At the Wine Garden Inn, we take great pride in serving up exceptional, seasonally inspired breakfast fare that celebrates the bounty of the local land. Under the culinary leadership of Executive Chef Jada Veljkov, our kitchen team has crafted a breakfast menu that seamlessly integrates the finest, freshest ingredients from our very own Greyfield Garden with thoughtfully curated offerings that highlight the unique flavors of the region.
Seasonal Specialties
As the seasons change, so too do the star players on our breakfast lineup. In the spring, you might find delicate quiches brimming with asparagus, chives, and creamy goat cheese, or fluffy ricotta pancakes crowned with juicy, just-picked strawberries. When summer arrives, the menu shifts to showcase the vibrant hues and juicy textures of heirloom tomatoes, zucchini, and sweet corn – all of which are handpicked from our bountiful garden beds.
As the air grows crisp and the leaves begin to turn, our chefs draw inspiration from the hearty, comforting flavors of autumn. Expect to find rustic frittatas layered with roasted root vegetables, sausage, and aged cheddar, or decadent French toast made with thick-cut brioche and a drizzle of maple-pecan syrup. And when the first flurries of winter dust the landscape, we look to soothing, soul-warming dishes like creamy oatmeal crowned with stewed apples and a dusting of cinnamon.
Breakfast Menu Highlights
No matter the season, our breakfast menu is a celebration of the local bounty and the culinary creativity of our team. Standout dishes include our Tomato Pie, a savory masterpiece featuring a flaky pie crust layered with juicy heirloom tomatoes, sharp white cheddar, and a custard-like egg filling. Another guest favorite is the Cheesy Egg Soufflé, a light and airy baked dish infused with a trio of melty cheeses and served alongside a roasted red pepper coulis.
For those seeking a heartier start to the day, our Grilled Shrimp and Grits is an absolute must-try. Succulent, oak-grilled shrimp are nestled atop a bed of creamy, stone-ground grits, all finished with a smoky tomato broth and a scattering of crisp, fried okra.
Breakfast Traditions at the Inn
Of course, no visit to the Wine Garden Inn would be complete without indulging in our famous Chocolate Coffee Pecan Pie. Served warm with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, this decadent treat is the perfect pairing for a robust cup of our custom-blended coffee.
As you sip and savor, take a moment to soak in the cozy, convivial atmosphere of our historic dining room. Surrounded by the original Carnegie family furnishings and the warm glow of the fireplace, it’s easy to feel transported to a bygone era of gracious hospitality and refined elegance.
Seasonal Ingredients
At the heart of our breakfast program is a deep commitment to utilizing the finest, freshest seasonal ingredients – many of which are sourced directly from our own Greyfield Garden. Under the meticulous care of our on-site horticulturist, this bountiful oasis yields a diverse array of produce, from delicate lettuces and fragrant herbs to heirloom tomatoes, zucchini, and vibrant berries.
“We’re so fortunate to have this incredible garden right here on the property,” says Chef Veljkov. “Being able to walk out the back door and harvest the ingredients for our breakfast dishes just moments before they’re served allows us to capture the true essence of each season.”
Locally Sourced Produce
But the bounty of Greyfield Garden isn’t the only source of seasonal goodness gracing our breakfast table. Chef Veljkov and her team have forged strong relationships with a network of local purveyors, ensuring that the rest of the ingredients – from the farm-fresh eggs and artisanal dairy products to the sustainably caught seafood – are sourced with the utmost care and attention to quality.
“Whenever possible, we look to source our ingredients from within a 100-mile radius of the inn,” Veljkov explains. “Not only does this support our local community of producers, but it also allows us to showcase the unique terroir and flavors of this very special region.”
Sustainable Sourcing
Underpinning the inn’s farm-to-table philosophy is a deep commitment to sustainability. From the biodynamic growing practices employed in the Greyfield Garden to the eco-friendly seafood certifications upheld by our purveyors, every facet of our breakfast program is designed to minimize our environmental impact while maximizing the nutritional and flavor profiles of our ingredients.
“It’s not just about creating delicious food,” says Veljkov. “It’s about honoring the land, the farmers, and the producers who make it all possible. That sense of connection and responsibility is woven into everything we do in the kitchen.”
Artisanal Cooking Methods
Of course, impressive sourcing is only one piece of the puzzle. Our chefs also employ a range of artisanal cooking techniques to coax out the very best from each ingredient. For our Tomato Pie, for example, the heirloom tomatoes are first roasted to concentrate their natural sweetness and intensify their vibrant color, before being layered into a buttery, hand-rolled pie crust.
Similarly, the shrimp in our Grilled Shrimp and Grits are oak-fired, imbuing them with a subtle, smoky char that perfectly complements the creamy grits and savory broth. And for our decadent Chocolate Coffee Pecan Pie, the pastry team makes use of a special technique, blind-baking the crust before filling it with a rich, espresso-spiked custard and a crown of caramelized pecans.
Presentation and Plating
But the culinary expertise on display at the Wine Garden Inn extends beyond the mere preparation of the food. Our talented team also pays meticulous attention to the presentation and plating of each dish, ensuring that every bite is as visually stunning as it is delicious.
“We really view the entire breakfast experience as a work of art,” says Veljkov. “From the vibrant colors and textures of the ingredients to the thoughtful placement of each component on the plate, we strive to make every dish a feast for the senses.”
Culinary Expertise
Underpinning this culinary artistry is a deep well of culinary expertise, honed through years of training and real-world experience. Chef Veljkov herself is a graduate of the renowned Culinary Institute of America, with a resume that includes stints at some of the Southeast’s most acclaimed farm-to-table restaurants.
“I’ve always been passionate about celebrating the bounty of the land and showcasing the unique flavors of a particular region,” says Veljkov. “At the Wine Garden Inn, I’m able to do that in a truly special setting, surrounded by like-minded colleagues who share that same dedication to culinary excellence.”
Ambiance and Atmosphere
As you savor each bite of our seasonal breakfast creations, you’ll be enveloped in the warm, inviting atmosphere of our historic dining room. Adorned with the original Carnegie family furnishings and accented by the gentle crackle of the fireplace, it’s a space that seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern comforts.
“There’s just something so magical about enjoying a leisurely breakfast in this setting,” says Wine Garden Inn regular, Sarah Wilkins. “The food is always incredible, but it’s the overall experience – the attentive service, the cozy ambiance, the sense of timelessness – that keeps me coming back time and time again.”
Exceptional Service
Of course, the culinary prowess on display in our kitchen is matched only by the exceptional service provided by our dedicated front-of-house team. From the moment you step through our doors, you’ll be greeted with a genuine warmth and hospitality that is simply unparalleled.
“Our staff is truly the heart and soul of the Wine Garden Inn experience,” says General Manager, Emily Parker. “They’re not just servers – they’re ambassadors, storytellers, and passionate advocates for all that makes this place so special.”
Guest Testimonials
It’s an approach that hasn’t gone unnoticed by our discerning guests. Time and time again, we receive glowing reviews that praise not only the quality of our food, but the seamless service and inviting ambiance that elevates the entire breakfast experience.
“Dining at the Wine Garden Inn is like stepping back in time,” writes one recent visitor. “The attention to detail, the genuine warmth of the staff, and the sheer deliciousness of the food – it all combines to create something truly unforgettable.”
Another guest raves, “The Tomato Pie was hands-down the best thing I’ve ever tasted. And the Cheesy Egg Soufflé? Absolute perfection. I can’t wait to come back and try everything else on the menu.”
So whether you’re a seasoned Wine Garden Inn regular or a first-time visitor, we invite you to join us for a breakfast experience that celebrates the very best of what this remarkable region has to offer. From our locally-sourced, seasonally-inspired dishes to our unwavering commitment to hospitality, every element is designed to leave you feeling nourished, inspired, and deeply connected to the land.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Wine Garden Inn soon.