The trip may be a little longer than the usual, but the drive to Lookout Mountain’s Canyon Grill is a beautiful venture through the Georgia mountains and well worth the ride for what is sure to be an incredible dining experience.
On a recent visit to this unique and cozy restaurant, my friend and I were treated to some of Canyon Grill’s best creations, prepared by General Manager and Executive Chef Johnny Holland. Chef Holland, mentored and taught by owner Lawton Haygood, has been in the kitchen of Canyon Grill since 1998.
We began the evening with bread and wine served in etched glasses bearing the logos of Canyon Grill and its two sister restaurants, Boathouse and Sugar’s Ribs. We were able to bring our own bottle as Canyon Grill does not serve alcohol but welcomes guests to bring their own with no corkage fee. For $6.50, guests can also take the wine glasses home.
Within moments, our food began to arrive. We tasted several appetizers, all of them delicious. One was a deep-fried whole catfish, covered in a black bean sauce. After one bite we both agreed that this dish, called “Slash N Burn Catfish,” is an absolute must-have. Typically served as an entrée, the catfish is perfect for sharing among several people as an appetizer.
We also enjoyed a beautiful wood-grilled whole artichoke, halved and served with a cayenne-mayo dip. The art of eating the artichoke lies in peeling the layers, dipping them, and scraping the flesh from the leaves, making one’s way to the heart of the artichoke.
We were then treated to wedge salads with fresh tomatoes, bacon and dressing. Crisp and delicious, the salads served as the perfect precursor to the entrees to come.
Our first entrée was the aromatic, melt-in-your mouth ground mignon topped with blue cheese crumbles and black peppercorns. With the crispy potatoes and grilled red cabbage sidedishes, this well-balanced plate was certainly a favorite.
The second entrée was duckling breast served with fresh mango salsa and fresh green beans. The light and flavorful salsa with hints of red onion was the perfect complement to the flavor of the dark meat of the duck. Not only was this dish visually striking, the flavors were incredible. The flavor and texture combinations could not have been married more perfectly.
As we poured our second glasses of wine and began to feel quite cozy and full, our table filled with desserts. The first was an amaretto brownie served with ice cream and chocolate sauce. With the strong, rich flavor of amaretto, our dessert tasting was off to a decadent beginning.
The next dessert was a rich coconut cake with fresh berries, toasted coconut and whipped cream. This cake was nothing short of spectacular. My friend and I agreed, as most people surely will, that this dessert is a standout must-have.
The final dessert was shortcake with seasonal berries, vanilla ice cream and pecans, topped with a house-made whipped cream. This was my pick of the evening. The berries were fresh and plump; the shortcake was textured with a sugar crusting while moist on the inside; and the toasted pecans added warmth to the freshness and coolness of the dish. This delightful indulgence, with its rich combination of textures, was delicious beyond description.
For a romantic, cozy evening for two or for a group celebration, Canyon Grill is a perfect choice and well worth the drive. Everything we sampled on the menu was cooked to absolute perfection, and the palatal experience was extroadinary. The exceptional staff, beautiful scenery, and of course the food, make for an unforgettable dining experience that is sure to become a favorite.