The Library Restaurant and Bar - Cashiers, NC

Good morning, chic readers! We hope you had an amazing weekend. We had the most fun on our trip to Cashiers, NC last week. We think it is certainly one of the most beautiful spots in the country. 

The Library Restaurant - Cashiers, NC

We rented a house on the property of the High Hampton Inn and Country Club, which, incidentally, was the setting for the remake of Dirty Dancing. From the youngest to the oldest, we all loved this beautiful spot, with its hiking, lake activities and charming dining hall that seems like a throwback to a simpler time. 

Buttermilk Pie with Bing Cherry Compote

One of the highlights was our dinner at Library Restaurant – Cashiers, NC, a new favorite!

The Library Restaurant - Cashiers, NC

Owned by Chicos founders Marvin and Helene Gralnick and the utterly charming Liz Klapdohr and Chef Johannes, the restaurant is eclectic, warm and as inviting as its owners.

 

The stunning chandelier in the bar area is the only thing that survived Hurricane Katrina in the New Orleans Chicos location. It stands proudly lighting this beautiful yet chicly rustic space, which was originally a members only club where people could drink legally during Prohibition.

Library Restaurant Cashiers, NC

The bacon-maple rosemary popcorn and vegetable house chips with romesco sauce are not to be missed.

And the garden salad, marinated vegetables, toasted pecans, and passion fruit-tupelo honey vinaigrette go way beyond basic salads. 

The Library Restaurant Cashiers, NC

The east coast oysters with bloody mary- wasabi vinaigrette, memo chives and lime dust are transformative. 

Library Restaurant Cashiers, NC

But, beyond the food, which was, we all agreed, among the best we have ever had, we have seldom felt so welcomed and so at ease in a space–even with a five year old. 

Buttermilk Pie with Bing Cherry Compote

Liz regaled us with a kitchen tour where my little guy got to have his Library hat signed by all of the chefs. He was thrilled!

Library Restaurant Cashiers, NC

And there was even a delectable gourmet children’s menu with meals made from all of the same local ingredients as the main menu. 

The Library Restaurant - Cashiers, NC

And the dessert was legendary. We had this buttermilk pie with bing cherry compote–and a brownie with ice cream–and they were the perfect sweet complement to a truly extraordinary meal. 

The Library Restaurant - Cashiers, NC abstract art

But perhaps the best part of this extraordinary restaurant was the incredible art, created by owner Marvin Gralnick.

The Library Restaurant - Cashiers, NC - abstract art

It is abstract, fun and completely fabulous.

The Library Restaurant - Cashiers, NC

The art is the perfect juxtaposition to the interior of the restaurant.

The Library Restaurant - Cashiers, NC

And a good reminder to relax…

The Library Restaurant - Cashiers, NC

And be happy, which, once you visit the Library, you really can’t help but be both of those things. When it comes to summer vacations, this one was tops. Do you have any fun trips planned for the summer?

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