-snowbird-in-summer/

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Posted by FAM on Aug 8, 2014 in , | 2 comments

By Doc Lawrence –

Julia Child advised those seeking fulfillment to “findsomething you’re passionate about and keeptremendously interested in it.” Entrepreneur RobertRankin has a passion for his Snowbird MountainLodge and his interest in hospitality qualifies him asmuch more than one of the South’s top innkeepers.His philosophy is to “get in touch with what mattersmost in life. True wealth,” says Mr. Rankin, “isn’treally measured by money, but by time. Creatingthe space that allows us that time is incrediblyimportant in today’s world.”

Driving to his Snowbird Mountain Lodge involvesascension on a long and winding road. High up inSanteetlah Gap, on the southern border of theGreat Smoky Mountain National Park you feel theelevation changes while enjoying the cleaner,cooler air that will appear in lowland Southern citiesin October. The Snowbird Mountains regularly greetvisitors with postcard moments: a stunning view ofpeaks embraced by morning clouds; the canopy of trees; flowers and wildlife galore; and priceless peace.

All this without television or radio.

Chef and Virginia

Walkways, patios, dining, library, and bar space are made with native wood and stone. With over 500 ofthe world’s most heralded wines in a magnificent cellar, dinner, prepared under the auspices of anexecutive chef and a skilled culinary team, is an experience comparable to gourmet dining in Palm Beachor Atlanta.

Not your average innkeeper, Robert Rankin givesnew meaning to hands-on management,emphasizing the gentle art of warm hospitality.“What is available here,” says a youthful Rankin,“reflects how I live.” The Alabama native lives andbreathes joie de vivre , and it is highly contagious.

Secluded and elegant, the historic lodge, built ofstone and huge chestnut logs has a porch viewyou won’t find south of Virginia’s Homestead.Rankin has amassed a library in the main roomwith bookshelves from the floor to the ceiling. Afew minutes of conversation with him (he isapproachable and very bright) confirms that he hasread many of the books.

Snowbird’s intimate Fireside Bar features aspectacular backdrop of countless bottles ofBourbon, rare Single Malt Scotch and TennesseeWhiskey. Cocktails are served in fine barware by abartender whose conversation equals his pouring skills. Relaxing here is a just reward for a day on thehiking trails or in the abundant waters of Lake Santeetlah.

The dinner menu is exceptional, top tier amongrespected Southeastern resort restaurants. With akitchen headed by Executive Chef Frank Davi, atalented culinary wizard of Sicilian heritage, a four-course gourmet menu includes local farm products likeNorth Carolina trout and quail, organic free-rangechicken and artisan pork and beef. His culinary heroesinclude Julia Child and Thomas Keller. With a profoundinfluence in Asheville, Keller has set the gourmet cultureof Western North Carolina ablaze. “My style of cookingis Carolina fusion,” says Davi. “Farm-to-table freshblended into interpretations of many cooking traditions.”

Trout en Papillote recalls a dinner long ago at Antoine’s,the French Quarter gourmet shrine. Locally sourcedNorth Carolina mountain trout, wrapped, baked andserved in parchment paper is magnificent with a bottle of Chablis from France.

For beef, a signature dish is Grilled Steak Teriyaki, a twelve-ounce New York Strip glazed with a customTeriyaki sauce that becomes supercharged when accompanied by Chambertin, the regal red Burgundythat was one of Napoleon’s favorites.

Butch – Bartender

The outstanding dinner menu is notable forvariety, sensitivity to seasons and the availability offresh items. The courses encourage diners toexplore wines from the expansive list that includesprized wines ranging from South African Pinotageto the best from France, Oregon, Napa andbeyond. Wines from North Carolina’s YadkinValley are also available. Nothing from the cellar isordinary, evidenced by the high quality of wines bythe glass.

Snowbird is a launch pad for outdoor recreation:Kayaking and canoeing, fly-fishing, whitewateradventure and hiking are popular. Reputableguides are available and many of the activitiesrequire little more than a map. Local history is rich with Cherokee heritage with one branch, the SnowbirdCherokee Tribe living in the area. The Appalachian Trail is nearby. With a long stretch of mile highunsurpassed scenery, the Cherohala Skyway guarantees a breathtaking experience.

Robert Rankin, a man who values time, is often present during dinner, assisting the wait staff, chatting withguests about wine choices or where they call home. Ernest Hemingway, another man who loved theoutdoors and a good bottle of wine once wrote that in the end, “time is all we really had.”

RESOURCES:

Snowbird Mountain Lodgehttp://snowbirdlodge.com

F&M

Doc Lawrence is a veteran travel, food, wine and spirits journalist. Contact him at:editors@docsnews.com.

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