By Robert Shumway
“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.”
— John A. Shedd
Shedd’s quote reminds us that growth and fulfillment require taking chances, even in dangerous waters. The owners of the recently opened Canoe Kitchen and Bar in Lake Lure, Carla Verastegui and Wendy Tabb, embody the spirit of our wonderful area by fearlessly piloting their Canoe into the area’s recovery.
Visit Canoe and discover a haven of laidback sophistication in Lake Lure, where delicious seasonal fare and cozy comforts blend in perfect harmony.
Of course, I wanted to check out the food and drinks at Canoe. However, I was even more curious to find out what motivated Carla and Wendy to proceed with opening the kitchen and bar knowing full well that they faced a long period of uncertainty. As a business owner myself, it seemed like an enormous risk.
My wife and I stopped at Canoe on a Saturday afternoon in November on a lark. The atmosphere walking in was quintessential Lake Lure: The Pitt-Clemson game on the TV, a well-appointed bar, an open, airy dining room and a beautiful view of Lake Lure. Casual with an understated elegance.
Canoe pays homage to the long history of Lake Lure and the location itself by providing a brief narrative of the building which began life as the Point of View Restaurant around 1930.
It was also the first time I met Wendy and began to learn about their decision to play a part in Lake Lure’s recovery.
Canoe’s soft opening was scheduled days after Helene hit. Fate it seemed delt them a cruel blow.
Or did it?
After days frantically trying to get information on their staff, they fortunately found everyone safe. Wendy and Carla fully expected to delay the closing maybe until spring, maybe indefinitely. After several days, they were finally able to inspect the restaurant.
What they found was a parking lot full of vehicles and workers using it as an impromptu staging area. They did what so many wonderful people here did: they started handing out whatever they could save. Any doubts of delaying the closing were gone. They used their extensive connections in the hospitality industry to quickly arrange a shipment of food. Canoe’s soft opening became providing free meals to the hard-working people helping others. “It always seems impossible until its done,” says Carla. I might add one point to Carla’s quote…”or you have to do it.”
We enjoyed Bloody Maria’s (Bloody Mary with tequila instead of vodka) on the patio. For a new restaurant, the service was efficient and was delivered with the typical Lake Lure warmth and friendliness with a touch of sass.
Canoe keeps its menu relatively small, offering 4 main dishes and 2 salads. This decision allows it to ensure that all the ingredients are fresh. “Each morning, we make small batches of everything we need for the day. Nothing is frozen.” This is evident on your first bite.
The Herb Roasted Chicken was cooked to perfection. The sauces Canoe uses are made fresh daily and are infused with subtle touches of flavors from Carla’s native Peru. The best word to describe them: delicious.
Portion sizes are perfect. The prices are in line with other local restaurants, but the quality gives you quite a bang for your buck.
A woman from Chicago was helping her mother from Charlotte look for a house in the area. They shared the Herb Roasted Chicken and Apple Carpaccio Salad. Both agreed that that the food was as good as any restaurant in either Chicago or Charlotte. High praise indeed for our small town.
Canoe’s drink menu also reflects Wendy’s and Carla’s commitment to the area by featuring beers from various local breweries.
Inside tip: let the bartender know you’re local.
Wendy and Carla have a deep appreciation for the history of Lake Lure. In fact, they initially bought the property because its poor condition was dangerously close to the point of no return. The new kitchen is immaculate. They also restored 2 cabins on the property. I am happy that this building will live to celebrate its 100-year birthday.
Wendy and Carla went from wondering whether they should even open to excitedly sharing expansion plans including a beer garden and expanded patio. Their enthusiasm and confidence in Lake Lure’s return is contagious as I imagined myself enjoying the view of the lake from the new patio.
Get to Canoe for the best comfort food in Lake Lure in a welcoming atmosphere. Go once and you’ll go back.
Winter hours are: Friday/ Saturday from 12 pm to 9 pm and Sundays from 11 am to 7 pm.
The space is also available for private and special events.
Follow them on facebook @canoekitchenlakelure
Reservations available for parties of 8+ (828-348-7973) – Email:
Canoekitchenandbar@gmail.com
