Fabuloso!
How many of us are driving around in circles looking for that EX-OH-TEEK restaurant to be thrilled in? I spell EX-OT-IC (exotic) in my Spanish accent when I walk into The Tropical Grill and see Claudia smiling and greeting people. Claudia is one of the owners.
Now, if you don't like semi-insane, massive parrots swooshing back and forth inside of a restaurant while wildly flapping their wings and trying to bite people, a tarzan-bronzed-chest of a athlete that swings from one side of the room to the other bellowing ohhhhheeeyyyyoooohhhhh at the top of his lungs and male servers wearing little but a thong and leather flap across the front as your server (and women wearing halved coconut shell tops) then go to The Tropical Grill as they don't have any of this. Sorry, find someplace that does.
The Tropical Grill in Spruce Pine the literal essence of everything like that - and in a beautiful mountain setting. Although it is small and some delight in ripping others down and laughing at them, this is a quaint, loving, religious family. If the weather is nice for the day - you can eat outside in the sidewalk cafe for an even better experience. I love tropical food so much it is worth the drive to go to Spruce Pine and eat at The Tropical Grill for lunch and then Knife and Fork restaurant for dinner! Or, feel free to switch those around to dinner and lunch!
It's hard to find good tropical food that is prepared accurately. When I came across them at 198 Oak Avenue I naturally was skeptical. I was very excited to see a real menu and ordered:
THE CARIBBEAN SALAD
A Mound of tossed greens topped with Grilled Tilapia, Caribbean Salsa, Fresh Cilantro, Black Olives, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Carrots, Red Cabbage, Tropical Chips and Cilantro Dressing
WOW!
I also ordered a side of Fried Yucca Root and boy was it tender and fried with fresh oil, gently done and amazing. Now, I ask you...where can you get such amazing items like these? I made Chef Stormy and Baby Chef Rania try it with some dipping sauce. They loved it!
When you go in, be friendly and tell Claudia who sent you. Since the family also helps a lot of missions in Guatamela you'll appreciate seeing all of the homemade goods for sale. The proceeds go to help children and the missions.
The Tropical Grill
Ask for Samuel and Claudia
198 Oak Avenue
Spruce Pine, NC 28777 You can call them at (828) 765-0909
Your friend,
Chef Marti
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