HIGH POINT 

                   Stories of escape hatches and underground tunnels set the tone for the incredible restaurant created by the masterminds of Ron Turner and Jama Turner.  The idea of an upscale restaurant lured both of them to embark on the challenge of opening a fine dining restaurant in the middle of Monteagle, Tennessee. 

                The building, which houses the restaurant, was put on the National Register of Historic Places in December of 1997. Original hardwood flooring and authentic light fixtures set a restaurant environment worthy of winning the “Best Gourmet Meal in Tennessee” awarded to High Point by the readers of Tennessee Magazine in 2001. An amazing honor bestowed upon the establishment, which had been open at the time little more than a year.

                People long for the utmost place to go for incredible food as well as a calming and relaxing environment.  One would usually find that place in such metropolitan areas as New York, Chicago, Miami, or Atlanta; however, this type of establishment is now just an hours drive west of Chattanooga, Tennessee, complete with the surroundings of beautiful plants, flowers, and trees in the cool mountain climate.

                Contained in a 1929 mansion, presumably financed by Al Capone, the three-story compound is complete with escape hatches on the roof and underground tunnels in the basement used by Capone for the transferring of liquor in the twenties and early thirties.  It is rumored the floors were complete with a lining of sand beneath each one, suspected to prevent the penetration of a bullet.  Local legend reveals tales of Capone and John Dillenger lounging outside on the mountain stone patio having drinks and playing numerous hands of cards.  

                Encased in the shell of this infamous mansion is the “dream” or “reality” as of now, of the two people who decided to strive for an eatery with a menu and atmosphere fit for a King.  The restaurant’s success can be attributed to its talented chefs, charismatic and courteous service, and a menu as precious to the restaurant as diamonds are to Tiffany’s. 

                The menu consists of 40 entrees, including fancy fare such as Blackened Salmon Oscar, complete with fresh crabmeat, asparagus, and hollandaise. Also there is Horseradish Crusted Grouper that lies atop an exquisite sweet balsamic reduction.  For those with heartier appetites, there are many steaks to choose from, including 12 ounce cuts of New York Strip and Ribeye steaks, prepared several ways, or choose the Prime Rib, available in 3 sizes, including a 16 ounce High Point Cut. These and other creations obviously have been the reason for the numerous people who grace the doors of High Point.

                This place is as overwhelming a restaurant as Al Capone was to the mob, but it’s the atmosphere, the delectable creations of the chef’s, excellent service, and the vision of the two owners that create an incredible “getaway” on the mountain.