This is the second installment in a four part series of my Gatlinburg Media Tour review. I received a complimentary dinner at The Park Grill as part of this event sponsored by Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery, Ripley’s Adventures and The Park Grill. I received no further compensation from The Park Grill. All opinions are my own.
photo courtesy of The Park Grill
Our host for the evening, Sue Bock Marketing & Executive Assistant to Geoffrey A. Wolpert, Owner of The Park Grill and sister restaurant, The Peddler Steakhouse. We can’t thank her enough for her insight into the Gatlinburg community and history of The Park Grill.
If you want to experience a true Smoky Mountain lodge, The Park Grill is the real deal.
A bit about Gatlinburg and history of The Park Grill.
Gatlinburg sits in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. The Smokies get their name from the blue smoke-like mist that rises from their peaks. The Cherokee Indians called them Sha-Kon-O-Hey which means “Land of Blue Smoke.”
Did you know the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in America?
The first settlers of Gatlinburg brought along their pioneer spirit of living off the land. They used what they found in nature to construct their homes, tools and everyday necessities of life. These clever craftsmen carved the wood, shaped the stone and worked the soil. This self-sufficient community formed the foundation of southern Appalachian culture.
The Park Grill is a testament to the Great Smoky Mountains, Great Smoky National Park and its people. Experience all the classic flavors of Southern Appalachia while dining in the comfort of a rustic mountain lodge.
The Park Grill has several dining rooms fit for any occasion.
Interior photos courtesy of The Park Grill website
Constructing The Park Grill was no easy undertaking.
Every detail from precision cut log framework to the antler chandeliers was carefully calculated. Dead-standing spruce trees were harvested from the top of the Payette National Forest in Idaho and used to construct our massive log superstructure. A scale model of the building accompanied the logs through the entire process. Each log was selected and tagged for a specific spot in the building. The logs and model were shipped to Gatlinburg on seven flatbed trucks and carefully stacked using cedar filled burlap bags between them to prevent damage.
A crew of log builders trekked from Washington State, Oregon, California, Idaho, and Canada to construct the building using traditional log building methods.
Learn more about building The Park Grill here
The Park Grill menu revolves around the resources and people that make Gatlinburg, Tennessee unique.
Moonshine plays a part in the menu.
We had to start with the Lemon Moonshine Calamari, a Southern Style, deep fried treat served with a Lemonade Moonshine sauce. I love fried calamari and this dish did not disappoint. The lemon sauce brightens the dish.
The Shrimp and Crab Bisque is one of their most asked for menu items. I could see why. A great start to any meal.
We couldn’t resist a trip to the over 40 item salad bar!
I chose the Moonshine Cherry Beef Kabobs.
Eight ounces of Filet Tips, cherries and red onions marinated in genuine Moonshine and Pineapple Juice. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this combination. I’m so glad I ordered it! The steak was cooked to perfection. The cherries are soaked in moonshine and the liquid is used in the marinade. So good!
My dining companion, Maureen got a taste too. She agreed the that the taste is unique and full flavored. I highly recommend these kabobs to any beef lover!
Maureen got the Fresh Mountain Rainbow Trout. Boneless English Mountain trout filet is lightly seasoned, served grilled or fried. Sweet Potato Casserole with coconut is definitely a must try side.
No meal is complete without dessert. We had to try the Dessert Sampler!
Jack Daniel’s Crème Bruleé, Blackberry Cobbler and Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Perfect for sharing!
The Park Grill also recognizes that children want a good meal too! Children get a choice of steak, chicken tenders, fried shrimp, fish & Chips or trout with salad bar, fries and a beverage priced by their age! $1.00 plus their age is what you pay. Maybe age appropriate pricing might catch on!
Overall our dining experience at The Park Grill was memorable and enjoyable. Generous portions, local flavor prepared by cooks not chefs makes the meal a true Smoky Mountain experience. I highly recommend a visit to The Park Grill as a must see stop to any visit in or near Gatlinburg. Please be sure to tell Sue hello from us!
