THE CHESTNUT TREE, CHEROKEE, NC

The Chestnut Tree is in the Holiday Inn, located on Hwy 19 just on the Bryson side of Cherokee. It has changed names a couple of times and menus, but the owners are the same. They have advertised specials for meals, that are open to the public, not just their guests. They now serve a Breakfast buffet, Friday night Seafood Buffet, and Prime Rib on Saturday. 

The dinning room is very nicely decorated in Native American decor, with many of the items being handmade by local artists. There are carvings, baskets, painting, prints, etc. There are also many, many pieces for sale in the display cases outside in the lobby and the small giftshop. 

Many of the waitresses have been working at the Holiday Inn for decades. Its comforting to see familiar faces when you go there. Especially when they know you and greet you like an old friend. 

Tonite we had the pleasure of John and Rosemary's company. Its is always good to have new blood around the table to keep us on our toes, and make sure Lisa doesn't get to far out of line. 

Instead of going to The Chestnut Tree on Thursday for our usual night, we decided to go on Friday for the Seafood buffet. Greg and I had been many times and found the food plentiful, fresh, and varied. I was especially fond of the crab legs. I will travel many a mile for good, fresh crab legs. 

PART OF DINING ROOM. GLASSED ON TWO SIDES.

This night I think we were all disappointed. John was the only one who didn't eat from the buffet. He ordered the Prime Rib, which came with choice of two sides. He chose Mac & Cheese and Mashed Potatoes. According to John, his meal was pretty good. His Prime Rib was moist, and tender. He was as satisfied customer.

PRIME RIB DINNER WITH MAC & CHEESE AND MASHED POTATOES

While the buffet initially looked appetizing, upon closer examination and tasting.. it left a lot to be desired. There was a wide variety of offerings, in both seafood, veggies and desserts. There was even a nice salad bar and soup. The soup that night, appropriately enough,  was Clam Chowder. Greg and I  were the only ones who ate the soup. It was just OK. Nothing special and certainly not homemade. Wasn't bad.. but nothing memorable either. The salad bar looked pretty fresh, with several options. Nothing fancy, just basic salad bar fare.

OYSTERS, BOILED SHRIMP 

There were cold appetizers on the bar such as Oysters on the half shell and Boiled Shrimp. I didn't eat either, but the others did. I am very wary of uncooked food that has been sitting out for long periods of time.
Also on the buffet were peas, mixed veggies, rice, broccoli, pasta with a Red sauce and Alfredo sauce,  green beans,  mashed potatoes. All looked very unappetizing as if they had been sitting out for a very long time. 

As far as seafood, there was fried shrimp, fried fish (cod I think), frog legs, shrimp scampi, fried oysters, fried trout and boiled fish ( cod, I think). No roast beef as before and no crab legs.

 For dessert, there was berry cobbler and cherry cobbler. It looked OK, but again, was just OK. It was dried and looked like it has been sitting in the pan for quite awhile.

The company was spectacular that evening, which made up for a dismal meal.  We were so glad to have Rosemary and hope we didn't make her lose a couple of stitches that night. She and John were both welcome company. We laughed and talked and didn't go back for seconds. The seafood buffet used to be pretty fabulous, and I am not sure what has changed, but  it is definitely not worth the price nor the trip. You can get a better meal at Long John Silvers or Red Lobster. This buffet has seen its' better days. So.. no recommendation for The Chestnut Tree.
We are a bit off track for one reason or another, but onward.. We only have Anthonys, The Fryemont Inn, The Iron Skillet, and Tuckasegee Tavern left. The light at the end of the Swain County tunnel.