The foodies love love to tell you about hidden treasures in the Triad, but sometimes the big ol’ extended fam likes to gather at a place that is tried and true and big enough to accommodate 14 of us right after church on Sunday. One place that fits that bill is Greensboro’s own treasure, Green Valley Grill. Located adjacent to Quaintance-Weaver’s O’Henry Hotel, GVG has a huge following because it is consistently great and it is definitely one of the popular spots in town. So for you foodies, who’ve been there and done that, please keep reading. If you’ve never been to GVG, well you are going to see many reasons why you should go. Why, just the other day I spoke with a nice lady who’d NEVER eaten there. Maybe by now, she’s taken my advice :).

First of all, the foodies love that Green Valley Grill boasts lots of local flavor each season. The menu changes often for that reason, plus Executive Chef Leigh Hesling (GVG and sister restaurant Print Works Bistro) has become a bit of a local celeb with his local television appearances with cooking segments and interviews, along with his recent foyer into the Fire in the Triad cooking competition. Perhaps you’ve even seen Chef Hesling driving his London “Farm to Fork” Taxi after a run to the local farmer’s market.  His mantra is the closer to the farm, the better the flavor.

Brunch is quite fun at GVG. There are a good number of creative choices, a few Benedict’s, a special French toast, a chef’s special (you’ll know when you get there) and generally not your run of the mill breakfast items. Plus if you are against brunch, you’ll find delicious appetizers, flat breads, sandwiches, salads and entrees.

The menu has already changed since I visited but the following pics should give you a pretty good idea about the choices at brunch.

I have to stop right here. Those truffle fries are banging. So is the aioli. It is difficult to share. And I had to share with my niece because she’s so cute. And she loves them too…way to much. I went to GVG one night for dessert and Mr. foodie got dessert and I got these. I’d rather have these than chocolate or wine or even chocolate AND wine together.

Everyone seemed to like their dishes. I loved my soufflé. It was delicious with a couple slices of bacon on top. Everything was in one dish. For some reason I don’t have a pic of one favorite items at GVG’s lunch an that’s the salmon cakes. They are served with poached eggs, hollandaise and the famous GVG home fries. I’ve had the Parmesan crusted chicken before and it’s always a top seller. Yumminess all around.

And there was more food than this to see, but the kidlets basically shared eggs and bacon and there were a couple of duplicates, such as the sliders. And I didn’t take pics of dessert because everyone messed it up before I could get a shot off.

Now, in addition to brunch, which is undoubtedly a popular time, Green Valley Grill also serves lunch and dinner and they never disappoint. Those truffle fries better stay on the menu if Chef Hesling knows what’s good for him. Definitely amazing. The housemade savory pies, aka beef turnovers, are also awesome. Their salads are always fresh with wonderful, creative features. And the entrees are always top notch, once again mostly seasonal and procuring what they can from local farms and sources. The wine list is extensive. I highly recommend a glass (or bottle) of their own Kew Double Ewe (get it?) Merlot or Pinot Noir. The bar is always elegant but casual and the patio is where everybody wants to be.

The foodies hold a special place for the O’Henry and the kitchen that is the Green Valley Grill. I had my rehearsal dinner and wedding reception there and it was the last place Mr. foodie and I ate before we dragged ourself to Women’s Center to have our first baby. So the hotel and restaurant have been there for us during some momentous occasions.

Whether your occasion is momentous or you just have a hot date or you’re hanging with friends or family, it’s definitely a spot that has earned its rightful place as gem among Greensboro’s best.

www.greenvalleygrill.com
622 Green Valley Road, Greensboro, NC
336.854.2015