Seasonal Food - Regional Focus
Can you say, “Jack Sprat” without the nursery rhyme immediately popping into your head? I can’t. The only connection I see, as an “outsider”, between the rhyme and Jack Sprat Cafe is the rhyme is posted on the wall. Another item posted on their wall is a Sanitation Score of 101.5. Impressive considering the cluttered, college hang-out look of the place. All time-of-day bases are covered at Jack’s: morning coffee/espresso, breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night. They have a … [Read more...]
Breakfast and gift shopping in Asheville yesterday couldn’t have been better! I’ve had my eye on some very cool cheese boards at Bloomin’ Art, just two doors down from Cafe Ello at 64 Haywood St. Owners have tagged the Cafe as an “Urban Eatery and Tea House”. With the current local “Bongo” artwork on the walls, Ello’s interior hints of a 1960′s beatnic coffee house – in a good way. I almost started snapping my fingers, but thought better of it since there were people … [Read more...]
A top North Carolina pick. Dining at Charlotte’s Mimosa Grill involves all the senses! Mimosa’s interior is gorgeous during daylight hours. “Sophisticated urban views” of a beautiful plaza and street scenes are easy to enjoy through this wall of glass. As lighting changes, so do the tableaus – pun intended. Take a look at the same table during daylight and after the sun set. Made me sigh. Warm, light, flaky biscuits served with Strawberry Butter, perfect for warmer weather. … [Read more...]
Dog Fight - Round 4 ends our quest for the best hot dog in the Hendersonville, NC area. This round ended with somewhat of a draw among the judges, but we're declaring Hot Dogs and More the winner for overall flavor. The Hot Dog King 1487 Charlotte Hwy Fairview, NC 28730 (828) 628-1036 The Hot Dog King owners are Greek and have homemade goodies for sale. The local fire and rescue guys showed up for some afternoon dogs just as I was leaving. Hot … [Read more...]
Sugarland has only been in business three years, but has already been featured on the Food Network, MTV Good Morning America and in Southern Living magazine! When I asked Co-owner (with her husband) Katrina Ryan why she was getting so much national exposure, she said she wasn't exactly sure except she has a bright, colorful shop and is on a block of Franklin St. that probably gets more foot traffic than any other block in North Carolina. She also told me Sugarland is the only Bakery/Bar in … [Read more...]
On three consecutive Tuesdays last month (September), Crippen’s Country Inn & Restaurant in Blowing Rock, turned their kitchen over to three James Beard Award semifinalist chefs. Each chef worked with Crippen's Executive Chef, Stan Chamberlain and his staff to create a special prix fixe dinner showcasing their cuisine and talent. Chef Bill Smith has been with Crook's Corner in Chapel Hill, NC for 17 years and has twice been a finalist for the "Best Chef Southeast", … [Read more...]
What's in a (nick)name? For husband and wife team, Laura Reuss and Ben Mixson, Laura's translated to the name of their first restaurant: White Duck Taco Shop. She was tagged at a previous Chef gig with "La Pata Blanca"  by coworkers when she "frequently got excited and talked too much to the kitchen staff" White Duck opened this past May in the north end of Asheville's River Arts District (RAD). They share a building with Hatchery Studios, a collection of artist galleries and … [Read more...]
Far from Petticoat Junction - The Junction, in Asheville's River Arts District. The bar area has a great feel. Love the underlit counter and touches of red. I've heard they make great drinks, too, but haven't had the chance to try any yet. In addition to seating in the bar, there's a dining area that opens to the patio via garage door. Really nice in the warmer weather. Patio dining has its pros and cons. I absolutely love it out there because I can watch (and hear) … [Read more...]
Famous Louise's Rock House was the obvious place to stop for lunch after hiking Linville Falls trails. Why is the Rock House famous? Formerly known as the Linville Falls Tavern, the Rock House sits at the intersection of highways 221 & 183 and was built by Lenoir Franklin, photographer and stonemason. As the Linville Falls area developed over the years, county lines were drawn ignoring the Rock House. Today, it sits right where three different counties (Burke, McDowell, and Avery) … [Read more...]
Alice Waters, Slow Food icon and current Vice President of Slow Food International, has deeply influenced Mast Farm Inn's chefs and owners. So much so, they give her a lot of real estate on their nightly menu. Acknowledging Slow Food and Waters herself can inspire passionate political debate, this article talks a little about Simplicity at Mast Farm Inn's integration of Slow Food philosophy and a lot about the dishes they serve. "Slow Food's approach to agriculture, food … [Read more...]
