444827 Tue Sep 25 16:56:57 -0700 2007 10 11 South 0 2976035 I've noted that the long time chef of Blackberry Farm (Walland, Tennessee) is no longer listed on their website. He's been with them forever, and I've loved his food. The food has always been a highlight of Blackberry Farm and I've followed him whenever he's made appearances on television and other cooking venues. Does anyone know what happened? Tue Sep 25 16:56:57 -0700 2007 129259 wintersummer 1 2989332 I'll be there in two weeks and will give what info I can, provided that others do not come up with the data beforehand. I had not heard this, but then with my correspondence with BBF, it might not have been a subject that they felt was important. Hunt Sat Sep 29 19:03:30 -0700 2007 2976035 11329 Bill Hunt 2 2991947 Please let me know your thoughts Bill. By the way, Andy Chabot is the sommelier. Mon Oct 01 05:40:20 -0700 2007 2989332 62812 chickstein 3 2992292 Chickstein, Thanks for that H/U. We're looking forward to this little vacation. With all of the traveling that we do, very, very little is for pleasure, so this will provide a much needed break. I anticipate that the new chef will do great things. I'm sorry that I will miss John Fleer's fare, as I have read a lot of great reviews, but am relieved that the new chef will have had 8 mos. to get to know the kitchen. I also plan on spending a good bit of time with Andy Chabot. When asked by the concierge, what we wanted to do, while there, I answered, "just be there... " We are doing two golf outings nearby, but hanging out in the Smokies will be the highlight of the trip - along with the wine and food. Thanks for the initial rec. I'm not sure that I would ever have found this place on my own. It was just good timing that my wife had a awards dinner in Nashville, and that they could accommodate us. The report may be a bit late, as we will be in the air most of Oct., and early Nov., but it will get posted, along with a review of Old Hickory Steakhouse at the Gaylord Opryland Resort. Hunt Mon Oct 01 07:49:01 -0700 2007 2991947 11329 Bill Hunt 1 2990092 Chef Fleer left this past February after a long and fabulous career at IaBF. I haven't heard who his replacement is. Sun Sep 30 08:47:08 -0700 2007 2976035 86634 pheebs 1 3038206 As an update, Chef Fleer left in Feb., as stated in this thread. He's looking at opening something in the Maryville area, but has not announced his space, or his menu yet. Chef Peter Glander is now at the head at BBF, and is part of a major expanison there. We dined for five nights and were blown away. We also got the "grand tour," of his new project at BBF, and I'll report on that, when I do the full review. I never had the pleasure of dining there, while Chef Fleer was still at the helm, but everyone at BBF speaks of him in the most reverent of terms. They also are supportive of his future efforts in the area. Hunt Mon Oct 15 22:17:55 -0700 2007 2976035 11329 Bill Hunt 2 3040116 Thanks for this update on Chef Fleer. I'm glad he left on good terms with the BBF group. We've always talked with him during our Blackberry Farm visits, because he used to cook here in Chapel Hill back in the old days. He mentioned to us several years back that he was thinking about coming back this way to open a restaurant. I had my hopes up for that - it would have been a real gain! But, he seemed to be happy in Tennessee. It's good to get this information. Tue Oct 16 12:54:18 -0700 2007 3038206 129259 wintersummer 1 4752829 he is currently the cheff at a restaurant in Cashiers, NC. The restaurant is in a developmant called lonsome valley. Mon Jun 08 09:11:05 -0700 2009 2976035 1081555 csjennin 2 4761663 I remember passing Lonesome Valley. Wish that I'd have known then. Next trip out that way, I know where we'll definitely include. Thank you, Hunt Wed Jun 10 18:00:13 -0700 2009 4752829 11329 Bill Hunt 3 4772288 It's called Canyon Kitchen, at Lonesome Valley in Cashiers. Reservations are required and it is open Thursday thru Sunday. He is growing a lot of his own produce and is a farm to table season menu. It is a stunning setting and well worth the trip out of the way. Sun Jun 14 15:06:17 -0700 2009 4761663 250256 mountainhound 4 4772624 Great info. Now, if I can just get into my wife's schedule to get back this year! Thank you, Hunt Sun Jun 14 17:41:50 -0700 2009 4772288 11329 Bill Hunt