Pick of the Month: The Lucky Hare
The Lucky Hare-fresh, local, from scratch Photo: Courtesy The Lucky Hare
AUTHOR: ARTSY CHOW ROAMER
Pick of the Month:
THE LUCKY HARE
When the strip center was built outside the North Gate of Big Canoe, there was general excitement for what we might expect to fill all those spaces. We of course wanted some places to meet and eat with our friends and neighbors. While the largest space has remained empty, most of the others have been filled with businesses like dentists, vacation planners, insurance companies and shops.
We got the first restaurant in Fuego’s before they moved down the road and Sourwood took over the space. The partners used to work together in the old days of The Pleasant Peasant in Atlanta so expectations ran high only to be disappointed as the partners broke up, the menu never varied and it closed.
FRESH, LOCAL, from scratch
Enter The Lucky Hare-where you “make your own luck” as the logo says. I’ll admit…I was not a big fan of the name at first. Was it a casino or a restaurant? J. Cornelius and family admit on their website that they aren’t really restaurateurs…this is their first. But they did want to create an oasis. A place with locally sourced ingredients and a great wine list. A friendly welcoming place where everybody knows your name so to speak.
They believe freshly prepared from scratch is the best and healthiest way to eat. Whenever possible, they source from local farmers to get the best produce and pasture raised meats which make for the most delicious in flavors, a difference you will note immediately when eating there.
They support small businesses by partnering with folks like Springer Mountain Farms, Ellijay Mushrooms, Smoky Mountain Produce, Enchanted Springs Trout and Aaron Family Orchards to name a few. Check out their humidor for fine cigar selections from Black Label Trading Company.
HAPPY HOUR
We are addicted to happy hour on Wednesday through Saturday from 4 to 6. Started for just seating at the marble bar, they have had to expand to include tables because of the popularity. Sohpia always calls out our names in welcome as we walk through the door. She pours a mean martini with just the right chill that she calls “our medicine” as she lays down placemats and napkins.
Sophia’s martinis are luscious
A nice little bar menu assures you of a good number of items to pair with your favorite poison as the full kitchen begins to open. One of the most delicious sharable is charcuterie with three choices of cheese served on a beautiful hand-made artisan board by ART. You can also buy one to take home.
The toast is perfectly browned and is soft crisp if there is such a thing. Blue, soft and hard type cheeses work beautifully with tiny pickled mushrooms, toasted nuts, sauces and honey. You can also add meats for an additional charge.
APPS & SMALL PLATES
For apps or small plates, try fast-food crispy fries and they are not stingy with the amount they give you either. Depending on what’s fresh available, you might find some tasty smoked trout or pimento cheese dip, PEI mussels, roasted cauliflower or fried Brussel sprouts.
They often pop on some freshly made focaccia or crostini with peppery olive oil for dipping. Beef carpaccio with arugula and horseradish cream is light and well-done. Three different salads can have chicken, steak, shrimp or scallops added to make it an entree.
Crispy shoe string fries work well with drinks
specials & entrees
A blue-plate special is served throughout happy hour usually for around $19. My husband and I can share it adding a side salad and are plenty full when done. We always look forward to finding out what homey choices will be on offer like meatloaf, fried chicken, pasta ragu or short ribs which is one of the most popular of all.
When they first opened, rabbit was listed among the regular entrees. I was surprised not having seen it on a menu in years as it used to be considered a less-than protein choice. I would venture to guess that even though it was delicious, it was listed at a more-than price and has since sadly disappeared. But you can nosh on dang tasty pork belly, snitzel and picattas along with a nice 8 ounce cut of filet mignon.
DESSERTs and brunch
Don’t forget to save a little space for dessert after your meal as they make them in-house. Standard choices include a brownie sundae, tiramisu, vanilla creme caramel and a chocolate peanut butter bar. There is usually a seasonal cobbler, sorbet, and gelato and you might just get a last-minute special to choose as well.
Sunday brunch is served from 11 to 2 and is considered to be one of the best around. Classics like chicken and waffles and eggs benedict will delight. Try their Southern take on Nashville hot chicken biscuit, steak and eggs or biscuits with gravy. I’ve had one of their excellent moist, tender omeletes and my husband loves their pancakes and French toast. Top that off with a great Bloody Mary or Mimosa and you’re good to go.
A WORD ABOUT WINE
They may just have one of the best wine lists in North Georgia. Choose from a wide selection of sparkling, rose, whites, varietals, blends and reds from Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. Wednesday happy hour is also the spot for weekly wine tastings with different importers hosting. You can not only taste (sometimes for free) but also pick up discounted bottles of your favorites to take home. Check the website for events.
You can also join the wine club for $49 a month which gives you access to and discounts on over 34,000 wines and a whole host of VIP perks. You also get three bottles of hand-picked wines a month; two red and one white or rose with a special focus on family-owned vineyards and small producers of a type you won’t find in your local grocery store.
night train
Finally, that great little space next door with the cozy fireplace, tables and its own bar is called Night Train and is owned by the same folks. It’s all about the pie and they are offering some super tasty types that you can get by the slice, whole or for takeout. Crispy crusts and the freshest toppings are their secret to success.
Grab yourself a delicious pizza at Night Train
CONCLUSION
I’m kind of a big fan of The Lucky Hare…they have done a beautiful job and I’m more than a bit picky according to friends and family. It took time for them to find their way but they have it down now and I think they are going to last. Apparently, the third time is the charm.
If you enjoyed what you read, you might also enjoy other posts under Edible Fare. There you will find restaurant reviews, recipes, foodie tips and best spots to eat in a variety of cities. I also put emphasis on food experiences in my travel posts under Explore the World. Until next time…
Cheers!
ArtsyChowRoamer
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