By Jessica Isaacs | jessica@highcountrypress.com
One of the High Country’s favorite and most memorable establishments, the Gamekeeper Restaurant and Bar, recently retained the coveted Four Diamond distinction from AAA Carolinas for the ninth year in a row.
AAA Carolinas conducts meticulous assessments and evaluations each year at eligible establishments, which then receive ratings between one and five diamonds, with five being the best.
“AAA’s requirements for a Four Diamond rating are scrupulous, and those achieving this status are among the finest hotels and restaurants in the country,” AAA Carolinas President and CEO Dave Parsons said in a recent release. “Less than four percent of annual inspections conducted nationally result in a Four Diamond rating.”
Four Diamond Award
Restaurant owners Ken and Wendy Gordon traveled to an awards ceremony in Asheville last week to accept the recognition on behalf of the Gamekeeper, one of three restaurants in western North Carolina to earn it.
“The Four Diamond Award means that we’re staying on top of our game. It’s a pretty big honor, and it tells people that, when they see it, they should expect good things,” Ken said. “Hopefully it keeps people coming in the door.
“I think it shows that we’re consistent in a lot of ways. We’re consistent in our food and our service, but I think the number one would be general hospitality — treating folks like they’re at home. They can relax and enjoy themselves and we will do our best for them.”
AAA Carolinas is an affiliate of the American Automobile Association, a not-for-profit organization that serves more than 1.9 million members and the public with travel, automobile and insurance services while being an advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.
You may recognize AAA for its roadside assistance services, but its membership also turns to the organization for respected travel advice and recommendations on lodging and dining.
“There are two million AAA members in North and South Carolina just in those two states alone, and they’re not just joining so they can get pulled out of the ditches in the winter,” Ken said. “They’re using these services because they’ve learned they can trust the ratings and trust the choices on quality places.”
Another High Country favorite, the Lovill House Inn, was one of 12 hotels in western North Carolina to receive the Four Diamond distinction, which it has retained for 19 years now.
The Gamekeeper
The Gamekeeper is known for its gracious hospitality, its high-quality food and an adventurous dining experience that comes with all the comforts of home. You can try something new, like emu, bison, elk or pheasant, or stick to your classic favorites, like cornmeal-crusted trout, beef tenderloin or ribeye.
“It’s a place where you can feel relaxed while you’re dining. The food is mine and Wendy’s version of comfort food, meaning that it makes you feel at home,” said Ken. “You’re not thrown off by something super interesting on the plate — you know the food and you recognize the food. It might be presented a little differently or there might be a couple of ingredients paired differently than you might have had before; but, when the food is delivered, you get it and you like it and you want more.”
Whether it’s already your favorite or you want to try it for the first time, the Gamekeeper has a lot in store for you. Right now, you can enjoy half-priced wine by the bottle on Thursdays and a three-course meal for just $35 on Fridays. Don’t forget to call the Gordons today and make your reservation for dinner on Valentine’s Day.
The Gamekeeper is located at 3005 Shulls Mill Road in Boone. The restaurant operates Thursdays through Saturdays, the bar opening at 5 p.m. and seating starting at 6 p.m. for dinner. For more information, call 828-963-7400 or check out gamekeeper-nc.com.
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