It's no secret how I feel about our new town. I really, REALLY love it. Den and I suffer with an acute case of wanderlust - but recent discussions have us more and more determined that this little wonder in the Smoky Mountains might be our home base for some time. I was recently asked by the editors of Martha Stewart Living Magazine to shoot some of my favorite places in town for a small travel feature in the October issue (go buy it now!). I wanted to share some of the outtakes from that piece - we are so passionate about the food scene here, I could not let some of these amazing places not get a shout out.

 

The Admiral has been graced with tons of national coverage lately (including the New York Times) - and rightfully so. A self-proclaimed dive bar in West Asheville, the menu is headed by talent Elliot Moss who has a gift for combining local flavors in unexpected and ridiculously innovative and beautiful ways.

 

Blackbird, once hidden in the green-clad countryside of Black Mountain, NC (just outside Asheville) is in process of moving into the Aloft Hotel in Downtown Asheville. We are excited about this transition as it means we'll likely be spending a lot more time there - but the original location holds a very special place in our hearts. It was one of the first places we ate when we moved here and we've spent many a birthday and weekend evening clamoring over the shoestring fries Chef Bobby always brings out to the girls and the thoughtful, intensely flavored dishes made from local sources (local is BIG around here.) And though the menu could be defined more in a casual-fine dining sense, I can NOT get enough of their burger - topped with homemade Pimento cheese and then I throw on a handful of those shoestring fries for good measure. INSANE. It’s my favorite burger in town.

 

James Beard-nominated Chef Katie Button has brought traditional tapas to Asheville in a big way with Curate. Den and I always look across the table at each other in stunned excitement when trying a new small plate they've introduced. Our favorites include Pimiento de Piquillo Con Queso de Cabra - pepper stuffed with cheese; Secreto Iberico a las Finas Hierbas - pure Iberico pork infused w/ rosemary - it arrives at your table smoking and Berenjenas la Taberna - fried eggplant, drizzled in wild mountain apiaries honey... but who am I kidding - we love absolutely everything on the menu and have come close to ordering it all in one sitting!

 

I have been so lucky to get to know Dan and Jael Rattigan through our mutual friend, Ashley. Founders of what is better known to locals as "the chocolate lounge" - French Broad Chocolates is a small batch, artisanal crafter of the most delicious chocolates EVER. A tourist mecca in the summers with lines wrapping around the building, they serve a wide, but distinctively unique selection of truffles (all made right upstairs), cakes and desserts and they've taken the process one step further; they opened their own factory here a few months ago where they roast the cacao beans with the power of the sun!

 

Early Girl Eatery in Downtown Asheville was one of our first stops when we moved here last summer. Working directly with over 20 local farms, the menu always features what's in season - and what's the absolute freshest. It's Southern comfort food and it's done so well that it remains to be the first place we take guests when they come into town. 

 

Another West Asheville institution, Sunnypoint Cafe is our absolute favorite breakfast in town. Everything seems to be infused with over the top flavor that just makes us keep coming back for more. It also sources most of its ingredients locally (are you sensing a theme here?) and by local, we mean the backyard. The restaurant operates a large community garden just behind it filled with the bounty on the season - and destined for your plate.

 

White Duck. I don't even know where to start. Den and I - and the girls to some extent - have a problem with White Duck. We can't stop eating there. And I have no shame in fully divulging that this occasionally happens more than once a day. Yes. We've been known to have lunch AND dinner there. Owners Laura (the chef) and Ben (the business) have become friends and I believe in what they do much I've been known to shout it from the rooftops. Really. It's fast, it's cheap and it's the biggest punch of ridiculous flavor combinations in your face you may ever have. I hesitate to call this place a taco stand - to me, it's more like... epicurean nirvana in a tortilla. And the desserts? Our favorite is Coconut Macaroon Pie w/ Salted Caramel. I think I have to go get lunch there now. See? SO bad.

I hope you're having a great week - and if you're ever road tripping through our town - eat up!

As a side note... posting will likely remain a little slow while CISTHENE takes shape - it's going great and opened on 10 September with coverage by Daily Candy! If all continues to go well - I'm dreaming up a real live brick and mortar space in West Asheville... but I promise not to abandon this space!

Comments

[oami powers]

I fell hard for the Triangle when we moved here 2.5 years ago. Asheville though, you all have some crazy good food. Have only tried Early Girl from this list so will have to make notes for our next venture up that way. Last time I was there I ate at Plant - I'm not vegan but I LOVED it. So delicious.

[Liz-robinson.blogspot.com]

I just moved up to Asheville after starting college at UNCA and this list is so nice to see! I've heard a lot about some of these places and have even passed by some others, so this list really inspires me to make sure I visit them. :) Thanks for posting. Your blog is great.

[Emily Azz]

I secretly envy your oldest daughter's hair. Perhaps that crossed some sort of line, but I love your food and love your photos.
Vegan for life :-)

severelysilent.blogspot.com

[jen a]

oami - i've heard great thinks about plant - i need to check them out!

liz - enjoy exploring!

emily - ha! me too - she wants to cut it all off and i won't let her ;)

[Jen]

Very cool. Chris and I was smiling when I saw your little stint in Martha this month.

[jen a]

thank you love! when are coming down to see us?? hoping this tempts you ;) xo

[amanda (sweetpotatoclaire)]

yum! we've lived in the Asheville area (in Black Mt now) for a little over ten years and have a long and growing list of restaurants we want to try. Today we gave The Asheville Public a go and had an amazing meal there. (cheese plate, kale salad, corn/clam/poblano chowder, sandwiches.... yum) The chocolate lounge is of course one of my favorites as well.... can't get enough of their indian kulfi truffles.

as a Black Mt resident, I am mourning the loss of Blackbird, as it was my favorite place to go here in town..... but I suppose it's not SO far to travel ;)

(I've read your blog before and didn't realize you were around here.... sweet)

[jen a]

amanda - the move is bittersweet for us as well - so many memories at that location! and we love the public too - the girls adore the grilled nutella sandwich ;)

[Rebeccamaly]

I too am new to the Asheville area and love the eateries you have mentioned. Annie’s Bread bakes the breads for a few of them. We at Annie’s are so proud of our beautiful breads and would love for you to visit us.

[Jenn Falk]

Ooh, SO lovely. I have to visit there someday. And go to that chocolate shop! xox

[Rachel]

I had no idea you shot for that article in Martha. It is so nice to hear you gush on so many of our favorite places as well. Beautiful post, as usual!

[Denise]

Congrats on MSL. I'm behind on my mag reading so I haven't seen it yet. Made challah for the first time in several years (didn't have a good oven in new house - but now I have a new one). Anyway, I always think of you and your challah lesson when I do. So glad you are happy. Xoxo

[weight loss Fairfax]

I have to check out there at some point. And go to that delicious chocolate shop!