All Roads Lead to Newland, NC.

Two words - Kaye’s Kitchen,  "Where Good Friends and Great Food Meet".

There are a few things I love about traveling, top on the list; local people and local food. My last visit to the High Country led me to the tiny town of Newland, NC. Growing up, I always got excited when I received a gift in tiny box. I learned two things, don’t despise tiny boxes and don’t judge a book by its cover. Newland, NC was tiny with a big gift. At first glance there wasn’t much to get excited about... until I stumbled upon a tiny 5-star hidden gem, with a 5-star owner, local people and fresh mind-blowing food.
 
Kaye’s Kitchen is a culinary favorite offering locally grown, made to order mouthwatering dishes, a large variety of wines and in-house baked goods. Also, on the menu are warm hugs and inviting smiles that greet you at the door. The entire vibe is warm and cozy with wood tones and lite scents of expresso in the air. It feels like home away from home; I hated to leave.
 
After being seated, I looked at the menu and immediately grew excited with the size of the menu. I knew whatever I ordered would be fresh and amazing. How did I know? I’m glad you asked; it’s simple. I’ve watched enough Kitchen Rescue to know when a menu is too large, it’s highly likely the food is not fresh or local. For starters, I ordered a beautiful lump crab cake with a fresh peppery salad. The crab cake was well seasoned, moist and full of crab (I ordered one to go – it was that good). 

​For dinner, I indulged in the beautifully grilled salmon served with a warm kale salad mixed with roasted sweet potato, pumpkin seeds, ginger and dried cranberry (just take that in for a moment), the smell alone was enough to take my breath away. To taste this dish was divine, I think it’s the best thing I’ve eaten all year.  The portions were plentiful and for the price point, the value is defiantly there.

Before dinner was over, Kaye made sure to come by the table. She is absolutely beautiful inside out. She was kind enough to pose for a photo capturing this moment in my memory forever. We connected on several levels…she use to be a red head, I’m a red head…that alone bonded us LOL.
 
My next visit to the High Country you can bet I’ll be at Kaye’s Kitchen ordering every entree on the menu for a mind-blowing mega tasting for a Queen (you should join me, it will be fun). Through my travels I’ve learned taking advantage of every moment and opportunity is necessary.  Never be afraid to have new experiences, taste new foods, meet a new friend and never talk yourself out of doing something you really want to do. Life is short, you only live once – Go for it.
 
I hope you plan to travel to the High Country soon. Be sure to make a stop by Kaye’s Kitchen. Tell her I sent you, she will be happy to see you. 


Here's to good friends and good food...Happy Travels, 

Xo, 

Kay