Willow Creek Inn is a special dining and event venue in the beautiful western area of our county. It's different from anything we have around here, but delightfully so. The menu changes daily and to eat here you *must* have a reservation. No reservation, no dinner! Don't let that intimidate you, make the call and treat yourself. You won't be sorry. To get to this farmhouse, you will take a pretty long ride through the country. It will look like you are in the middle of Timbuktu, and your GPS will lead you slightly astray. When you get close, pay attention to the signs, not the GPS. It's a pretty yellow farmhouse. We went past it and had to turn around. When you walk in the charming front door, you are greeted by the hostess or maybe even Mansour (the owner/chef) himself! He'll take your name and escort you to your table that has been set up just for you in the cozy dining room filled with antiques and homey furnishings. The food was amazing, and the experience was perhaps even better. Mansour has special events here ALL of the time: Easter egg hunts, Jazz Nights, Make your own Pizza night, Sunday Buffets, etc. To be in the know, you need to go to his website and sign up for his newsletter. I am taking my mom and sister here for Mother's Day! read more

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Had a horrible experience dealing with them. The owner is difficult to get on the phone and refuses to use anything but a notebook for his bookings. We originally planned a wedding there but due to costs we decided to use our deposit to have a reception dinner only. When I contacted him we agreed on a date and he was quick to get off the phone. We called 10 days before the event and he has no knowledge of the reception date, he was still planning on the wedding months later. With only 10 days left we decided we're not comfortable continuing because we don't want our 5k dinner for 39 to be an afterthought or thrown together at the last minute. He refuses to take accountability in lack of communication, availability to reach on the phone or negligence in planning so he is refusing a refund of any kind. read more

I haven't been there in years but know how good it was when Manseur had a restaurant in Lincolnton. The food was good and the experience was wonderful. He was a special person to my family. It was a treat to them to eat there when they didn't live there. I was so excited to see that he still is in business in Vale. Being around for this long speaks for itself. Am really happy for him. Hope he will continue what's he's doing I believe you will have an a good time and meal from my own experience. Hopefully you will give it a try and the setting was unique. read more

The food was amazing and I had a delightful time with the owner/chef. The flavor profiles were put together so well and every course was fantastic. Thank you so much for this experience! read more

One of the best steaks and cheesecake I have ever eaten. Everything was delicious!!!! Hope to return there soon.

Discovered this little gem via Groupon. Our waitress Shanntel was amazing. She kept our wine/waters full and made sure we always had what we needed. The five course meal was great- the salad was oddly enough my favorite part! My only complaint was the beef Wellington was a bit on the rare side for me personally. The chef / owner was kind and clearly takes pride in his restaurant. We will definitely be back. read more

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This was the first time in a while the wife and I had been able to go out on a date night. Minus the kids lol. And wow wow wow it was a beautiful setting and even more special bc it ended up being just my wife and I there this night. Had great conversation with the owner/chef found out the history of the property. And some about his life. And the food simply magnificent. I can honestly say we plan on have many dates nights here. There no menus and never have been for nearly 30years. All meals are catered to the guest likening. And every dining experience will be different so looking forward to all the love my tummy will be enjoying in the future... read more

Monsieur takes pride in his food! He spends time with you at the table and really makes it an experience. Wonderful food!!

Thanksgiving at Willow Creek Inn. Location about 1hr from Fort Mill SC. The drive isn't difficult. In searching for somewhere to eat for Thanksgiving this discovery turned out to be a good choice. There were 2 dining areas and another room was used to set up the food item buffet style. Initially choice of beverages (included wines and signature cider drink plus other non-alcoholic beverages) were offered and then the different tables were directed to the buffet area. It was an orderly process. The only downside is that being the second to last table resulted in cold food. The salad type food items didn't seem to appeal to most people. A regular toss salad would have been better. Propane heaters helped with the chill in the air on the enclosed patio area. All in all a great experience with the minor improvement can make it 5 star rating. We agree we would attend again in the future. read more

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Absolutely amazing!! Our first time dining here and cannot say anything negative. The food is perfect. The wait staff was very friendly! We were here for Mother's Day and the experience was perfect! No rush, excellent food and the chef was mingling with the guests and making sure everyone was satisfied. read more

Absolutely, hands down, the best meal I have ever eaten. We live an hour away and it was worth the drive. The chef immediately greeted us and brought us water and wine, then a delicious 5 course meal. We started with a delicious barley soup which I didn't even know I liked, a salad of vegetables all grown on the property with peppercorn dressing, cold cherries to cleanse the palate, beef Wellington, fresh veggies of zucchini, squash, candies carrots, yellow rice for entree and custard that melted in your mouth for dessert. The inn was beautifully decorated and we had a nice table by the fireplace. We are definitely looking forward to visiting again. Thank you chef. Dinner was a delight. read more

The Willow Creek Inn - Barley soup - New American Near Me - Vale, North Carolina

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Such a hidden gem in a lovely setting and the Chef prepares a "soup to nuts" fine dining experience not to missed. A real treat.

The thing that makes this hidden gem is the owner. I have known about this place for 25 years and have visited many times. I can honestly say that I remember each and every visit. If you want to impress, this is the place to go. You may think you are lost on the way but I assure you...the journey is only the beginning of a wonderful experience. read more

Superb food. Amazing people here. This is our all time favorite restaurant. Lots of special events throughout the year. I cannot give enough praise. The finest dining you could ask for in any metropolitan area, but in the country in Vale, NC. read more

Where were the drums circle Indians from Cherokee chanting dancing? No cornbread & local maple syrup. After we signed up menu changed, not good. It's a hit & miss sadly!!! Not going to return & not recommend to any of my friends. B F read more

We have attended several functions over the last year at the Willow Creek Inn and we have never been dissatisfied. Persian New Year is a wonderful celebration with Middle Eastern dishes, dancing, desserts and friends to enjoy it with. Native American Night is a celebration of ethinic foods and a huge bonfire with tribal dancing. The whole family loved it. My wife and I have also been to several private events including a wine pairing dinner with a celebrated pianist performing. Where else can you get that type of diversity and fine cuisine? The Willow Creek Inn is an experience, not just another restaurant. Our friends are planning their wedding there and I can't wait to attend. Thanks to Mansour Zand who is a great host. We can't wait to go back. read more

I went there for a Native American night back in 2013 and was not impressed, at least to the point several people said I would be. I ate nothing above average taste for local diner cooks in the area. House is semi interesting on and antique scale but being from the area, not much different from many other old farm homes still occupied by 3rd or 4th generation heirs. Setting is in the "country" but again, nothing overly impressive. Way out in the boondocks. I encourage the owner to consider catering more towards upscale exotic game, like I've enjoyed in Greenville SC at Saskatoons or in Denver, CO at The Fort. Drop the chase to achieve formal/corporate stigma and grab the bountiful patrons nearby who like or would be curious to try buffalo, venison, rabbit, etc with a chef's magic touch. Save locals a 30 min drive into town for a 2 hour wait in line to eat a mediocre steak with baked "tator". Maybe even pull in some corp events based on eclecticism alone. read more

Just returned home after enjoying a delicious and wonderful Thanksgiving meal at The Willow Creek Inn. This was our first time eating at The Willow Creek Inn, but it won't be our last. The food was some of the best we have had, starting with roast parsnip and apple soup. The turkey was juicy and tender, the ham was cooked to perfection and the accompanying dishes were outstanding; all capped off with a scrumptious slice of pecan pie with a scoop of ice cream on top. The Chef was warm and delightful, and the waitress was courteous and prompt with the service. Not only was the food outstanding, but the restaurant was in an old house, which presented a warm and cozy atmosphere. Unique in every way! read more

Twilight Zone is my best description. Before we arrived Monseur called to confirm the registration. I missed the call and called him back later. I was berated for hanging up on him, which I did not do, don't remember talking to him. But he wouldn't let it go and would not allow a response. I just assumed it was his culture. So anyway when we arrived he greeted us at the door, when I told him who I was he immediately got an attitude and again, loudly, let me have it for hanging up on him. I tried to explain again that I was sorry and didn't remember the call. My wife was taken aback and asked Monseur are we good or do we need to leave. He said we were good. From there we were completely ignored by him the rest of the night. He made it a point to talk to the other 6 tables and sit down strangely at each one appearing to interrupt their dinner. He explained to them, very briefly,what they were eating. I asked what the soup was, the waiter said I don't know, Monseur soup. We asked if we could buy wine from the waiter, no, either white or red, again it was called Monseur wine. My wife asked Monseur about the beans, his response was, it's nothing, never told us what we were eating. I asked Monseur about the beef, (your choice is chicken,beef or fish and that's it, that's the description, no menus),he took offense and snapped back that it was tenderloin. We felt really really strange in that place. The waiter and waitress had no idea what they were serving and could not tell you, they referred you too Monseur. The Waitress knew very little English. I was trying to place Monseurs accent and asked where he was from, he again took offense, why do you want to know he said. Just curious, I said. His response was Paris France but I have lived in 111 countries that's why my accent is different. Hmm !. Desert was delivered and I asked the waiter what it was, he said honestly I have no idea, I will have Monseur tell you, we were tired of Monseur. In a few minutes Monseur showed up, I asked about the desert, he said nothing, I said it looks like mousse, he said whatever you think and walked off. He explained it in detail to the next table, He was very rude, obviously mad about the hang up that I have no recollection of and ruined our night. We drove 45 minutes to be made an example of in front of the dining room. The food was good but not worth it, we tried to be friendly but nothing worked. This place is in the middle of nowhere, it was the Twilight Zone. He finally took our Groupon, never brought a receipt, we waited and waited, we finally just got up to leave. He came to the door and said I hope you had a good evening, which he knew he had ruined, my wife blasted him like he done to us upon arrival and told him he was a mean man.Not recommended and it appears from other reviews he has a bad attitude. read more

Absolutely the worst Thanksgiving food that my wife and I have ever had. Everything was cold and of poor quality

The luncheon was called for at 12:30. We sat at folding tables in a tent watching bees, wasps, spiders and ants intimidate patrons. Didn't get served anything until 1:20 p.m. The chef only made enough "fair" quality food for exactly the amount of guests, so the buffet couldn't really be visited again. There were no sodas, unsweetened tea or coffee. Just water. Red wine and white were offered extra...no brand name...just red or white. Dessert was lame. Also, the chef had an attitude when he saw how hungry we were. He said, "I can only cook so fast!" Well if he called the luncheon at 12:30 he should have gotten started before the guests arrived. This was $40/person & tip & gratuity. So not worth it. Also, it was advertised that there would be music for Mardi Gras. No one could hear the piped in records/cd's. our waitress knew nothing. We asked how much extras were and she had to check, which took her 10 minutes to get back. The chef made it quite clear he wasn't happy with our table. read more

Well, this was indeed a surprise. I was told that I would get a custom made meal for me and a friend. I came in and my friend came in after as he had to park the car, and met the chef and shook hands and said that he must be the chef and he told him he was the dishwasher, my friend laughed it off and was told "what are you laughing at, I am the dishwasher." Then my friend sat down with me and we had the soup which was a beef barley soup, with maybe a sherry accent. It was very yummy. But the chef, with no chef coat on, decides to sit down next to me and watch me and my friend eat soup for like 5 minutes, didn't even say anything. So then the salad, and it was presented nicely, but lots of stems, like a bouquet but you only had the greens and the dressing which was a corn poppy seed vinaigrette, wrapped by a ribbon of carrot - not easy to eat, but pretty nonetheless. I took a picture, as I thought it was so pretty and the chef came to me and told me it "wasn't necessary". Also I had a bug in my wine, which was replaced right away. And we had a mango intermezzo which was great to cleanse the palate. So we received beef Wellington, and the meat was raw in the middle for me - my friend ate it - the chef came and seared it and it was good for me. I asked to take it home because, I was full! So we received coffee which was great, and I asked in advance for dessert to be lemon bars or strawberry shortcake and I got a piece of chocolate cake. I asked for that to be wrapped to be taken home as well. My friend told me he heard the chef saying, oh she wants that wrapped too??? And I get two packages of foil. No container, no bag. Wow. Won't recommend and won't be back. read more

While the food was fine, we dined in December in the 'tent' section of the home. It was freezing cold and everyone was quite uncomfortable. There are dining rooms inside the home that I am sure we're warm and cozy. I felt the dinner was over priced as well based on what was served. read more

Took my wife to Willow Creek Inn for her Birthday. What a wonderful surprise! Chef Montour Zandt created a custom dinner for us and entertained us for the entire evening. The food was prepared to perfection including many items made from gardens on his property. A hidden jewel. You won't be disappointed. read more

The best Salmon I've ever had. It was cooked and seasoned to perfection. Will come back for the Salmon!!

Mansour is an amazing chef, a very good host, and truly has a passion for what he does. This location is like one of a kind. The quality of food is amazing, the service is above all and the charm associated with the property is unique and one of a kind. My wife and I really enjoyed our dinner, but Mansour's passion and dedication to what he does is the best of the best. He is humble, and has a very interesting history. There is a large garden and green house on the property which provides some of the fresh vegetables he uses. This venue is also used for weddings of 50 to 700 guests. He is organized, responsive and strives to provide the best experience possible for his guests/events. Try this location--you will be very pleased! read more

My girlfriend and I was just there this past wkd for my 30th birthday occasion! We were greeted by the chef and asked if sitting outside was available and chef answered very serious, almost surprised and with an attitude that was not an option. It was our 1st time there and tour of showing around the"house- restaurant" was not offered as expected in the south where people are very nice and sweet. Food was not as expected at all and was nothing custom about it. We had steak and a side and other people had fish and same side! We all had same side just difference protein! Atmosphere was ok, customer service? Ehhh, every time you ask for something they give a surprise look and smart answer or something with dry humor ! The very first dish from the 5 course menu was the soap that was cold and not so good, fallowed by the small salad that was best in my opinion and sorbet afterwords that was enough to just taste in a teaspoon. Definitely nothing extraordinary or magical about the food! Just over all disappointed , considering photos of the food online and reviews , expected more for the price paid and distance driven for the special dinner that was suppose to be! read more

A great destination spot for 'foodies'. Mansour is a seasoned vet, who possesses a subtle character, sharp wit and commanding culinary expertise. I recommend the red room dining experience at one of his special events. read more

Oh my goodness, I do not even know where to begin. We began looking for a place to host our son's rehearsal dinner for his upcoming wedding, and we heard about this venue. I called ahead and made an appointment with the chef he was very accommodating to my schedule as I was traveling from out of town, that meant looking at the event and choosing the menu all in the same day. The drive to this place was worth it alone. Nestled in the foothills of North Carolina in Lincoln County I had a spectacular view just driving in. Upon my arrival it was a quaint Charming little house off of the side of the road on 70 Acres of property all perfectly manicured and welcoming. Upon my arrival the chef offered me several treats that he had just whipped up and we discussed our menu in great detail leaving no stone unturned. I gave him the date of my venue and luckily it was available. We scheduled 55 people for dinner the evening of the rehearsal we choose to have a buffet instead of a meal service which seemed to work out best for us but he did offer both. We are fortunate enough to sit outside on the patio where we were served a fantastic meal beginning with a lovely cocktail hour. Personally I was a little bit nervous about the menu because I am not what they call a foodie, I don't like a lot of things I'm more of just a chicken and salad kind of girl but he promised that I would love everything he prepared and he was absolutely right. I believe I had the freshest salad I've ever had in my life, we chose a rice dish as a side and that was even flavorful, and I don't even eat rice. I was told in advance how delicious is desserts are so we decided against having a groom's cake and used the desserts here, the bread pudding melted in her mouth and I was looking for a way to take mine home. I cannot say enough about this place it was a perfect venue for a rehearsal dinner it would have been a perfect venue for the wedding as their grounds are spectacular. I cannot wait to return! read more

Wow! What a great experience. We arranged a dinner for 15 for my moms 60th and had the dining room all to ourselves. The food, wine and dessert were fantastic. We wish we could've stayed longer to talk and enjoy the property. We will definitely be back. read more

There is no place like it anywhere close. The food is to die for and the atmosphere is so calming. Monsiour is a treasure

Love, love, love this place! So much charm and old world elegance ~ perfect for our event. Hidden out in the beautiful countryside ~ it is a true gem. So glad we discovered it. read more

We've heard about this place for many months now and finally tried it last Friday. It was quite a drive from the other side of the lake, so we hoped the 56 minutes to get there was worth it. Dinner reservations were for 6pm and we arrived about 10 minutes before the hour only to find the parking area empty with a small house set back a ways. We looked at each other and thought, "Oh no, this isn't good." We could not have been more WRONG. Upon walking into the front door, we were warmly welcomed by the Chef and owner, Mansour Zand, and seated in the lovely dining room where we were immediately served a glass of wine. His warning not to each too much bread was prescient as we would soon discover. This began an evening of a fantastic five course dinner of exquisitely prepared foods with flavors that send your taste buds to places rarely explored. From the start it was amazing. Beginning with a beef and barley soup seasoned like never before, to the freshest garden salad with an incredible thyme dressing, to the veal cutlet accompanied a by a perfect cucumber/dill/yogurt dressing, the buildup to the entre was a labor of love by this chef. Separated by the most incredibly flavored sorbet, a perfectly prepared filet mignon joined by a delicious stuffed baked eggplant/tomato, cheese creation took us to our happy place! The pecan pie for dessert left us both in a state of complete dining satisfaction. Five stars are not enough for this gem of a destination. Go! read more