By Nikki Perry, Tourism Director, Braselton Visitors Bureau
There must be something in the water in Braselton. Perhaps it’s runoff from the vineyards at Chateau Elan Winery & Resort. Whatever it is, it has infused flavor into this small, southern town where you can find a lot more than fried chicken and biscuits (though you can still find those, too).
Marc Bar & Restaurant is Chateau Elan’s newest addition, a bar, and a chophouse featuring creative cocktails and southern-inspired dishes with local wine pairings by Winery Chef Jarad Blanton. Start with the Lobster Bisque, if you don’t fill up first on the delicious bread and compound butter (yes, it is available for purchase in the winery shop!). The Sea Salt Brined Pork Chop topped with an apple-date chutney, Seared Sea Scallops on Yellow Grits with Succotash, and Hand-Selected Filet Mignon are customer favorites. Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before sunset and claim a table by the windows to watch the sunset over the vineyards.
If you’re craving more French after your Chateau visit, hop on the town trolley to downtown Braselton and visit The Galloping Galette. This creperie seems to be straight out of the Brittany region of Northwest France. Owner Viviane Fonfrede, a French native, will serenade you with her melodious accent as she calls out your order to her husband, Yannick, in the kitchen. Choose fresh ingredients for your own savory galette, which is a hearty version of a crepe, or choose a recommended combination. The most popular galettes are La Terroir with mozzarella, sausage, and creamy mushrooms, and La Bretonne with mozzarella, sausage, and apples. After your galette has galloped, finish off the meal with a chef-created dessert crepe, such as a recent special with banana, vanilla Chantilly, Georgia peach syrup, strawberry syrup, and Brittany crumble.
If you’re looking for impressive, upscale dining with a laid back atmosphere, visit Cotton Calf Kitchen inside the former Braselton Tile Factory building. The exposed brick and industrial style set the scene of this historic space, and open kitchen and lively cocktails bring it to life. Steak is the specialty, but I recommend ordering your filet topped with a Colossal Lump Crab Cake. On the side, ask for the Brussels Sprouts, even if they aren’t on the menu that day, and the Lyonnaise Potatoes. Make a reservation, because every day of the week is packed with locals and visitors who have driven a long way to dine at Cotton Calf Kitchen.
Across Davis Street is another historic treasure transformed into a local favorite. Braselton Brewing Company owners Chip and Robin Rose saved an abandoned cotton gin and turned it into the town’s first brewpub. This local watering hole is pet-friendly and features, among its many craft brews, a beer just for dogs. No, not for dogs to drink. Proceeds from the sale of Dooper Dubbel (named after the owners’ Irish Setter) benefit a local rescue for senior dogs. If that’s not enough reason to visit Braselton Brewing Company, the House Mac and Cheese is, as it is made with beer cheese, applewood bacon, and pico de gallo. All food is fresh, made-to-order in the kitchen, and the ingredients are locally-sourced and never frozen.
Downtown is a haven for great food and drinks, but there are equally delicious dishes throughout Braselton. Don’t be fooled by the Flowery Branch address of Sushi Heeya – it’s in the Town of Braselton, along with three other zip codes and four counties. This family-owned sushi restaurant is well-known for its fresh, high-quality fish and creative combinations. Try the “Local Heeya” — rainbow ocean roll or beef teriyaki with four pieces of deep-fried salmon – and you’ll feel good knowing the 50 percent of the proceeds benefits local schools, fire and police departments.
Whether you’re coming for the Braselton Antique & Artisan Festival, a retreat at Chateau Elan, or a race at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, there is plenty of good eating to be found in Braselton. Check out www.VisitBraselton.com to plan your itinerary.
