Brunch boom
T here are three things that all Chattanoogans love: mountains, fresh air and, above all, brunch. Mountain Cove Grill has them all.
A beautiful back-road drive from Chattanooga, Mountain Cove is surrounded by lush farmland and the rolling Appalachian foothills. The restaurant’s sprawling front lawn includes outdoor seating beneath ancient oak and magnolia trees.
Mountain Cove’s brunch menu — crafted by world-renowned, French-born chef Philippe Gehin — is so popular, the restaurant just extended its brunch hours. Now, brunch is served both Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Mountain Cove’s most beloved plates include its chicken and pancakes, featuring three jumbo pancakes and hand-breaded chicken fingers; and its classic eggs Benedict, featuring Canadian bacon, hollandaise sauce and a vegetable medley, with the option to add Phillippe’s famous crabcakes for an additional $4. Meat-lovers may savor the the country-fried steak or the slow-roasted prime rib au jus. But, owner Greg Cornelsion said, the restaurant’s best-selling dish is hands-down the shrimp and grits, made with six large shrimp, jalapeno peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes and Parmesan grits.
In addition to its upscale but comfortable dining room, Mountain Cove has a full bar that’s open Thursday through Saturday. For Sunday brunch, diners are invited to bring their own Champagne, vodka or even beer, and let Mountain Cove staff mix them mimosas or bloody marys.
Indeed, delicious things are happening just outside of the Scenic City at Mountain Cove. Why not add “new experiences” to your list of things to love?