Le Conte Tapas & Grill is my new favorite Gatlinburg sanctuary. Just outside of the city center, it boasts a wide array of tapas (small plates), drinks, entrees, and desserts. I first fell in love with Spanish cuisine a decade ago when I went to visit a friend in Andalucía, the southernmost region of Spain. I recall roaming from bodega to café in the sun-drenched coastal landscapes, accented with architecture dating to ancient Rome. Sipping wine and cocktails while conversing with exuberant locals and dining on small plates of seafood, cheese, olives, and fruit.

Ancient fountain from my memories of Spain.

Leconte Tapas brings this scene to the mountains of Tennessee. Their diverse and friendly crew exudes laid-back charm and provides the very best service. From the time I walked through the door, I could tell I was amongst friends.

It was the middle of the afternoon, and I was early. Waiting on Keri to arrive, I went ahead and ordered their Old Fashioned. It’s a beautiful whiskey-based cocktail with cherries and scorched citrus. I also selected the Piquillo Peppers, filled with Cabrales goat cheese, fig jam, and covered in an orange balsamic paired well with my drink. They were a perfect balance of sweetness, smoke, and a light savory punch.

I sat and took in the modern décor and contoured ceiling. I enjoy a great night spot in the mid-afternoon. The bartender danced and sang to the radio as he made ready for the evening to come. Aromas wafted from the kitchen as the staff completed prep for guests yet to arrive.

Keri entered the scene moments later, full of the latest on a decorating project. She saw my Old Fashioned and ordered the same. Keri, being full of the gab, the bartender brought us cheese and charcuterie to nosh in between diatribes on gaudy tile, furniture-related intrigue, and quandaries on wall color and perceived room size.

With the peculiarities of the day behind us, we ventured on to savor a plating of Blue Bacon Dates. Stuffed with Gorgonzola, wrapped in bacon, and glazed with agave, these decadent morsels make for a couple of mouthfuls each. At this point, we switched to a lovely Garnacha by Tres Picos. I am not a sommelier, so I won’t go into the notes and undertones of this beloved red table wine from Spain; more than to say it paired well with the dates and the delectables that followed.

Lamb Lollipops were up next in our tapas salvo. Grilled to perfection and served in a minted port wine reduction, these petite lamb chops were just enough for two. Tender and succulent, they melted off the bone. I’ve eaten my fair share of lamb, and these chops were on par with the finest I have had the pleasure of eating.

Now we came for the tapas, and tapas we got, but Keri has a penchant for guacamole. In this, she is not unlike many Americans and, being attuned to the avocado-obsessed culture, Le Conte Tapas & Grill has multiple offerings to sate these green cravings. We negotiated amongst ourselves and settled on The Trio, an offering of pico, guac, and spinach artichoke dips accompanied by tortilla and won ton chips. This elevated rendition of a classic did not disappoint, and Keri’s inner guacamole chupacabra was appeased.

We wanted to end the afternoon on a sweet note, but we also needed something light. We selected the Watermelon Tataki. A salute to Japan, with a distinctive tribute to the South, these agave-cured squares of watermelon, goat cheese, and cashew were the perfect end to an excellent meal.

I have visited Le Conte Tapas & Grill a handful of times now, and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reprieve from the crowded streets of Gatlinburg and a novel dining experience that is unparalleled.

Le Conte Tapas & Grill

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